articles from May, 2004 newsletter:
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President's Message
In a very short time we will be out on the waters of Lake Vermilion chasing the elusive walleye once again. Most of us that isbecause there are many of you who will be chasing the northerns or muskies or bass or crappies, etc. We wish you the best of luck for whatever species you are trying for. Since opening weekend is the first time many of you will put your boats into Lake Vermilion after the winter layover we will not be concerned about your introducing an exotic species into the lake. Some of you, however, will have already launched your boats in other lakes or rivers that could have the exotics in them. This concerns us if you have not given any thought to the harm that can be done if exotics do get into Lake Vermilion. As you may or may not know we have already one exotic, the rusty crayfish, in Lake Vermilion which is doing quite a bit of damage to the natural lake vegetation. This in turn will eventually affect those species that depend on that vegetation for food, cover, and spawning. How soon we will see the effects is as yet unknown, but it will happen.
In order to achieve one of our missions to educate and advise the membership of the club on issues impacting the lake, we have formed a committee to pursue training from DNR specialists on how to check boats and trailers for exotics. We want to educate the public on keeping their boats clean to prevent exotics from hitching a ride from one lake to another. We have set May 8, 2004, as the date to receive this training. We are attempting to get "buy in" from various organizations and governmental bodies so that we can get many people trained and spread the word as widely as possible. Our goal is to get 30 people into the first training session and then hold an "Awareness Event" on Memorial Day weekend. This event will be set to be as unobtrusive as possible since our purpose is to educate not to hinder or hassle people trying to launch their boats. If any member is interested in receiving training and volunteering to "man" the event, please let one of the SCLV board members know.
We are also working to update and refine the Tournament Fishing Rules proposal for inclusion in the Lake Vermilion Development Plan. We will keep you updated.
I want to wish you all "Good Luck" on opening day no matter where you're fishing. Like they say, it's a Minnesota thing and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Thank you,
Walt Moe
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36th ANNUAL MEETING
36th Annual Meeting and Dinner - Saturday August 14 - Fortune Bay Resort
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NEED A BOAT
Once again this year The Sportsmen's Club of Lake Vermilion will put up for bids a fishing boat and outboard motor package which has been on loan to the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries. The Club purchased the unit new in April of 2002. The DNR has used it in their Large Lake Creel Survey on Lake Vermilion for the past two fishing seasons. The boat and motor have been well maintained and are in very good condition. The boat is a 2002 Lund SSV-16 fishing boat with a 20-inch transom; the outboard motor is a 2002 25-hp. Yamaha 4-stroke, long shaft with electric start and tiller steering (model # F25ELHA). The boat and motorwill be sold as a unit (without a trailer) and will be available for inspection at board member Mel Hintz's residence on Pike Bay beginning May 1, 2004. Please call Mel at 218-753-2401 to make an appointment to try it out.
You must be a current Sportsmen's Club member in order to bid. Sealed bids must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2004. Mail or deliver your bid to: Mel Hintz, 6119 Pike Bay Drive, Tower, MN 55790. Bids will be opened at the regular meeting of the Sportsmen's Club Board of Directors on June 9, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. There is a $3,500.00 minimum bid required. The Board of Directors reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
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The Ladies of the Lake
What's the proper term here - Fisherpersons? Fisherwomen? My dictionary doesn't show either word, but we'll have to come up with something, because whatever you call them, their numbers are growing. They may go fishing with their husbands, with friends or by themselves, but they are going fishing. And they're not just going along for the ride. They know what they're doing, and they are quite capable of taking care of themselves, thank you.
There are still women who reflect the old stereotypes - unwilling to touch a fish, much less a leech, not comfortable taking a boat out by themselves, and so on. But, as Bob Dylan put it, "The times, they are a-changin."'As my wife and I sit and watch the fishing boats round our point on a summer evening (the rare evening when she's not out fishing, that is), it's no longer surprising to see a boat carrying a lone woman, running the boat and fishing with all the skill and enjoyment of the men.
What sort of woman catches the fishing bug hard enough to ignore old ideas about what women can do? Three area residents offer some insights. Polly McDonald of Soudan and Carol Pohto of Cook both learned fishing at their mother's knee. Carol says, "I don't ever remember seeing my dad fishing or talking about fishing trips past. Mom was the 'fisherman' in our family. We had a little cabin on Lake Leander, and Mom was rabid about fishing. She and a group of her women friends would even go up to fish on Lake Vermilion." Polly grew up on a farm near Hinckley, and remembers her mom taking the kids to dig up worms and fish from shore and off bridges. For Polly, fishing is a treasure that's passed along in the family - she fishes with her sisters, all of her children love to fish, and now she fishes with her grandchildren.
By contrast, Judy Pearson of Cook grew up in a family who just didn't have time for fishing. Summers were filled with jobs and other activities. In Judy's case, neither of her parents were the inspiration nor coach for her fishing, she says. Her husband, Rick, taught her to fish, and in an interesting exchange, Judy got him into duck hunting. Judy retired in 2001 after 33 years in education, the last nine as K-12 school principal in Orr and Tower-Soudan. That leaves the couple plenty of time for their fishing and hunting expeditions. Every year in the fall they travel to Valdez, Alaska, to fish for silver salmon in a part of Valdez Bay unaffected by the oil spill. They rent a small boat and go out by themselves, and in 2003 they came home with 240 pounds of salmon. Once, while fishing for cod and tuna off Cape Cod, they were treated to the sight of a humpback whale breeching near their boat. They've also fished Lake Okeechobee in Florida, the sawgrass bayou near New Orleans, and enough other places to make a great travelogue.
