Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife Clear Lake and ...

1 Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife Clear lake and Hamilton lake fisheries activities in 2012 Northern pike were sampled in March 2012 at Hamilton and Clear lakes by the Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). The purpose of the project was to determine if trap nets would be an effective technique to capture pre-spawn pike and to summarize pike population statistics From March 5-15, 2012 the DFW captured, marked, and released 935 pike at Hamilton and 66 pike from Clear . Hamilton lake pike averaged inches (range: to inches) while Clear lake pike averaged inches (range: to inches).

2 Hamilton and Clear lakes were chosen to kick off this project since they have traditionally supported two very different pike populations. Hamilton is known for abundant pike while Clear is known for the large pike it produces. DFW biologists also set several gill nets in Hamilton lake from April 9-11, 2012 to estimate the size of the pike population based on the number of marked pike collected in March. The population estimate suggested that there are approximately 5,500 legally harvestable-size (20 inch minimum length limit) pike in Hamilton lake , or 7 pike per acre.

3 Not enough pike were collected at Clear to estimate the population. A short video of these activities is at . In the laboratory later this year, DFW biologists will estimate age and growth rates of pike by analyzing small cross sections of fin ray samples that were also collected during the survey. Over the next three years DFW biologists will compare the Hamilton and Clear lakes pike population statistics to pike populations among several other lakes in Steuben, LaGrange, and Kosciusko counties. A 2012 summary report will be completed by the end of the year.

4 Steve Donabauer, DFW fisheries research biologist, can be reached at or 260-244-6805 for pike related questions or concerns. Division of Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologist Tom Bacula holds a inch pound northern pike collected on 3/12/12 at Hamilton lake , Steuben County, Indiana (Photo by Jed Pearson). Clear lake activities On April 16 and 17, 2012 approximately 200 sunfish, mainly 3-4 inch bluegill and rock bass were collected from Clear lake and provided to the Indiana State Board of Animal Health for testing. This is part of a statewide VHS (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia) monitoring program.

5 To date, we have not found this fish virus in any of Indiana s inland lakes and do not suspect an issue in Clear lake . For more information on VHS, visit . Between mid April and October 31, 2012 an angler creel survey will be conducted on Clear lake to evaluation the fishery. A Division of Fish and Wildlife employee will count and interview anglers and collect information on their catch. Survey days are random and will include both weekend and weekdays. The actual interview only takes a few minutes. If you are approach for an interview, we hope we can count on your participation and cooperation.

6 During the first or second week of June, a general fish population survey will be conducted on Clear lake . Water chemistry data, plankton, aquatic plant and fish samples will be collected. Fish sampling gear will include gill nets, trap nets and nighttime electrofishing. All nets will be marked with orange, bullet shaped floats with IDNR or Fawn River lettering. Please avoid the floats. Sometime after September 15, fisheries biologist will return to Clear lake for two nights of electrofishing to evaluate the recent walleye stockings. This is a common practice at Clear and other lakes that are stocked with walleye.

7 If you have questions, please contact Neil Ledet or Larry Koza at 260/829-6241 or email.