Thread: Ask the Biologist

Originally Posted by CaptainT16

Hi Craig, since you are quite familiar with this area, I was wondering what you thought would be the outcome of the White Perch now invading this lake will be? I'm used to fishing this lake the most and it's very sad to see these now invading this lake. I read Michaels Blog from the Eagle the other day saying his friends caught at least a dozen or so 5-6inch perch while fishing over there last week. I'm guessing the only reason these are now in this lake is that someone (Fellow Angler) brought these over and threw them in? I was curious if they have any plans on major stocking of wipers or anything else to try and combat these, although I know they will never fully succeed. I'm basically just curious to see what you may think will happen the Crappie and White, Wiper population? I'm assuming it will just end up being another Cheney lake? Thanks for your time and input Craig.

CaptainT16,

In response to the discovery of white perch in El Dorado we have changed the length limit on wiper and walleye to 21-inches and the creel limit on wiper and walleye to 2/day. Black bass length limits were increased to 18-inches. El Dorado has smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and spotted bass so all will have to be over 18-inches to be harvested. These limits were put in to place to provide a more dense predator population to feed upon the white perch. We hope to limit the peak density of the white perch by providing high predation pressure on them. It was during the peak densities of white perch at Cheney when sportfish densities and recruitment rates were very low, thus creating very poor fishing opportunities. Once white perch reach extremely high numbers, it is VERY difficult to build sportfish populations even with intense stocking efforts as competition with the white perch is difficult to overcome. White perch were discovered very early on in the infestation so we had time to get some programs in to place to limit perch densities which includes stocking plans. To build densities of walleye and wiper we stocked 200,000 walleye fingerlings and 80,000 wiper fingerlings in El Dorado in 2010. The length and creel limits will protect the larger fish keeping them in the population longer to eat more white perch and the stocking will boost the population from the bottom end to provide predators for future years. Getting a "jump" on the white perch is important as establishing year classes with dense perch populations is very difficult which is why we stepped up stocking rates in 2010.

Now on to what are some expected impacts of the white perch infestation on El Dorado. Obviously, we can expect white perch angler catch to increase which is not a good thing as most anglers do not find catching 5 to 6 inch fish that appealing. White perch are very annoying in that they can strip the bait off a hook in a matter of seconds and anglers looking for walleye or crappie are not happy when their baits are continually stolen by the perch. Impacts will be negative on our sportfish populations. White perch eat fish eggs. As the sportfish spawn, white perch move in and eat the eggs thus reducing natural recruitment. White perch also eat small shad which removes forage from the small sportfish. What happens at El Dorado will be based upon how dense the white perch become. Lower white perch densities are not as damaging as the more dense populations and only time will tell what we will see at El Dorado. Looking at Cheney and Wilson reservoirs we can safely speculate that the white bass population will decrease. Wilson hasn't seen the problems that Cheney has and this is probably due to the clearer water conditions at Wilson which makes the predators there more effecient in finding and preying upon white perch. Cheney saw a dramatic drop in wiper, white bass, and walleye numbers as white perch densities peaked. Crappie also declined in number. We hope to not follow in the footsteps of Cheney and keeping white perch densities low through predation is our best option at this time. I will continue to monitor the sportfish populations and white perch populations at El Dorado and adjustments will be made to length and creel limits and stocking plans as needed.

I have caught MANY white perch this year (most in the last three weeks) on rod and reel at El Dorado while fishing for other species. My gill net catches have skyrocketed also. It is very disappointing how quickly this unwanted species has become established in the lake. We need anglers to do everything in their power to prevent the spread of white perch to other waters.

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY CONTINUES FOR LOVEWELL RESERVOIR

Blue-green algae still producing toxins

WEBBER--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is continuing to advise the public to avoid contact with water in Lovewell Reservoir in Jewell County.

On July 16, KDHE issued a public health advisory after confirming a toxic blue-green algae bloom in the reservoir. Concentrations of algae in the reservoir exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level of 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use. Elevated levels of toxins from the algae were also confirmed.

KDHE sampled the reservoir this week and the results continue to exceed these recommended levels. As a result, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) announces that the lake will remain closed until at least Friday, July 30. Lovewell State Park remains open.

KDHE continues to recommend the following precautions be taken at Lovewell Reservoir:

* Avoid ingesting reservoir water
* Avoid swimming or wading in reservoir water
* Avoid consuming any fish or shellfish from the reservoir until further notice as fish and shellfish may absorb toxins from the bloom

The irrigation canals were also sampled this week and results were below the WHO recommended limit. Subsequently, the irrigation canals are no longer part of the public health advisory.