Carol Pohto fishes winter and summer, making ice fishing trips to Lake of the Woods as well I as spending hours in the Pohtos'fish house on Vermilion. During January's cold spell, Carol missed several days in the fish house, so when she finally had a chance to get back on the ice, she was happy to fire up the stove and settle in for a few hours of fishing. Pretty soon she began to feel something dripping, and looked up to find the ceiling thick with frost. As the stove warmed things up, the "rain" grew heavier, but Carol was here to fish and wasn't about to be put off by a little wet weather. Not surprising, when you hear another story about her. She's an avid hunter, gutting her own deer and cleaning her own birds. Several years ago when she was working at Northern Electric Cooperative (now Lake Country Power), she heard a thump against a window near her desk. A partridge had flown into the window and was Iying outside dead. Without a moment's hesitation, Carol was out the door, resplendent in her high heels and skirt. She cleaned the bird in the office kitchen and she and her husband, Ray, enjoyed it for dinner a few hours later. (The picture is even funnier if, like me, your last office job was in the New York City area, among people who assume all food comes from the A&P.)
Hunting is one of the common threads between Carol's story and Judy Pearson. When I visited with Judy, she and Rick were getting ready to leave on a spring goose hunting trip to Missouri. They hunt geese and ducks from Canada's Oak Hammock Marsh near Winnipeg to Missouri and other points in the U.S. At family gatherings, the most popular dish isn't steak or pizza, it's duck or goose. But you get the feeling that if Judy had to choose, she'd go fishing before hunting. She has obviously given a lot of thought to fishing, and it's not limited to fishing tactics. She describes the "hook" that keeps people coming back as "random reinforcement, like gambling. You can go a long time between fish - or wins at gambling - but then when you get one, the hook is set once again. Knowing that the fish can start hitting at any time is one of the things that makes it hard to quit."
Polly McDonald and her husband, Steve, were married on opening weekend in 1968, so most years they celebrated their anniversary by going fishing. But after years of spending every spare moment in the summer fishing with their kids and theirfamilies, they both got "a little burnt out" and spent very little time fishing for several years. When Polly wanted to get back on the water, Steve helped set up their boat so that Polly could operate it by herself, and now she happily goes fishing alone or with her sisters. She likes to fish Big Rock at Stuntz Bay early in the season, a spot her boys used to ride their bikes to for their own fishing adventures. Other than that old favorite, you're just as likely to find her off on one of the smaller lakes in the area, fishing for just about any fish, from crappies to northerns, that's biting. Polly has never fished in Canada, but one of her dreams is to get up there and tie into a monster northern.
All three women share one trait with most people who fish. When they're out in the boat, life's cares and chores can be forgotten for a few hours. As Judy Pearson says, "l just stop thinking about work and worries and problems when I get in that boat. Rick and I have each made really dumb mistakes, but we never get mad at each other while we're out there. It's an escape, and we go there every chance we get."
Tom Morrow
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Lake Vermilion Resource Inventory
As part of the ongoing process to develop a comprehensive plan for Lake Vermilion, approximately 30 volunteers- are needed to assist in conducting an inventory of the Lake's resources this summer. The goal of this project is to collect baseline information that can be used by the planning commissions and boards of adjustment as well as resource managers in determining potential impacts from certain development proposals. It will further be helpful in identifying target areas for voluntary shoreland restoration projects through funding from the DNR shoreland program.
The inventory will be structured in a similar fashion as the shoreland development inventory which took place two summers ago using volunteers. Volunteers will be asked to use their boat to inventory one or more sections of the lake using an aerial photo as a basis. Data to be collected will include: the location and type of aquatic vegetation, lake bottom substrate such as rocky, gravel or sandy, shoreland areas that would benefit from restoration efforts, the location of eagle or osprey nesting areas, and rookeries. Local natural resource specialists will add information regarding fish spawning areas and other important habitat features.
Rudy Schoolderman, Senior Planner, with the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission has lead responsibility for the Resource Inventory. The DNR shoreland program and St. Louis County provide funding for the inventory. Further, the 1854 Authority has committed in kind support. Plans call for organizing the data collection effort and the volunteers in May and June with the field inventory taking place this July. Sportsmen's Club members and friends interested in volunteering to help with the Resource Inventory should call Board Members Mel Hintz at 753-2401 or Dale Lundblad at 666-5352 day or 666-2316 evening.
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Summary of 2003 Lake Vermilion Creel Survey
Introduction
Lake Vermilion is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program was started in 1984, when it became apparent that more detailed biological information was needed to properly manage these important lakes. A Large Lake Specialist was assigned to each lake to manage the program at the area level. The Large Lake Program includes annual population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys.
The Dept. of Natural Resources, Section of Fisheries, conducted a creel survey on Lake Vermilion during the summer of 2003. Creel surveys are a scientific method of estimating fishing pressure and fish harvest from a series of boat counts and angler interviews. Creel surveys are scheduled on Lake Vermilion for two consecutive years out of every six years. Previous creel surveys were conducted in 1984-85, 1990-91, 1996-97, and 2002. The next cycle of creel surveys will be done in 2008-2009.
The survey started on May 10, opening day, and extended through the end of September. Two creel survey clerks interviewed anglers on the lake while DNR Enforcement pilots made boat counts from an airplane. The survey included only anglers fishing by boat during daylight hours.
The results of the 2003 creel survey are presented in the balance of this report. We would like to thank the Sportsmen's Club of Lake Vermilion for providing a boat and outboard motor for the survey. Thanks also to Randy Kladivo and the crew at Shamrock Marina for providing dock space and assistance with our equipment. Finally, we would especially like to thank the anglers of Lake Vermilion for their cooperation during the survey. We encourage anyone with questions or comments to contact the Tower Fisheries office or stop by our office for a visit. The Tower DNR office is located just west of Tower on Highway 169.
Duane Williams, Large Lake Specialist, 218-753-2580, ext. 224
duane.williams@dnr.state.mn.us
Joe Geis, Area Fisheries Supervisor, 218-753-2580, ext. 222
joe.geis@dnr.state.mn.us
MN Dept. Of Natural Resources
Division of Fisheries
650 Hwy. 169
Tower, MN 55790
Fishing Pressure
There were an estimated 627,615 hours of fishing pressure by boat anglers during the 2003 survey period. It was the highest fishing pressure observed for any of the eight creel surveys that have been done on Lake Vermilion. Fishing pressure in 2002 and 2003 was slightly higher than levels observed in 1990 and 1991, and considerably higher than pressure in 1996 and 1997. Low fishing pressure in 1996 was due in part to ice cover the first week of the fishing season. Part of the increased fishing pressure in 2002 and 2003 was related to the muskie fishery that has developed in recent years, attracting a different group of anglers to the lake.
