Natural-lake fish surveys set for the summer

Indiana DNR Release:

Indiana Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists are scheduled to conduct fish population surveys at 19 natural lakes this summer.

Biologists use these surveys to monitor populations over time and to help identify fish management problems. The surveys provide biologists with information on the diversity of fish present, as well their abundance, size, and rate of growth.

Lakes to be surveyed include Everett in Allen County; Terry in DeKalb County; Dewart in Kosciusko County; Adams, Appleman, Cedar, and Wall in LaGrange County; Koontz in Marshall County; Big, Crane, Crooked, and Loon in Noble County; Long in Porter County; Loon and West Otter in Steuben County; and Goose, Larwill, New, and Old in Whitley County.

“Each summer we conduct standard fish population surveys at select natural lakes to help keep tabs on local fishing conditions,” said Stu Shipman north fisheries supervisor with the DNR. “The data are used to look at changes in fish populations over time and formulate management plans for each lake. The findings also provide valuable information to local anglers and lake residents.”

During the surveys, biologists will use electro-fishing boats, gill nets and trap nets to collect fish. Each fish will be counted and measured, and representative scale samples will be taken to determine the age and growth of abundant game species.

“Our goal is to get an overall picture of the lake ecosystem to help us make good decisions on how best to manage the resource,” Shipman said.