Exposure to the algae or its toxins can cause illness and is dependent on the route of the exposure. Contact with the water, such as wading or swimming, can cause a skin rash, as well as eye, ear and throat irritation. Ingestion or inhaling aerosols (such as from personal watercraft or boating) of contaminated water can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, fatigue and flu-like symptoms. If you develop similar symptoms after contact with the reservoir water, seek medical care from your healthcare provider.

Animals, especially dogs, can also become ill. If your pet becomes ill soon after contact with the water, contact your veterinarian right away.

KDHE and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will continue to monitor the situation and rescind this advisory as soon as conditions warrant. If the public has any questions or concerns, KDHE can be contacted during normal business hours at 785-291-3092. For information about Lovewell State Park, call 785-753-4971.

Further information on algae and algae blooms can be found at: http://www.kdheks.gov/befs/download/...t_CEC_2004.pdf

Craig,

Is the department looking at changing some management programs for other lakes around the region/state to increase size of fish in an effort to stay ahead of any problems that could surface. I know we all don't want the different species to move from lake to lake but is KDWP be pro-active and building the need species ahead of time. I.E Wipers and walleye in most lakes, blue cats in most lake for zebra. If not when why are we waiting to play catch up?

Craig,
Regarding white perch in El Dorado. Do you think the white perch is already affecting the wiper\white bass population\fishing at El Dorado? The reason I ask is that from last summer to this summer the number and qualitity of fish I've caught has really decreased. Last year every trip I could count on a dozen plus wipers/whites with the occosional trip of catching the heck out of them. This year I hit all the prime wind blown shores, points, roadbeds and lucky to boat one small white. Can't figure it out if the population is already suffering, the fish are in a different pattern(hanging deep in the river channel), or I just can't fish this year. haha. Other thought is the fish have plenty to eat from a combination of the shad to young white perch.
Any thoughts, i'm fine if you tell me I can't fish, then I'll go crappie fishing elsewhere which I know I can catch fish.
Thanks,Tim.

Craig, Thank you again for your reply regarding the White Perch at El Dorado. What you wrote was pretty much what I had thought too. I'm also with Tim on this as I haven't fished over there but 3-4 times this year, but those times were times I was lucky to boat 2-3 fish. I did catch one nice 21.5 inch walleye, which of course went back in, but the Whites for us have been super hard to come by and I'm wondering too if the perch have already affected them? We went Ice Fishing over there 3 times this year and it was definitely the slowest I've ever seen it. If I recall, I remember Tim saying he didn't have much luck either Ice Fishing over there this year. We used to go up in the river and could find White Bass just about everywhere. This year I think out of 3-4 of us out of all of our trips maybe only caught 5 whites. I guess every lake goes through cycles, but just kind of odd that things have changed that quickly and the only reason I think is that the white perch are already changing things around. Also, I am not sure if it's possibly or not, but I would like to go out with you sometime to run your nets just to see what it's like? I'm not sure if it's allowed or not, but would sure like to see what it all involves. Thank you again for all of your help and information Craig! Tyson

Originally Posted by Springhill Duckman

Craig,

Is the department looking at changing some management programs for other lakes around the region/state to increase size of fish in an effort to stay ahead of any problems that could surface. I know we all don't want the different species to move from lake to lake but is KDWP be pro-active and building the need species ahead of time. I.E Wipers and walleye in most lakes, blue cats in most lake for zebra. If not when why are we waiting to play catch up?

Duckman,

The invasion of aquatic nuisance species is on all of the KDWP fisheries biologists minds. This is too real of a threat to be ignored. Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) come in many forms from the zebra mussel to white perch to Eurasian watermilfoil to Asian Carp. Other ANS are very close to Kansas and other states are having to deal with them (for example, Arkansas and the snakeheads). Other species are ALREADY in Kansas and MUST BE confined to already infested waters (I'lll be posting a news release on Asian carp in Kansas as soon as I finish this post). For some of these ANS species, it doesn't matter how many walleye or wiper a lake has because after the ANS is introduced the damage will be done.

