DEC Finds Declining Pike, Bass Numbers

DEC Region Six fisheries staff routinely surveys waters to monitor the condition of various fish species. Survey methods include seine nets, gill nets, electro-fishing, and creel census.

For the St. Lawrence River, seine-net and gill-net operations in 2009 indicated an apparent decline in northern pike and smallmouth bass populations.

Here is the information as reported by Region Six Office of Natural Resources.

Seine Nettings

Fisheries staff sampled 10 sites in Chippewa Bay and six sites in Lake St. Lawrence (Waddington area) for the presence of young of the year (YOY) grass pickerel, northern pike, and muskellunge.

The project was both a continuation and expansion of the annual Chippewa Bay YOY pike index begun in 2000. The primary reason for expanding the survey was to document muskellunge reproduction in the wake of two successive adult mortality events caused by VHS in 2005 and 2006.

A 60-foot bag seine was pulled through vegetated areas in embayments to document the overall species assemblage and determine the relative density of YOY esocids (pickerel, pike, and muskellunge).

Chippewa Bay produced only two northern pike and no muskellunge with an effort of 35 standard hauls.

Sites in the Waddington area produced low numbers of YOY pike as well with only 0.1 pike caught per haul; however, muskellunge were well represented at 0.9 fish per haul. In general, esocid recruitment was low in the St. Lawrence River for 2009 with the exception of muskellunge in Lake St. Lawrence.

Gill Nettings

Regional fisheries staff completed assessment gill netting in the St. Lawrence River between Clayton and Morristown in 2009. The warmwater fish stock assessment provides standardized indices of abundance for major gamefish and panfish stocks, information on year-class strength, and age and growth relationships of these stocks.

Information obtained is used to evaluate and, if necessary, modify existing fishing regulations. It also provides baseline information for evaluation of environmental disturbances.

Results of 2009 sampling with the greatest management significance include: 1) Northern pike abundance remains low; recruitment is relatively poor (this is likely a habitat effect). 2) Smallmouth bass abundance declined substantially relative to 2008 (the likely cause will require further analysis). 3) Alewife abundance was surprisingly at a record high.

The last time abundance was near this level was 1986 when high St. Lawrence River abundance was thought to result from spillover from a very abundant Lake Ontario alewife population. This is not thought to be the case at this time.

Summer Camp

Scholarships

St. Lawrence Waterfowlers is looking to send three youths to DEC Summer Camp. Any youths between the ages of 12 and 17 who are interested in attending the camp are encouraged to contact Nick McNamara at 276-5704.

Annual NWTF Banquet

Borderline Longbeards, the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, is holding its Annual Superfund Banquet on Sunday, March 28 at the Massena Elk's Lodge. Doors open at 3 p.m. with a buffet dinner at 4:30 p.m. and a live art/craft auction to follow.

Proceeds from the banquet are used to help local, state, and national efforts to conserve the wild turkey and the American hunting tradition. The Borderline Longbeards Chapter has been particularly active in hunter safety programs, JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) events, and the awarding of a local scholarship. For more information, contact Jeff Root, the group's president, at 769-8028.

Calendar

Today-March 28: Chippewa Bay F&G Club's Annual Coyote Contest. Pre-register at Chapman's Sport Shop on Black Lake (324-5265).

March 9: Meeting of Federated Sportsmen's Clubs of St. Lawrence County.

March 13: Racquette Valley F&G Club's 12th Annual Ice Fishing Derby.

March 13: Parishville Sportsmen Club's 25th Annual Rabbit Hunt (265-2922 or 265-4529).

March 21: Parishville Sportsmen Club's 28th Annual Spring Gun Show at Firemen's Field Bingo Hall (265-2922 or 265-4529).

March 23: Meeting of St. Lawrence County Fisheries Advisory Board.

March 26-28: Great Outdoor Family Expo at the Fairgrounds YMCA in Watertown.

March 28: Borderline Longbeards NWTF Chapter's Annual Superfund Banquet at Massena Elk's Lodge (769-8028).

March 28: Indoor Archery Shoot at SLVSC (www.slvsc.org).

April 17-18: Massena R&G Club's Annual Sportsman's Expo (769-9207).