Walleye
Boat anglers harvested an estimated 89,168 walleye weighing 95,848 pounds during the survey period. It was the highest walleye harvest ever documented by creel survey on Lake Vermilion and well above the safe harvest target of 65,000 pounds. Safe harvest targets were established in 1997 as guidelines to help define over-harvest. Management action would be considered if harvest over a period of time consistently exceeded the target. Although the walleye harvest in 2002 and 2003 was well above the harvest target, it may not necessarily have been excessive. The walleye population was unusually high during that time period, especially for the size classes typically harvested by anglers. Harvest targets are viewed as long-term averages and some fluctuation in walleye harvest can be expected in response to changes in walleye abundance. High walleye abundance in recent years was due to strong year classes produced in 1995, 1997, 1998, and 1999. The walleye harvest rate for all anglers was 0.142 fish/hour, slightly below the historical average. Anglers specifically targeting walleye had a harvest rate of 0.195 fish/hour, the highest targeting harvest rate since it was first calculated in 1996. The mean length of harvested walleye was 14.6 inches, well above the historical average. Strong 1998 and 1999 year classes accounted for a large portion of the harvest.
There are currently no special regulations in place that restrict the harvest of walleye beyond statewide regulations. In 1998, the Sportsmen's Club of Lake Vermilion and the Lake Vermilion Resort Association requested the DNR to consider implementing a slot limit to improve the size structure of the walleye population. Computer modeling indicated a regulation would need to be very restrictive to make a measurable change in the walleye population, due to the slow growth of Lake Vermilion walleye. For that reason, a regulation change was not made at that time. A regulation change may be considered in the future if it is deemed necessary or desirable. High walleye mortality and high angler harvest are a concern on Lake Vermilion. There has also been considerable interest among the angling public for a regulation to protect a portion of the walleye population. Any potential change in the walleye regulation would involve working closely with the various stakeholder groups and soliciting input from the general public.
Northern Pike
An estimated 4,997 northern pike weighing 9,909 pounds were harvested during the survey period, well below both the historical average and the safe harvest target. Harvest of northern pike has declined since the -first creel surveys were done in 1984 and 1985, probably due to a combination of factors including lower abundance, fewer anglers targeting northern pike, and increased catch and release fishing.
The 2003 harvest was also impacted by the 24-36 inch protected slot limit that went into effect on Lake Vermilion on 10 May, 2003. Under the regulation, all northern pike 24-36 inches long must be returned to the lake. The bag limit remains at three fish, which could include up to three fish under 24 inches or one fish over 36 inches. The new regulation is part of the statewide initiative to improve the size structure of pike populations in a number of lakes across the state. An estimated 9,000 northern pike within the slot were caught and had to be released in 2003, although some of those fish would have been released voluntarily without the slot limit.
The harvest rate for northern pike was 0.008 fish/hour, well below the historical average. Northern pike harvested by anglers had a mean length of 20.6 inches, the lowest average size observed in any creel survey to date. The average size was expected to be low in 2003, because anglers were mandated to return all northern pike 24-36 inches long. Nearly all of the harvested northern pike were less than 24 inches long, the lower end of the slot limit.
Muskie
All of the muskie caught by interviewed anglers during the survey had been released, producing a harvest estimate of zero fish. It is known that a number of muskie are harvested each year, although that number is believed to be relatively low. An estimated 2,255 muskie were caught and released during the survey period. The largest muskie reported caught by an interviewed angler was 51.5 inches long, although there have been angler reports of larger fish being caught. Muskie fishing continues to get more popular on Lake Vermilion. About 12% of the fishing parties interviewed in 2002 and 2003 were targeting muskie, up from about 5% during creel surveys in 1996 and 1997.
Small Mouth Bass
The estimated harvest of smallmouth bass was 5,582 fish weighing 7,859 pounds, up slightly from harvests in 1996, 1997, and 2002. Bass numbers have been relatively high in recent years, due in part to a strong year class produced in 1997. Prior to 2003, the harvest of smallmouth bass had declined since the first creel surveys were done in 1984 and 1985. The declining harvest during that period was probably related in part to lower bass abundance and increased catch and release fishing. The harvest rate for smallmouth bass was 0.009 fish/hour, slightly below the historical average. The mean length of harvested smallmouth bass was 13.4 inches, the largest average size observed in any creel survey to date.
Large Mouth Bass
Largemouth bass are not a major component of the Lake Vermllion fishery and historically the harvest has been relatively low. There is not a sampling program in place that targets largemouth bass so little is known about the population. Anecdotal information suggests largemouth numbers have been increasing in recent years. An estimated 1,524 largemouth bass weighing 1,956 pounds were harvested in 2003, slightly above the historical average, but well below the safe harvest target. The high harvest in 1991 was probably due to a single strong year class that was present in the population at that time. The harvest rate was 0.002 fish/hour, slightly below the historical average. The mean length of harvested largemouth bass was 13.1 inches, slightly above the historical average.
Black Crappie
The estimated harvest of black crappie was 4,003 fish weighing 2,668 pounds, slightly below the historical average, but well below the safe harvest target. Crappie numbers have historically been relatively low on Lake Vermilion, although a few areas of West Vermilion seem to have higher numbers of fish. Most of the crappie harvest came from West Vermilion. The high harvest in 1991 was due to the presence of a very strong 1987 year class. The harvest rate was 0.006 fish/hour, slightly below the historical average. Harvested crappie had a mean length of 10.3 inches, slightly below the historical average.
Bluegill
An estimated 20,530 bluegill weighing 4,887 pounds were harvested during the survey period, well below the historical average and the safe harvest target. Bluegill are much more abundant in West Vermilion and most of the harvest came from that end of the lake. Unusually high bluegill harvests in 1990 and 1991 were due to a very strong 1983 year class. The bluegill harvest rate was 0.033 fish/hour, well below the historical average. The mean length of harvested bluegill was 6.6 inches, the lowest average size observed in any creel survey to date.
