OTTER LAKE STATUS REPORT SUMMARY
CHANNEL CATFISH: 104 Channel Catfish were captured during our spring 2004 samples. These fish were collected via daytime electrofishing, and running gillnets set during the day, and overnight. This total easily exceeds the five year mean of 89.4 fish per year using the above mentioned gears. Fish collected measured from 13" to 26.8", and weighed up to 8.2 lbs. in total weight. 39 (37.5%) weighed 3 lbs. or more, while 17 (16.4%) exceeded 5 lbs. in size. Body condition remains good as most catfish exhibited thick frames. This impoundment continues to have a very good Channel Catfish fishery.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: OTTER LAKE - The Spring 2005 electrofishing survey improved significantly as compared to the 2004 Spring field work. 250 Largemouth Bass (62.5 fish/hr.) were captured during four hours of daytime shocking. These fish ranged from 3.0" to 20.8", and weighed up to 5.4 lbs. Reproduction has increased since initiating the 4" Largemouth Bass supplemental stocking program. The IDNR, and Otter Lake Water Commission have stocked these fish since Summer / Fall of 2004. 52 (20.8%) of all fish collected measured less than 8" in total length. This value represents a solid jump from the 2004 sample. Recruitment has also progressed since our last data collection. 90 (36%) of all Largemouth Bass were 15" or more in size, as compared to 30% the previous year. As well, larger individuals are beginning to take hold in this predator population. 32 bass(12.8%) exceeded the 3 lb. mark. This population is rated good for the 2005 report period.
MUSKIE: OTTER LAKE -Data received from the 2005 spring
netting evaluation showed Muskie densities remain depressed. Only 18 Muskellunge
were found during March of 2005. This total falls far short of the 9 year
mean (37 fish) for this impoundment. The Muskie seen measured 26.3"
to 41.7", and weighed 4.3 lbs. To 22 lbs. The length frequency breakdown
is as follows: 4 fish (22.2%) ranged from 26" to 30". 10 individuals
(55.5%) were 30" to 35". 3 Muskie (16.7%) measured 35"
to 40", and 1 (5.6%) exceeded 40" in total length.
When fish are available, Otter Lake is receiving more than the standard
1 fish per acre stocking rate. Since the 2 - 100 year flood events, Muskie
densities have plummeted in this water body. The IDNR - Fisheries has
continued to stock 10" to 14" Muskellunge fingerlings since
these monstrous flood events occurred. With more stable water levels over
time, this population should rebuild, and create improved fishing opportunities
in to the future.
STRIPED BASS AND HYBRID: Only 27 Striped Bass Hybrids were collected during the March 2005 netting evaluation. This value ranks low as compared to previous years. The mean CPUE since the spring of 1995 is 7.1 fish per net night. The 2005 CPUE is nearly one half of this (4.2 fish/nn). As well, the average CPUE from 1999 through 2004 is 13.1 fish per net night. The reduction in densities is twofold. Firstly, this species has only been stocked 7 years since 1994 (7 of 11). Secondly, two one hundred year flood events occurred over the last four years. Spillway escapement was definitely a major problem during these high water episodes. The fish captured measured 19.3" to 28.3", and weighed 3.2 lbs. to 15.4 lbs. 22 individuals (81.5%) exceeded 5 lbs., and 7 (25.9%) topped 10 lbs. in total weight. Due to overall densities being subpar, I would rate this population average for this time frame.
