Page 13 - Vermilion Lake Association Spring 2021 Newsletter

Yellow Perch
Yellow perch are a primary forage species in Lake Vermilion that also provide some incidental angler harvest. The 2020 lakewide gill-net catch rate of 34.9 fish/net was the highest catch rate observed since 2013 and also surpassed the historic 75th percentile. However, there continues to be a notable difference in catch rates when comparing the basins. The 2020 East Vermilion catch rate of 15.6 fish/net was an improvement from 2019 (10.7 fish/net) and slightly above the 25th percentile for that basin. In contrast, the West Vermilion catch rate of 63.8 fish/net was the second highest ever observed in that basin. Overall, East Vermilion yellow perch catch rates have dis- played a decreasing trend since the early 1990s which is likely due to a combination of factors including habitat loss and increased predation. On the other hand, West Vermilion catch rates have displayed an increasing trend and have also continued to fluctuate cyclically typical of perch populations.
The average length of yellow perch captured in 2020 was relatively small at 7.2 inches compared to histor- ic averages. This was driven by very high numbers of 5 and 6-inch fish captured primarily in West Vermil- ion. The catch rate of fish 9 inches and larger, which are typically the size anglers prefer to harvest, was below average. Fish captured in gill nets ranged from 1 to 11 years old. A high proportion of fish from age- 2 to age-4 in the sample indicate consistent recruit- ment in recent years which may continue to bolster gill-net catch rates in the future.
Bluegill and Black Crappie
Bluegills provide significant catch and harvest op- portunities in Lake Vermilion, while black crappies are generally a minor component of the fishery that can on occasion produce very good fishing. Trap-net catches and creel data indicate greater abundance
of both species in West Vermilion compared to East Vermilion. Summer trap-netting targeting panfish did not occur in 2020 because sampling frequen-
cy was reduced in the current management plan. Alternative sampling methods are being evaluated to provide useful data on relative abundance and size structure of panfish populations.
Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic invasive species are nonnative animals and plants that do not naturally occur in Minnesota waters and cause varying levels of ecological and economic harm. Lake users should follow Minneso- ta’s aquatic invasive species laws to prevent introduc- tion and minimize the spread of nonnative species. Several invasive species are present at varying levels in Lake Vermilion including Chinese mystery snails, curly-leaf pondweed, Heterosporis sutherlandae, purple loosestrife, rusty crayfish, and spiny waterflea.
Double-crested Cormorants
Double-crested cormorant nest counts could not be conducted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nest counts from 2013 to 2019 stabilized around
330 nests following the peak of 434 in 2012. No new nesting colonies have been established outside of Po- tato Island. Population control was conducted from 2013 to 2015; however, cormorant control efforts were suspended in 2016. In the absence of control, no significant changes in the number of nests has occurred, but cormorant foraging has undoubtedly increased compared to control years. In 2021, DNR will not conduct cormorant control on Lake Vermil- ion. However, the cormorant colony will continue to be monitored and the data collected will be reported.
Fishing Tournaments
Historically there have been relatively few permitted fishing tournaments on Lake Vermilion when com- pared to other popular Minnesota lakes. Recently, between five and nine permitted tournaments have occurred each year. The DNR is responsible for regulating fishing tournaments and manages them in a manner that will protect fish populations and minimize conflict with other lake users. DNR per- mits are required for fishing tournaments that meet certain conditions and permits have been issued for the following tournaments in 2021:
May 17: Minnesota Bass Federation (maximum 100 anglers/50 boats)
May 22: City Auto Glass Walleye Classic (maximum 250 an- glers/125 boats)
May 23: Amateur Bass Series (maximum 100 anglers/50 boats) July 31: Up North Bass (maximum 60 anglers/30 boats)
www.VermilionLakeAssociation.org 13