Yellow Perch
The estimated harvest of yellow perch was 6,547 fish weighing 2,969 pounds, slightly above the historical average, but well below the safe harvest target. The perch fishery o~ Lake Vermilion is relatively insignificant, with most of the harvest being incidental while anglers target other species. Perch in most areas of the lake are too small to generate much angler interest. Perch tend to be larger in East Vermilion and most of the harvest came from that end of the lake. The perch harvest rate was 0.010 fish/hour, slightly below the historical average. Harvested perch had a mean length of 9.3 inches, well above the historical average.
In Conclusion
I would again encourage anyone with questions about fish management on Lake Vermilion to contact the Tower DNR Fisheries office. I hope everyone has a nice summer on beautiful Lake Vermilion. See you on the lake.
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Summary of 2003 Lake Vermilion Fish Population Assessment
Introduction
Lake Vermilion is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, which provides for intensive
fisheries management of the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The program was started in
1984, when it became apparent that more detailed biological information was needed to
properly manage these important lakes. A Large Lake Specialist was assigned to each
lake to manage the program at the area level. The Large Lake Program includes annual
population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel
surveys. Creel surveys are scheduled on Lake Vermilion for two consecutive years out
of every six years. A creel survey was done in 2002 and another is scheduled for 2003.
A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various
fish species and life stages. Gillnets are used to sample cisco, northern pike, yellow
perch, and walleye. Trapnets are used to sample muskie, bluegill and black crappie.
Beach seines are used to sample young-ofthe-year walleye and perch. An electrofishing
boat is used to sample smallmouth bass and young-of-the-year walleye. Sampling for
each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year in order to determine
population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age,
and growth for each of the major species.
The results of the 2002 fish population assessment are presented in the balance of
this report. We encourage anyone with questions or comments to contact the Tower
Fisheries office or stop by our office for a visit. We are located just west of
Tower on Highway 169.
Duane Williams, Large Lake Specialist, 218-753-2580, ext. 224
duane.williams@dnr.state.mn.us
Joe Geis, Area Fisheries Supervisor, 218-753-2580, ext. 222
joe.geis@dnr.state.mn.us
MN Dept. Of Natural Resources
Division of Fisheries
650 Hwy. 169
Tower, MN 55790
Walleye
The walleye gillnet catch in the fall of 2002 was 20.0 fish/net, the highest catch
ever observed on Lake Vermilion. It was the sixth consecutive year walleye gillnet
catches were above the historical average. High walleye catches in recent years were
due to strong year classes produced in 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, and 1999. Walleye
gillnet catches have been especially high in the Big Bay area of East Vermilion
in recent years. East Vermilion usually has higher gillnet catches of walleye
than West Vermilion, although walleye tend to be larger in West Vermilion. The
mean length of walleye sampled by gillnets was 13.3 inches, slightly above the
historical average.
Although the walleye population is currently very high, it is unlikely the lake
will be able to sustain this level of abundance for a long period of time. Fish
populations in lakes are limited by the chemical fertility of the water and the
species composition of fish living in the lake. The current high walleye population
is due to the unusual situation of having strong year classes produced in five
out of six years during the period 1994-1999. Typically strong year classes are
produced about once every three years. It is likely the walleye population will
soon decline to a more normal level of abundance as some of the current strong
year classes diminish in numbers.
Walleye year class strength is represented by indices that are calculated from
gillnet catches of each year class for each year of netting. An index of 100 would
be considered average. The year class strength index for the 1997 year class was
161, the highest index of any recent year class. Year class strength indices were
also well above average for the 1995 and 1998 year classes. Three years of netting
are needed to calculate a year class strength index, therefore indices can not yet
be calculated for the 2000 and 2001 year classes. Two years of netting indicate
the 2000 year class will be weaker than average. One year of netting indicates
the 2001 year class could be much stronger than average.
Angling prospects for walleye in 2003 are very good, with high numbers of walleye
present in the 12-16 inch size range. A moderately strong 1999 year class and the
strong 1998 year class will dominate the walleye harvest. Walleye from the 1999
year class will be primarily 12-15 inches long at the start of the fishing season,
while walleye from the 1998 year class will be primarily 14-17 inches long. Anglers
can also expect to catch large numbers of small walleye from what appears to be a
very strong 2001 year class. Most walleye from the 2001 year class will be only
9-10 inches long at the start of the season, however as these fish grow during
the summer they will become increasingly likely to be caught by anglers.
Fall electrofishing is used to sample young-of-the-year walleye and help determine
reproductive success for the year. The 2002 fall electrofishing catch of
young-of-the year walleye was 231 fish/hour, the second highest catch on Lake
Vermilion since sampling began in 1988. Electrofishing catches had improved in
2001 and 2002 after relatively low catches in 1999 and 2000. Electrofishing
catches have historically varied widely on Lake Vermilion, due in part to
variation in year class strength. East Vermilion usually has higher electrofishing
catches of young-of-the-year walleye than West Vermilion.
The average length of young-of-the-year walleye sampled by electrofishing was 5.4
inches, which is similar to the historical average. Data from our sampling program
indicates growth of young-of-the-year walleye is an important factor in eventual
year class strength, with fast growing young-of-the-year walleye producing strong
year classes and slow growing fish producing weak year classes. It is believed that
large young-of-the-year walleye have better over winter survival than small fish.
The mean length of young-of-the-year walleye can be used with the total number
caught in a predictive model that will give a good indication of how strong a year
class will be. The mean length and total catch indicate the 2002 year class will
probably be average to moderately strong.
Northern Pike
The 2002 gillnet catch of northern pike was 0.6 fish/net, slightly below the historical
average. Gillnet catches of northern pike have been relatively stable over time,
although catches have been slightly below average in recent years. West Vermilion
usually has higher gillnet catches of northern pike than East Vermilion.
Gillnetted northern pike had a mean length of 27.8 inches, slightly above the historical
average. Moderately strong year classes were produced in 1991, 1994, and 1996. Angling
prospects for northern pike in 2003 should be similar to recent years.
