WHITEFISH POPULATIONS SUBJECT OF DNR STUDY : MI

Article Posted: October 20, 2000

Brought to you by GLAO.com


[ Return to Lake Huron,Michigan and Superior Articles and News ]

WHITEFISH POPULATIONS SUBJECT OF DNR STUDY Chicagon and Ottawa Lakes Targeted

CRYSTAL FALLS--The whitefish population in two western Upper
Peninsula lakes, which has supported a historical
spearfishing tradition, will be the subject of a two-year
study by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. DNR
fisheries biologists will be utilizing net surveys and data
collected by anglers to analyze the status of the native
whitefish populations in Iron County's Chicagon and Ottawa
Lakes, both popular destinations for local and nonresident
spearfishers.
"Whitefish spearing in Chicagon and Ottawa Lakes is a time-
honored tradition, but with the recent climactic changes,
the pressure on what we believe is a limited whitefish
population has increased," said Dell Siler, District
Fisheries Biologist, Crystal Falls. "We will be asking
anglers to supply us with data on the fish they spear, to
help us to determine what future course of action is
appropriate to sustain a healthy, breeding population of
whitefish in these lakes, a population that will sustain
this important fishery."
The whitefish population in both lakes was doing well until
recently. In these lakes, whitefish spearing is done during
the open water period from boats with lights at night. The
lakes normally begin freezing about the end of November,
which curtails the harvest. Because of the warmer conditions
of the past two years, spearing continued well into December
causing an excessive harvest of whitefish. The extended
season also attracted additional spearers from Wisconsin,
which further accelerated the harvest.
Siler said many long-time spearers on these lakes asked the
DNR to consider slowing or curtailing the whitefish harvest
before the fish were eliminated. With forecasts calling for
a return to more normal winter temperatures, Siler said a
thorough study of the issues surrounding the spearing of
whitefish will result in better management planning for
these lakes and their native whitefish populations.
"We will be seeking the cooperation of those who spear for
whitefish on these lakes to tell us about the fish they
catch," Siler said. "This will enable us to better determine
what should be done, if anything, to protect this fishery."


Source: MDNR






GLAO.com is a Trademark of Great Lakes Angler Online All rights reserved
Copyrights © 2000 Great Lakes Angler Online  All rights reserved
GLAO.com