Blue cats have recently been stocked in El Dorado, Cheney, Clinton, Perry, Wilson and Melvern reservoirs and blues have been requested for additional lakes. Blues were not solely stocked due to ANS invasions in Kansas as they offer very good angling opportunities and offer very good trophy potential. Blues do consume zebra mussels but not enough to limit the zebra mussel population in a lake. Blues should make efficient predators on white perch as the blues grow in to larger sizes so we hope to see a double whammy from the blue populations where they are present with ANS populations.

Wiper introductions can be a rather slippery slope with the angling public. I know there will be some that read this on this board that will completely agree. Some anglers just flat out DO NOT LIKE wipers! Even if the wiper are providing benefits to the other sportfish in the lake, they are still not well received by some. On the other hand, some anglers LOVE wiper and want them in every lake, even in lakes where the wipers would not do well. The KDWP hears from both sides of this issue and must take both sides in to consideration prior to stocking a new species. In addition to the 'slippery slope', some lakes currently do not "need" wiper as the lake's fish populations are balanced. Adding wiper prematurely in preparation of a possible ANS invasion may not be in the best interest of the lake. Each lake is different!

The KDWP is working hard to prevent the spread of ANS species to other waters and prevention is our best weapon against ANS. Managing ANS invasions is a 'work in progress' as there is no cook book recipe in how to deal with these invasions successfully. Unfortunately in fisheries management sometimes we have to go by trial and error by making decisions on the best data/information available at the time. If one option doesn't work then we must look for another.

Great questions, Duckman!

KANSAS RIVER ASIAN CARP INFESTATION CRITICAL
Asian Carp

Anglers warned that possession of prohibited species is illegal; native game fish threatened

PRATT — About five years ago, adult silver carp were first noticed in the Kansas River, leaping high in the air and endangering boaters. These non-native fish have a peculiar habit of leaping completely out of the water as a motorboat passes over, but their presence threatens more than boaters. Silver carp, along with the bighead carp, are extremely prolific breeders and threaten channel catfish, bass, walleye, crappie — all native game fish — as well as bait fish anywhere they are spread.

High water this spring has made the situation worse, creating a reproductive explosion of these fish, which, in addition to endangering native species, are illegal to possess alive. Biologists from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) are monitoring the situation, but without the help of responsible anglers, things could get much worse. As of Aug. 2, young-of-the-year (2 to 3 inches long) Asian carp were "stacked up by the hundreds of thousands" below Johnson County WaterOne Coffer Dam, according to KDWP aquatic nuisance specialist Jason Goeckler.

"I've never seen anything like this," the seasoned biologist said. "The water is just loaded with them. You can stick a dip net in and pull up 100 or more at a time, and our real concern is that — because they could easily be mistaken for shad or other minnows — anglers will put them in their bait buckets and take them to other waters."

Later that day, Goeckler and staff checked the Bowersock Dam at Lawrence and found more bighead carp. Although not in the same densities, they could easily be caught, and adult silver carp could be seen leaping into the falls. Asian carp were also reported congregating below the dam at Atchison State Fishing Lake.

Just putting these fish in a bait bucket is illegal. Silver carp and bighead carp are on the state list of species that are illegal to import, possess, or release alive in Kansas. That means they cannot be kept if taken in a seine, put in a bait bucket, or used for bait unless they are killed first. Violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

While many anglers seine their own bait, few can readily identify one "minnow" from another. But it's easy to learn. Go online to kdwp.state.ks.us, then click "Fishing/Aquatic Nuisance Species/Aquatic Nuisance Species List/Asian Carp." Here you'll find pictures and detailed descriptions of the fish, as well as a link to a video on Asian carp by famous angler Bill Dance. Dance discusses not only how to indentify the fish but the dangers of their spread. This page also contains links to Asian carp management and a silver carp fact sheet, as well as information on other aquatic nuisance species, including an online education certification course to help viewers understand the issue and how to prevent spread of these species.

It is illegal for anglers to move bait from any body of water to another, and if anglers don't comply with this regulation, it will be more than a "nuisance" for them and their sport. Anglers could be destroying the thing they love most. Asian carp feed on plankton, algae, and aquatic insects. They are not sportfish and are rarely caught on hook and line.

Kansas anglers need to educate themselves about these destructive fish and take the necessary steps to prevent their spread. Currently, Asian carp can be found in the Big Blue, Kansas, Missouri, and Wakarusa rivers in Kansas. Any streams that connect to the Kansas or Missouri river will likely contain these fish, so use extreme caution with bait in these areas.

