Fishery Census 2005 Chris J Larson Fisheries Biologist

Fishery Census 2005 Chris J. Larson Fisheries Biologist Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources 57744 Lewis Rd Lewis IA 51544 (712) 769 -2587 Fax (712) 769 -2440 chris. larson@dnr. state. ia. us >

Overall the panfish population at Carter Lake is in fair shape. Bluegills and crappies are plentiful, including a good percentage of the fish at angler acceptable sizes. Largemouth bass and walleye were not sampled frequently, however the ones that were sampled were large and in good body condition. Channel catfish populations appear to be O. K. with some fish sampled during the most recent survey being over five pounds in weight. On the down side is an ever present carp and bullhead populations. Carp stir bottom sediments as they feed leading to poor water quality, which generally harms more desirable game fish populations. Bullheads are very numerous and small. These small bullheads in large numbers will compete for limited food resources available to other fishes. Improvements that will benefit the fishery at Carter Lake are listed below, with the most important listed first. 1. Improve water quality. a. Watershed improvement techniques (reduce stormwater run-off & lawn fertilizer) b. Water quality education c. Lake deepening (dredging) d. Expand no-wake zones e. Commercial fish removal (harvest) of common carp and bigmouth buffalo 2. Habitat improvement a. Shoreline protection (develop/protect near shore vegetation or rock rip-rap) b. Removal of soft sediments (dredging) c. In-lake contour changes (rock reefs, drop-offs, channels) d. Small rock spawning beds 3. Improved angler access a. Jetty construction b. Fishing piers

There appears to be a good population of white crappies with some large fish.

We did not sample very many small bass, which is a concern, but the fish appeared to be in good body condition. Poor water quality is probably hampering largemouth bass survival.

There at least four different sizes of channel catfish, which is good. We annually stock 6, 000 seven inch catfish in Carter Lake. I have had discussions with Nebraska Game & Parks this fall and we have tentatively agreed to split catfish stockings on an annual basis starting in 2006.