Red Lake Fishery Scott Toshner Senior Fisheries Biologist Inland Waters of Douglas and Bayfield Counties

Wisconsin lakes and streams are held in trust for all citizens as “common highways and forever free.” Article IX, Section 1, Wisconsin Constitution

Summary Management History Recent Fishery Data Future Management Riparian Management and its Relation to the Fishery

Red Lake Stocking History

Historical Fisheries Information Original Lake survey completed in Surrounding shore consisted of mostly cutover hardwoods. Abundant and varied aquatic vegetation, duck food abundant. Fish present; walleye, northern pike, bass, perch and panfish. Fish stocked walleye and bass. Fish common before stocking; bass, northern pike, perch and bullheads. Recommended continued stocking of walleye and bass. Total of 8 cottages on lake fishery survey – purpose to determine management of fishery on lake. Electrofished on July 25, Found northern pike and walleye to be principle gamefish. A limited population of largemouth and smallmouth bass present. Of the 4 gamefish species surveyed largemouth bass were only one with above average growth rates. Four species of panfish surveyed only rock bass had higher than average growth.

1966 fishery survey – purpose to evaluate walleye stocking done in Electrofishing was conducted on May 11, Fewer walleye found in 1965 (n=28) versus 1962 (n=35). However, felt that stocked walleye showed up fairly well and growth rates were good. Bluegill growth rates were slow. Largemouth bass showed a large increase compared to 1962 (possibly survey timing). Found that stocking of largemouth bass was not necessary which was against public requests at the time Lake inventory. Done at around this time for almost all area lakes. Northern pike and largemouth bass were “common” and walleye and smallmouth bass were “present”. 40 cottages on lake shore. Historical Fisheries Information

1978 survey completed by DNR research unit and results were never reported survey in response to complaints from anglers about poor fishing. Found that bluegills were overabundant and that walleye stocking was providing a fishable population that would hopefully help to control bluegill population treaty fishery assessment. Walleye population moderate at best. Recommended continuation of walleye stocking to help control bluegill population. Adult walleye population estimate = 0.5/acre. Tribal harvest for Red Lake; 1989 n=6 walleye 1990 n=18 walleye Historical Fisheries Information

2005 baseline lake survey. Fall electrofishing survey found the following; Northern pike, n=21, 19” average Largemouth Bass, n=37, 11” average Walleye, n=6, 16” average Bluegill, n=525, 3.2” average Pumpkinseed, n=46, 5.2” average Yellow perch, n= 25, 3” average Black crappie Rock bass Yellow bullhead Spottail shiner Golden shiner Bluntnose minnow Johnny darter Historical Fisheries Information

Walleye Recruitment Surveys YearYOY/mile /0*stocked with 12,965 walleye 20023*stocked with 12,900 walleye *stocked with 12,900 walleye *stocked with 6,477 walleye 19900

Summary Long stocking history Historic indication of low density of predator species Historic indication of increase in panfish abundance Walleye stocking research is ongoing Walleye extended growth stocking is a possibility Natural reproduction of walleye is sporadic

What’s Next? Walleye population estimate survey scheduled in Use results to further evaluate small fingerling walleye stocking. Compare data to historic surveys and produce report. Listen to your feedback. Attempt to make decisions based on biological information and public desire…..not always easy!

Red Lake Management Pleasures Generally good condition Wild shorelines Good fish habitat Clear water Concerns Impervious surfaces Suburban lawns Fertilizer use Tree removal

Better Shoreline Stewardship: Leave the logs in the lake Maintain or restore shoreline vegetation Maintain native beds of aquatic plants Source: Greg Sass – Steve Carpenter – Jeff Bode Landscape for water quality & natural beauty Reasonable pier and boat use

Months of Ice Cover Climate Change - Trend in Ice Cover Duration Lake Mendota, Wisconsin Source: John Magnuson