Remember:

* learn to identify Asian carp because it's illegal to possess them alive;
* you can seine your own bait, but legal bait fish can only be used in the waters where they were caught — it's illegal to move bait fish from one water to another;
* Asian carp have the potential to take over a fishery and destroy populations of desirable native fish.

Originally Posted by fishingtim

Craig,
Regarding white perch in El Dorado. Do you think the white perch is already affecting the wiper\white bass population\fishing at El Dorado? The reason I ask is that from last summer to this summer the number and qualitity of fish I've caught has really decreased. Last year every trip I could count on a dozen plus wipers/whites with the occosional trip of catching the heck out of them. This year I hit all the prime wind blown shores, points, roadbeds and lucky to boat one small white. Can't figure it out if the population is already suffering, the fish are in a different pattern(hanging deep in the river channel), or I just can't fish this year. haha. Other thought is the fish have plenty to eat from a combination of the shad to young white perch.
Any thoughts, i'm fine if you tell me I can't fish, then I'll go crappie fishing elsewhere which I know I can catch fish.
Thanks,Tim.

Originally Posted by CaptainT16

Craig, Thank you again for your reply regarding the White Perch at El Dorado. What you wrote was pretty much what I had thought too. I'm also with Tim on this as I haven't fished over there but 3-4 times this year, but those times were times I was lucky to boat 2-3 fish. I did catch one nice 21.5 inch walleye, which of course went back in, but the Whites for us have been super hard to come by and I'm wondering too if the perch have already affected them? We went Ice Fishing over there 3 times this year and it was definitely the slowest I've ever seen it. If I recall, I remember Tim saying he didn't have much luck either Ice Fishing over there this year. We used to go up in the river and could find White Bass just about everywhere. This year I think out of 3-4 of us out of all of our trips maybe only caught 5 whites. I guess every lake goes through cycles, but just kind of odd that things have changed that quickly and the only reason I think is that the white perch are already changing things around. Also, I am not sure if it's possibly or not, but I would like to go out with you sometime to run your nets just to see what it's like? I'm not sure if it's allowed or not, but would sure like to see what it all involves. Thank you again for all of your help and information Craig! Tyson

Tim and Tyson,

Catch rates for white bass in gill nets was fairly stable over the last number of years with a peak in 2003 and a low (very low) in 2008. In 2007, it appeared we had a pretty good white bass spawn. Anglers last year caught decent numbers of white bass but most were small. White bass were pretty quiet at El Dorado earlier this year. There was no big spawning run even though we had some timely inflows but the water temperatures were a little 'off' this spring.

I don't have any proof yet that the white perch have impacted the white bass but we are still very early on in the white perch infestation--the worst is yet to come. White bass and wipers were not treated kindly by low shad numbers and poor visibility the last numbers of years. Wipers and whites became very thin with the lack of shad in 2006. They fattened back up in 2007 when we had a much need shad spawn but grew skinny again when the water stayed turbid much of 2008 and all of 2009. Shad numbers appear to be very good this year when compared to the last four years when shad densities were low. White bass and wiper should have good numbers of shad to feed on and water clarity seems slightly improved over 2008 and 2009 where visibility was limited and sight feeding predators were having problems finding prey.

The turbid water conditions of 2008-09 changed the locations where anglers were successful. In 2007, there was a deeper water slab spoon bite that ran from early July through September. Whites and wipers could be caught from water 20 to 25 feet on slab spoons. This bite never materialized in 2008 or 2009. With the turbid water conditions, shad stayed shallow in the water column and most game fish were caught in abnormally shallow water all summer/fall long. Like you had mentioned, anglers did well on whites and wipers last year and this year has been less than stellar...so far! In the past 2 weeks, white and wiper action has really picked up. The lake is back to normal pool and releases have stopped. Shad are numerous and have dispersed to open water mainlake areas including the points. I've been seeing white bass and wiper busting shad on top which was VERY rare during 2008 and 2009. It appears that the white bass and wiper fishing is getting ready to take off very soon. White bass that I've seen are chunky and are full of shad. Wipers are the same and even some of the 21-inch plus wipers are finally starting to bulk up a bit. The 16 to 17-inch wipers are looking good too.

We've had a weird spring this year and the last couple of years have required new styles of fishing to be productive but keep at it! It looks like fishing will be much improved in the upcoming weeks for whites and wipers if you can stay away from the white perch, that is. I recently started seeing young of the year wiper (stocked in June) at El Dorado which is a very good sign. A good year class of wipers now would go a long way in the war on white perch. Inspect your catch carefully so you properly ID white perch.