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2017 Sandpit Lake Management - Grand Island
- 1. Sandpit Lake Management Katie Pekarek, Nebraska Extension Mike Archer, NE Dept. of Environmental Quality Brad Eifert, Nebraska Game and Parks Alison Zach, Nebraska Invasive Species Program
- 2. What are your lake’s characteristics?
- 3. A Blue Jewel
- 4. Catchment Basin with Development Site Sub-watershed Watershed River basin (or sub-basin)
- 5. Water Movement Hydrologic Cycle
- 8. Pond Ecology Zones of a Typical Pond
- 9. Habitat and the Food Web
- 11. Lake Types Seepage Groundwater Drainage/Spring Lakes Drainage Impoundments Oxbow Sandpit
- 12. Sandpit Lakes Manmade Water Source Predominantly Groundwater Minimal Runoff Nearby rivers or streams
- 13. Seepage Lake Natural Lake Water Source Groundwater Precipitation Limited Runoff No Stream Outlet/Inlet http://www.wisconsinlakes.org/index.php/the-science-of- lakes/21-lake-types
- 14. Natural Lake Water Source Groundwater Precipitation Limited Runoff Has Stream Outlet http://www.wisconsinlakes.org/index.php/the-science-of-lakes/21-lake-types Groundwater Drainage Lake
- 15. Drainage Lake Natural Lake Water Source Streams Groundwater Precipitation Runoff Has Stream Outlet http://www.wisconsinlakes.org/index.php/the-science-of-lakes/21-lake-types
- 16. o Manmade o Created by damming a stream o Water Source o Streams o Groundwater o Precipitation o Runoff o Has Stream Outlet http://www.wisconsinlakes.org/index.php/the-science-of-lakes/21-lake-types Impoundment
- 17. Oxbow Lake
- 19. Origin of Lakes So you have a question???
- 20. What are your lake’s characteristics? Water Sources Water Budget/ Water Cycle? Pond Ecology (plants, fish, sediment…)? Lake Measurements? Intended Use?
- 21. Pond Measurements Careful estimates of pond area and volume are critical measurements for management of aquatic plants and algae. Area Transects GPS units Google Earth Volume – Area X depth = acre feet
- 22. Lake Depth Deep Lakes Stratification Shallow Lakes Continuous Cycling
- 23. Lake Oxygen - Summer
- 24. Lake Turnover
- 28. Components of Fisheries Management Fish Habitat People
- 29. Determine Primary Uses of Lake What are your Goals ? General fishing opportunities Trophy fish Maximize harvest Catch and release Other Lake Uses Powerboating / skiing Hunting Wildlife viewing
- 30. What’s In Your Lake? Angling reports Visual observation Sampling with gear Private consultants NGPC
- 31. Fish Stocking – New Lake Choose game fish species that naturally reproduce / recruit in small lakes Eliminates need for annual stocking Recommended stocking combination Largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie
- 32. Fish Stocking – New Lake Another option Smallmouth bass – Primary predator Redear sunfish or rock bass – panfish species
- 33. Channel Catfish Typically do not reproduce successfully in sandpits Stock 10 inch catfish in sandpits with established bass populations Stock 30 to 50 fish per acre Stock every two to three years
- 34. Other Species Walleye Wipers Northern Pike Yellow Perch Rainbow Trout Grass Carp
- 35. Problematic Fish Species Common Carp Gizzard Shad Carpsucker / Buffalo Bullheads Green Sunfish White Perch Asian Carp (Silver, Bighead, Grass)
- 36. Managing Unwanted Species Prevention Predator stockings Largemouth bass, northern pike, wipers, walleye Removal Angling, archery, seining, shocking Chemical renovation (rotenone)
- 37. Sandpit Construction Most sandpits are mined for the sand and gravel Very deep (greater than 20 feet) Steep sides and sandy shorelines and substrate Sterile environment Typically not fish friendly
- 38. Sandpit Construction In a perfect situation….. Lake would have variable depths 25% of basin would be approximately 15 - 20 feet 25% of basin would be less than 6 feet 50% of lake would be 8 to 12 feet Lake would have irregular shorelines Bank sloping would vary from 3:1 to 6:1 Protected from flooding
- 39. Intensive Fish Management Fish Feeders Aeration Habitat improvement Single species lakes Hybrid / Triploid stocking Wipers, green sunfish x bluegill, crappie
- 40. Aeration Water circulation systems (destratify - oxygenate) Keep diffuser up off the bottom (pedestal or suspend) Start early spring – avoid winter / waterfowl Do not start up late spring or summer – fish kill likely
- 41. Sandpit Habitat Enhancements Submerged Structure Provides substrate for fish food (invertebrates), fish cover/spawning areas, and concentrates fish for improved fishing success Brush, rock, PVC, etc Placement depth Fishing Powerboating and swimming hazards 404 Permit Coordination Army Corps of Engineers 402-896-0723
- 42. Management Strategies No Harvest Restrictions Balanced Population Manage for a variety of fish sizes Large bass option Large panfish option
- 44. Technical Assistance Contact your area NGPC Fisheries Biologist or Private Waters Specialist (Jeff Blaser 402-471-5435) UNL Extension Agents Nebraska Department Environmental Quality Private Consulting Firms Internet Sources PondBoss.com
- 45. Questions
- 47. Water Quality • Water Clarity • Bacteria • Contaminants • Algae • Fish Kills
- 48. Water Quality • Water Clarity Excessive phytoplankton Decomposing organic matter Rough fish
- 49. Bacteria • Escherichia coli (E. coli) • Sources • Waste products of any warm-blooded animal • Septic systems • Waterfowl • Livestock waste runoff • Health Concerns • Gastroenteritis • Dysentery • Hepatitis • Cholera • Typhoid Fever
- 50. Contaminants • Pesticides • Atrazine • Acetochlor • Metolachlor • Nutrients • