| OTTER LAKE - Data collected from the
2003 Spring, and Fall samples revealed a 32% drop in
overall numbers. 39 Muskie were captured ranging from
14" to 44" and maxing the scale at 22.1 lbs. 5
individuals were longer than 40" in total length (13%).
Due to the 100 year flood event that occurred in 2002,
and a reduction in fish caught over the last several
years, IDNR has reinstated annual stockings for this
species. We stocked 400 12.5" fish in May 2003 and
another 765 11" muskies in September 2003. Additional
765, 10" to 14" fish will be released in 2004. In order
to enhance the forage base, threadfin shad are stocked
when time, and fish are available. Also, IDNR has been
releasing adult spotted suckers (8" to 20") over the
last 4 years in an attempt to create a self sustaining
population. This project will continue over the next two
years, then evaluated for efficacy. Forage base
enhancement is critical for this impoundment due to the
Gizzard Shad population producing sporadic spawns. This
fishery is rated average for this time frame, but should
improve quickly with additional stockings and
maintenance of a new barrier net. |
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