Fisheries, Subsistence, and Habitat
Publications Searchable Database
Search Again| Division: | Sport Fish |
| Title: | Evaluation of game fish in stocked lakes on the Kenai Peninsula, 2000–2007 |
| Author: | Pawluk, J. A., and P. Berkhahn |
| Year: | 2012 |
| Report ID: | Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fishery Data Series No. 12-50, Anchorage |
| Abstract: | From 2000 to 2007, game fish populations were sampled in 28 stocked lakes of the Northern Kenai Peninsula Management Area (NKPMA) to evaluate the fish stocking program and to provide the public with timely information on species composition, size, and relative abundance of stocked fish. Attempts were made to sample each lake once every 3 years on a rotating schedule. Up to 4 variable-mesh gillnets and up to 3 fyke nets, set 24 hours overnight, were used to catch fish depending on the size and remoteness of the lake. Each lake was sampled 1 to 3 times during the study. Game fish were caught and sampled for length and age. Fish over 200 mm in length were identified to species, measured from tip of nose to fork of tail (fork length [FL]), and 3 scales were taken for age analysis. Fish measuring between 100 mm and 200 mm FL were sampled based on 1 of 3 methods, including an abundance-based formula. Fish less than 100 mm FL were identified to species, counted, and released. Initial evaluation of stocking success was based on an arbitrary fisheries management rule that stocking is successful when at least 20% of the fish in the sample are 300 mm or greater in length. Fifteen of the 28 stocked lakes in the NKPMA had at least 1 sample that satisfied this rule. Samples from 7 lakes had, at most, 10% to 20% of fish 300 mm or greater. Samples from 6 lakes had less than 10% of fish 300 mm or greater. The Statewide Harvest Survey was used as a secondary evaluation tool for each of the 28 stocked lakes. Seven of the 28 stocked lakes accounted for 78% of the total fishing effort on stocked lakes in the NKPMA over the last 10 years. |
| Keywords: | stocked lakes, Kenai Peninsula, rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, Arctic char, Salvelinus alpinus, Arc Lake, Aurora Lake, Barbara Lake, Carter Lake, Cabin Lake, Cecille Lake, Centennial Lake, Chugach Estates Lake, Douglas Lake, Encelewski Lake, Elephant Lake, Island Lake, Jerome Lake, Johnson Lake, Long Lake, Longmare Lake, Loon Lake, Meridian Lake, Quintin Lake, Rainbow Lake, Roque Lake, Scout Lake, Sport Lake, Thetis Lake, Tirmore Lake, Troop Lake, Upper Summit Lake, Vagt Lake, fyke net, variable-mesh gillnet, length frequency, age class, length-at-age, stocking evaluation |