Lewis and Clark Lake 2012 Fishing Forecast
2012 Lewis and Clark Fishing Forecast in pdf format
Annual fisheries surveys are conducted on Lewis and Clark Lake to monitor trends in fish populations. Electrofishing, gill netting, hoop netting, and seining are used to collect information that helps biologists monitor trends in populations of fish species. Angler surveys are conducted during some years to gather information on angler use and harvest. These long-term trends in fish population status and angler use are used by biologists to make management decisions and determine regulations.
The flood of 2011 brought many challenges for sampling the fish populations of Lewis and Clark Lake. The primary adult fish population survey is conducted with overnight gill nets sets, however in 2011 the gill nets filled up with drifting debris rather quickly and limited the effectiveness to catch fish. Additionally, high flows likely influenced the other surveys on the lake by modifying habitat, and displacing fish from the standard sampling locations.
Key Issues in 2012 for Lewis and Clark Lake
Habitat
- High flows from the 2011 flood has drastically altered habitat throughout the reservoir but especially in the river reaches above and the upstream areas of the reservoir. Large amounts of sediment were moved around within the reservoir and deposited in new areas. Anglers are cautioned that the there will be sandbars and other obstructions where there was deep water before and deeper areas in places that were relatively shallow prior to the flood.
- Sedimentation is a very important process occurring on Lewis and Clark Lake. Large amounts of sediment are deposited by the Niobrara River which contributes to the growing delta area near Springfield, SD. As the physical characteristics of Lewis and Clark Lake change over time, anglers will need to adjust their fishing strategies.
Fish
- The high flows decreased the ability of the fish surveys to accurately describe the changes in the fish population. The 2012 survey will provide the best indicator of how the walleye and sauger populations were affected by the flood.
- Walleye recruitment has been relatively low for the last three years, however the 2007 and 2008 year classes were especially strong and will continue to provide fishing opportunity.
- Although gill net catches of channel catfish were down due to high flows in the lake, hoopnet catches in the Springfield area were up this year. If the catfish stay in this area, they will provide good opportunity for anglers to harvest some fish.
- Angling success is affected by gizzard shad production. During years with good numbers of gizzard shad throughout the summer/fall seasons, angling success can decline due to the amount of food present.
Information on each fish species:
Lewis and Clark Lake
Additional questions and information can be obtained by contacting:
Missouri River Fisheries Center
1550 E. King Ave.
Chamberlain, SD 57532
605.734.4548