A 24-36 inch protected slot limit for northern pike will take effect on Lake Vermilion
on May 10, 2003. All fish 24-36 inches long must immediately be returned to the lake.
The bag limit will remain at three fish, which could include up to three fish under
24 inches or one fish over 36 inches. The new regulation is part of the statewide
initiative to improve the size structure of pike populations in a number of lakes
across the state. Lake Vermilion has a number of characteristics that made it a
good candidate for this regulation including; large lake size, high abundance of
preferred forage, low pike numbers, fast pike growth, and a history of producing
large pike. Support for the regulation was strong among anglers that fish Lake
Vermilion, with 86` of the anglers contacted during the 2002 creel survey expressing
support for the regulation.
Yellow Perch
The 2002 gillnet catch of yellow perch was 14.8 fish/net, the lowest perch catch on Lake
Vermilion since 1988. The 2001 gillnet catch of perch was also well below average. Low
gillnet catches of perch the last two years were due in part to poor reproduction in
1999 and 2000. Gillnet catches of yellow perch are usually similar between East
Vermilion and West Vermilion.
The mean length of gillnetted perch was 8.3 inches, the largest average size since Large
Lake sampling began in 1984. All size classes were well represented in the gillnet catch.
The perch gillnet catch was dominated by age 3 (1999 year class), age 4 (1998 year class),
and age 5 (1997 year class) fish. Average to moderately strong year classes of perch were
produced in 1998, 1997, 1996, and 1995. Anglers may catch fewer perch than usual in 2003,
although the average size will probably be larger than usual. Larger perch are available
in the Big Bay area of the lake, where 73` of the perch sampled were 9 inches or longer.
Perch in the Big Bay area tend to be larger than those in other areas of the lake,
probably because they feed extensively on rusty crayfish that are abundant in that
area of the lake.
Bluegill
The 2002 trapnet catch of bluegill was 14.4 fish/net, the lowest bluegill catch since
sampling began in 1987. A strong cold front moved through the area during the trapnet
assessment and probably had a negative affect on the bluegill catch. The 2001 trapnet
catch of bluegill was the highest ever observed and probably more accurately reflects
the bluegill population. Bluegill are much more abundant in West Vermilion and trapnet
catches there are always much higher than catches on East Vermilion.
The mean length of trapnetted bluegill was 5.9 inches, which was near the historical
average. Age 4 bluegill (1998 year class) and age 5 bluegill (1997 year class) dominated
the trapnet catch and both year classes appear to be much stronger than average. A
strong year class of bluegill was also produced in 1995. Anglers can expect good bluegill
fishing in 2003, although small fish will dominate the harvest. Bluegill from the
strong 1997 and 1998 year classes will be mostly 5-7 inches long this spring, while
bluegill from the strong 1995 year class will be 6-8 inches long. The number of bluegill
in the population over 8 inches is currently lower than average.
Black Crappie
The 2002 black crappie trapnet catch was 1.4 fish/net, which is near the historical
average. Trapnet catches of crappie have been relatively stable in recent years. Crappie
numbers have historically been relatively low on Lake Vermilion, although a few areas
of West Vermilion seem to have higher numbers of fish. Crappie trapnet catches are
usually higher on West Vermilion than East Vermilion. Trapnet sampling is done in
early August, which may be a poor time to sample crappie. The trapnet assessment
on Lake Vermilion primarily targets bluegill and time constraints do not allow a
trapnet assessment that specifically targets crappie.
Trapnetted black crappie had a mean length of 8.1 inches, slightly below the historical
average. The crappie catch was evenly distributed throughout a broad range of size classes.
Age 1 (2001 year class), age 3 (1999 year class), age 4 (1998 year class), and age 5
(1997 year class) fish dominated the crappie catch and it appears these year classes
are all average to moderately strong. Fair numbers of crappie 9-11 inches long will
be available to anglers in 2003 from the 1997 and 1998 year classes. Lesser numbers
of large crappie will be available to anglers from the 1994 and 1995 year classes.
Smallmouth Bass
An electrofishing boat is used as the standard sampling gear for smallmouth bass because
they are not often caught in standard assessment nets. The 2002 smallmouth bass catch
was 36.8 fish/hour of electrofishing, slightly above the historical average.
Electrofishing catches of smallmouth bass were well above average in both 1999 and
2001. Sampling was not done in 2000 due to poor weather. West Vermilion usually has
higher electrofishing catches of smallmouth bass than East Vermilion.
Smallmouth bass sampled by electrofishing had a mean length of 9.5 inches, slightly above
the historical average. Electrofishing samples small and medium sized bass quite well,
but does not seem to sample large fish in relation to their abundance. Larger bass may
prefer habitat other than the shoreline areas that are sampled by electrofishing. The
smallmouth bass catch was dominated by age 3 (1999 year class), age 4 (1998 year class),
and age 5 (1997 year class) fish. The 1997 and 1998 year classes are both unusually
strong. Moderately strong year classes were also produced in 1994 and 1995. Angling
prospects for smallmouth bass are good in 2003, although anglers will likely catch
more small fish than usual. Most bass from the strong 1997 and 1998 year classes will
be 8-12 inches long at the beginning of the fishing season. Lesser numbers of large
fish will be available to anglers from the older age classes in the population.
Muskie
Muskie population assessments are done once every four years on Lake Vermilion, although
East Vermilion and West Vermilion are done in different years due to the large size
of the lake. Population assessments were done on East Vermilion in 2001 and on West
Vermilion in 2002. The assessments are done in the spring shortly after ice-out using
specially designed trapnets.
Sixty-five different muskie were caught during the 2002 population assessment on West
Vermilion, or 0.5 fish/net. The muskie catch was higher than previous trapnet catches
of muskie on West Vermilion, but lower than the 2001 catch on East Vermilion. Extended
cool spring weather probably had a negative impact on the 2002 muskie trapnet catch
on West Vermilion.
The average length of muskie caught during the assessment was 43.5 inches. Male muskie
averaged 41.9 inches long while the average length of female muskie was 48.6 inches.
