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Effects of Artificial Circulation on Fish Distribution and Angling Success for Channel Catfish in a Small Prairie Lake
Author(s) -
Mosher Thomas D.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
north american journal of fisheries management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1548-8675
pISSN - 0275-5947
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8659(1983)3<403:eoacof>2.0.co;2
Subject(s) - ictalurus , catfish , fishery , fishing , environmental science , catch per unit effort , aeration , fish <actinopterygii> , water column , zoology , biology , ecology
Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake #1 in north central Kansas stratified thermally between 1 and 4 m during the summer of 1975. Dissolved oxygen concentration was nil at 4 m, and the majority of fish (89%) were located in water above the 3 m isopleth. In 1976 and 1977, stratification was prevented with a helixor‐type aeration unit. Dissolved oxygen concentration remained greater than 4 mg/liter throughout the water column, and more of the fish (64%) were located below the 3 m isopleth. Angler days of fishing increased by 16% from 1975 to 1976, and an additional 17% in 1977. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) harvest increased 227% from 1975 to 1976, and 48% from 1976 to 1977. After removing the aeration unit in 1978, limnological conditions and fish distribution returned to those of the pre‐circulation period, and fishing pressure and harvest of channel catfish declined. The cost: benefit ratio of this procedure was 1:17.