09-13-2008, 11:10 AM
A group of cooperating agencies is conducting a depletion population estimate for lake trout in Swan Lake. The sampling began on September 9 and will continue through September 23. A depletion population estimate requires multiple days of netting while removing all lake trout sampled during this period. As fish are removed from the lake, the average catch rate will decline. Biologists can use the rate of decline in catch to determine what number of fish existed prior to the action.
Experienced, professional fishery consultants will conduct the netting. During this time, anglers and boaters should stay away from buoys marking net locations, and not disturb any nets observed in the lake. The same consultants conducted preliminary netting of lake trout in Swan Lake last fall. Fish removed as a result of this project that are suitable for consumption will be donated to local food banks and wildlife rehabilitation centers.
The cooperative project on Swan Lake includes the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U. S. Forest Service, Montana State University Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit, Montana Trout Unlimited, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Lake trout were first detected in Swan Lake in 1998. Biologists are concerned that lake trout have the potential to dramatically reduce abundance of kokanee, bull trout and other fish species. The purpose of the netting this fall is to assess the lake trout population in Swan Lake and explore possible techniques of reducing lake trout numbers. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Leo Rosenthal, FWP Fishery Biologist (406) 751-4548 or lrosenthal@mt.gov
Experienced, professional fishery consultants will conduct the netting. During this time, anglers and boaters should stay away from buoys marking net locations, and not disturb any nets observed in the lake. The same consultants conducted preliminary netting of lake trout in Swan Lake last fall. Fish removed as a result of this project that are suitable for consumption will be donated to local food banks and wildlife rehabilitation centers.
The cooperative project on Swan Lake includes the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U. S. Forest Service, Montana State University Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit, Montana Trout Unlimited, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Lake trout were first detected in Swan Lake in 1998. Biologists are concerned that lake trout have the potential to dramatically reduce abundance of kokanee, bull trout and other fish species. The purpose of the netting this fall is to assess the lake trout population in Swan Lake and explore possible techniques of reducing lake trout numbers. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Leo Rosenthal, FWP Fishery Biologist (406) 751-4548 or lrosenthal@mt.gov