The largest muskie caught during the assessment was 54.4 inches long. Most of the
muskie sampled were 7-12 years old. Because all muskie stocked since 1993 were
fin-clipped, it was possible to tell stocked fish from natural reproduction for
fish younger than age 9. It appeared that just under half of the muskie caught under
age 9 were from natural reproduction. Stocking may be adjusted in the future if
population assessments continue to show significant natural reproduction.
Exotic Species
Rusty crayfish are a non-native species of crayfish that became established
in Lake Vermilion during the 1980's. The source of the introduction was probably
anglers using crayfish for bait. Rusty crayfish have become extremely abundant
in the eastern portion of the lake and have become a major nuisance. Aquatic
vegetation has been greatly reduced in areas of the lake that have been colonized.
Rusty crayfish were sampled for the first time in West Vermilion in 1998, although
the population there is still relatively low. There is no practical method to reduce
the population of rusty crayfish, although the population may eventually decline
without intervention. The process of colonization by an exotic species is usually
an explosive growth in numbers followed by a gradual decline to a more sustainable
population level. The most important strategy for managing rusty crayfish is to
prevent their spread to other lakes.
Heterosporis, a microsporidean fish parasite, was confirmed in one angler
caught walleye from Lake Vermilion in 2000. No other cases have been reported from
Lake Vermilion, although the parasite has been identified in several other Minnesota
and Wisconsin lakes. The parasite causes the flesh of fish to become an opaque
white color. The Center for Disease Control examined infected fish samples and
did not issue any consumption advisories. Research is currently under way on
the distribution and life history of heterosporis.
A small infestation of curly leaf pondweed was discovered in Everett Bay in
2001, the first time it has been observed in Lake Vermilion. Curly leaf pondweed
is an aquatic plant native to Europe, although it has been present in areas of
the United States and southern Minnesota for many years. Curly leaf pondweed
typically grows early in the season and will usually die back by midsummer.
The plant is found in shallow water where it will grow to the surface of the
lake, sometimes forming thick mats.
There is potential for other exotic species to become established in Lake Vermilion.
Lake Vermilion attracts anglers and boaters from all across Minnesota and the Midwest,
providing many possible sources of infestation. The DNR has taken several steps to
prevent the spread of exotic species. It is now illegal to transport exotic species,
infested water, and aquatic vegetation from lake to lake. The DNR has also established
a program to educate the public about exotic species and inspect boats at some public
accesses. These efforts along with cooperation from boaters will hopefully prevent
other exotic species from becoming established in Lake Vermilion.
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Continuing Thoughts on Fishing Tournaments
You may remember from the March issue of the "Sportsman" that one of the Club's objectives has been to gain acceptance of our proposed fishing tournament rules by the Lake Vermilion Plan committee. Acceptance would mean added credibility for our guidelines and help pave the way toward a moderation of the DNR rules thqat presently govern fishing tournaments. Along these lines, the County has recently sent out a revised Lake Vermilion Plan to their citizen steering committee and the affected towns and townships surrounding the Lake. Once again they are asking for comments. We surmise this process may take place during the upcoming spring and summer months.
In our behalf, included in this latest Lake Plan document is a reference to fishing tournaments and support for our efforts to moderate the existing rules. What it doesn't include is the details of our proposal. We would like to see the actual rules we are proposing containded somewhere in their plan. We are working to make that happen.
Also, in this issue are two other references to fishing tournaments. Duane Williams, one of the local DNR fisheries experts, has a column that includes the current summer and fall schedule for fishing tournaments on the lake. People or organizations that wish to conduct a tournament must apply to the DNR for a permit if their proposed event meets certain criteria. These coming tournaments will operate under the rules and regulations that exist in Minnesota law today. The other article, by Jack Burns on muskie fishing, holds some suprises. Who would have thought that muskies were a rather fragile fish? In addition, Jack has his own take on the effects of big muskie tournaments on the fishery. An interesting read.
Thanks to everyone for your continued interest in fishing tournaments on Lake Vermilion. More letters and e-mails have been coming my way. If you want to express your opinion, send me an 3e-mail on wcr4@yahoo.com or a letter to the Sportsmen's Club of Lake Vermilion, 1501 Echo Point, Tower, MN 55790. Thanks again.
by Bob Wilson
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Catch-And-Release Reminder
Improved fishing technology and increasing fishing pressure have caused fishing quality to decline in many waters. Catch-and-release fishing offers anglers a way to enjoy their sport with less harm to the resource. Each year, more anglers discover the satisfaction of watching a fish they've caught swim away. Here are some tips for proper catch-and-release:
- Don't place fish you plan to release on a stringer or in a livewell, because they have less chance of surviving. Make the decision to release a fish when you catch it.
- Play and land the fish quickly. A prolonged struggle places too much stress on a fish and causes a build-up of harmful lactic acids.
- Handle the fish gently and keep it in the water as much as possible. If possible, unhook the fish without lifting it from the water.
- When lifting fish for a photograph or just to admire it, don't hold it by the eye sockets or gills. You can damage the internal organs of fish, especially larger ones, by lifting them from the water. Use both hands to evenly support the fish's weight.
- Use a pliers to remove hooks.
- If a hook is deeply imbedded, cut the line. Fish have strong digestive acids which will dissolve metal. Studies have shown that fish released in this manner have a higher survival rate than do fish that have had hooks torn from their throat or stomach.
- A fish that can be legally kept should not be released if it is bleeding heavily, which indicates its chance of survival is poor.
- You cannot intentionally fish for any species during its closed season.
- In streams, release fish into calm water. A tired fish placed in fast water can die by tumbling downstream into rocks.
- Gently slide the fish back into the water.
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The Growing Controversy of Muskie Tournaments
I'm old school. I started muskie fishing before the Internet, before muskie chat rooms, before muskie and pike magazines, before videos. Before big money cash tournaments.
