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
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