"Old school" means I was chasing something more important than a fish... I was chasing a mystique. And it was a very private pursuit. I didn't talk to other muskie anglers. I didn't even want to know any. I read a couple issues of Fishing Facts, bought some Spoonplugs... and headed out to fish someweedlines. I'd figure it out. And eventually I did. I couldn't conceive of a day when muskie fishing would involve competition - with 60 to 100 boats blasting around the lake - with $10,000 (or is it $100,000?) at stake.
Well, obviously, I'm a lot less private and - secretive now. If the present glut of muskie information available is a problem, then I am part of the problem. Writing for this paper, editing Esox Angler magazine... I'm definitely part of the problem.
But this gives me a chance to comment on trends that I think are less benign than the evolution of our sport from old school (secretive and private) to the information age.
I am concerned. And I'm far from alone. My concern is that an unregulated proliferation of big money muskie events will do more than just change our sport - change it from my antiquated notions of mystique and secrecy to something else - but will, in fact, damage the sport - the fishery - irreparably.
I don't want to sound sanctimonious here. Full disclosure: I did fish the WPMA for two seasons in the 1980s. I've made mistakes.
For me, there is a single, fundamental problem. Unlike the way it works with a friendly honor-system Muskies Inc. outing - when big money is on the line, caught fish must be witnessed, measured, judged. Muskies, which sure look big and tough and toothy, are actually extremely vulnerable to delayed mortality as a result of handling and stress, especially in warm summer water.
A large muskie that battles the angler and must then be restrained in a net or held by hand against the side of the boat in three-foot waves awaiting a judge boat is likely to become a dead fish. Soon. We can't afford to lose them this way. Muskies are very low-density population animals that take years to grow to a compelling size.
Some years ago, a good friend and legendary muskie man, Dick Pearson made the following comments in the Millennium issue of In-Fisherman:
"The problem I believe, is that muskies aren't largemouth bass. Muskies are a resource so limited in most waters as to be more potentially vulnerable to the pressure of a tournament crowd. The best interests of the fish more likely will suffer when $20,000 is on the line. Most anglers I know think it isn't right to place the interests of the limited number of tournament anglers (maybe 200 total) at the same level as the much larger group (perhaps 200,000) who depend on the health of individual fisheries for their fishing enjoyment."
"In some areas, we already have enough trouble trying to correct mistaken ideas about how muskies affect other species. Winning those battles will be even more difficult if the public also has to tolerate muskie anglers running around in rockets trying to win money."
"Finally, many anglers worry that such a small group of anglers is but a tiny part of what the much larger group of muskie anglers are really all about. They worry that perceptions of who muskie fishermen are will be based on public perceptions of this small group of anglers who are a much different breed from most muskie anglers."
Dick's words are valid today.
Getting ready to write this, I talked to a few other guys.
John Skarie pointed out that "sure, tournaments are popping up now, after tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of man-hours have been invested (by Muskies Inc. and the DNR) in stocking and creating new muskie lakes - lakes that are now trophy fisheries. And our natural waters - Leech, Cass, etc., they are the genetic cornerstone of our muskie program. If we lose the genetics, someday it will haunt us." John hopes that regulations will reflect the increase in pressure and be proactive in protecting the fish rather than reactive after we lose them. "If we don't wake up and protect what we have, all that hard work will be undone;"
Pete Maina, after echoing my concerns about handling stress and delayed mortality, also expressed his concerns about what he called the "social aspects of fisheries management - as it applies to muskie management and the introduction of muskies into new fisheries."
Pete's concern is that "muskies already are viewed as the cause or problem for real or perceived declines in the population or catchability of other, smaller, often more popular, species (namely walleyes, bass, and panfish). Esox species already have a bad name regarding the social aspect of fisheries management. Even though many fisheries experts and at least one study point out that in the majority of cases there is no connection between fallen populations or catchability of other species, there are many who blame muskies."
"Groups like 'No More Muskies'are a prime example of the folks who already don't like our favorite fish. Right or wrong, the reality is the social aspects (public opinion) of fisheries management usually weigh heavier these days on final management decisions than strictly biological aspects."
"Tournaments are only enjoyed by those in them and the folks directly associated. Other water users (angling and recreational), tend to not like tournaments at all, due to crowding and at times more aggressive behavior by anglers (big equipment and big baits make this worse). Even muskie anglers who do fish tournaments, will avoid waters that have tournaments going on if they are not in them. The more often tournaments are held on a body of water - the more the complaints."
"Muskies are completely different ballgame, socially, than any other popular tournament species. I've heard many examples of folks becoming mad, or madder, at muskies and muskie anglers in general due to tournaments being held on waters they happen to be fishing, especially if they were unaware that these events were coinciding with their allotted time on that water."
"My concern is that too many muskie tournaments will increase the number of water users who are 'socially' against muskies and muskie anglers. While some folks get upset over bass and walleye tournaments, it never seems to get them to rally against the fish - against the walleyes or bass. With muskies, it's very different."
At this point, Dick Pearson weighs in: "I couldn't agree more. Nothing will likely play into the hands of hostile lake associations,'No More Muskies,' and other opponents of muskies more than tournaments. Lake associations already barely tolerate 10 to 15 muskie boats roaring around daily. Throw 60 boats on those lakes and our chances to get new muskie waters, resume stocking, etc., will suffer because of the social pressure."
"I'm beginning to wonder if it's not time for the DNR, and perhaps the Legislature, to review the underlying theories regarding tourneys. For instance, it's often just assumed - and always argued by promoters - that tourneys are good for the local ecanomy. I'm not sure at all about that. In fact, I suspect careful analysis may show the opposite. Many tourists avoid lakes where tourneys are held because of the pressure and commotion. This is often repeat business, family or group type business that really matters in the long run to a healthy economy. A significant percentage of that business may never return after staying in alternative areas."
"The tourney business, on the other hand, is transitory and likely has less beneficial economic impact. I understand many in the Lake Vermilion area feel that way, as do many in the Leech-Cass area as well. As Bob Strand recently told me, what really matters to a healthy economy is a healthy fishery."
"One last point - the impact is greater than just the days of the tournament. With big money at stake, there are also days of pre-fishing involved. Sixty boats pre-fishing your lake is really no different than 60 boats fishing in a tourney. Same pressure on the resource, same monopolization, same chagrin from lake associations..."
Finally, Rob Kimm, echoing Pete's comments and summarizing our political concerns: "There is a risk that tournaments will be another reason for manage- . ment of the muskie fishery to become politicized. We came perilously close to this once before with 'No More Muskies' - to the point where a bill to end muskie stocking on a particular lake was introduced in the Minnesota Senate. Public relations is right up there with habitat and water quality concerns on the list of challenges to Minnesota's muskie fishery, and the effect tournaments can have on the public perception of muskies and muskie anglers is far out of proportion to the benefit to the resource, to say nothing of the sport as a whole."
Enough. You get the idea. We're just hoping that the DNR will realize that there are a lot of us old school types (young and old) out here ... plus, for every one of us, a thousand tax-paying (and resort supporting) anglers and recreational water users who believe there should be strict regulations and limitations on big-money muskie tournaments.
Catch a nice one and let it go. Let them all go.
by Jack Burns
(Reprinted from March 12, 2004 edition of "Outdoor News")
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Sensible Shoreland Lighting - Preserving the Beauty of the Night
Shoreland Lighting: A Special Concern
The rising cost of lake property provides ample evidence of the importance of the shoreland environment to people who live along lakes. During the daytime the lake is heavily used for recreation. Artificial shoreland lighting allows us to engage in nighttime activities that would be impossible or unsafe under normal nighttime conditions. Whether it's boating, fishing or simply sitting on the porch to read, our enjoyment of the night is enhanced by the use of artificial lighting. At the same time, our lakes at night provide a quiet open dark space that gives us privacy and a chance to see the heavens. We come to the lake or live at the lake to escape the light of city or want the darkness of the night and don't want to be disturbed by light from other properties. Balancing the ability to see at night with the desire to preserve the beauty of the night is the goal of sensible shoreland lighting.
Sensible Shoreland Lighting
Sensible lighting can minimize serious lighting problems along shorelands, such as glare and light trespass.
Glare is when we see a distant point of light across the water or when we are seeing light from the fixture itself rather than what the fixture is meant to illuminate. Glare is the most common cause of light trespass, which is a light fixture on one property that illuminates an adjacent or nearby property. Light trespass is not a legal concept, but rather a description of a nuisance effect of improperly aimed lights on someone else's property. Poorly designed outdoor lighting shines onto neighborhood properties and bedroom windows, invading privacy and creating an unattractive look to the shoreland area. Because the shoreline is generally unobstructed, water reflects glare from shoreland lights over the water to trespass on distant properties. This might also be called "light pollution."
Installing sensible shoreland lighting can be especially challenging because of the ability of water to both reflect light and provide an unobstructed view from far away. Security lighting placed on the shoreland is free to carry light across the water for long distances.
Tips for Shoreland Lighting
Sensible lighting starts on our own properties. Eliminating glare and light on our properties will reduce the impact upon neighbors and creatures of the night. Here are some tips for sensible shoreland lighting.
- The first principle of good lighting is to illuminate only what we wish to see. We all know how a full moon can make an area seem quite bright; some outdoor lighting systems illuminate 100 times brighter than the full moon.
- Glare is both the most common lighting problem and one of the easiest to detect and fix. Glare can be eliminated by shielding light fixtures so the direct rays of light cannot reach our eye. Aim lighting fixtures away from the water and neighboring property. Maximize their effectiveness on areas you want to illuminate, and minimize the adverse impact on adjoining property. Proper fixture position is very important. Even well-shielded fixtures, when placed on tall poles near the property boundary, can cast light onto neighboring properties.
- Retrofit existing fixtures with shields to reduce glare. In some cases, small pieces of aluminum sheeting fitted to the fixture will suffice.
- Use fixtures with high-efficiency lamps, while still considering the color and quality of the light they produce. Highly efficient fixtures may cost more initially, but the payback time from energy efficiency and reduced maintenance is often very short.
- Avoid dusk-to-dawn security lights. A more effective approach to security lighting is a motion detector. A moving person will be more noticeable to neighbors and residents when they are suddenly illuminated. Motion detectors must be carefully installed so that moving branches and small animals do not activate the lights.
Lighting and Your Neighbors
Solving shoreland lighting problems always involves working with the neighbors.
In talking individually to a neighbor about a lighting problem, a careful explanation may be all that's needed. Keep in mind that your neighbor probably has concerns about their safety and security and feels that their bright light is a good solution to their concerns. Above all, be tactful and courteous. Most people like to be helpful and cooperative when approached in a friendly and cooperative manner.
Sensible Shoreland Lighting Does Matter
The stars above us are a priceless heritage, not only for scientific knowledge, but also for our identity as human beings. David Crawford, executive director of the International Dark Sky Association says: "Light pollution is not a matter of life and death, yet it is important nonetheless. We human beings lose something of ourselves when we can no longer look up and see our place in the universe. It is like never again hearing the laughter of children; we give up part of what we are."
This article was excerpted from the booklet "Sensible Shoreland Lighting: Preserving the Beauty of the Night" by David Liebl and Bobert Korth, University of Wisconsin-Extension.
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Things that citizens can do to help in the conservation of birds in Minnesota -- Spring 2004
- Clean out the lead sinkers from your fishing tackle box and go to sporting boods stores to get non-toxic alternative splity shot, simkers, and jog heads. Contact Kevin McDonald at the Office of Environmentsl Assistance (651/215-0262 or kevin.mcdonald@moea.state.mn.us) about lead tackle exchange sites and dates.
- Look for some fruiting shrubs or perenneal flowers for planting this spring that will attract songbirds or hummingbirds to your yard.
- Build a birdhouse with a child or grandchild. Go out and put it up with them. Check it regularly afterwards to see what happens.
- Try putting out a spring qand summer bird feeding station in your yard if you have not done so previously.
- Join action-oriented, habitat-based conservation groups that save habitat for wildlife - like the Nature Conservance or Ducks Unlimited.
By: Carrol Henderson, Nongame Supervisor Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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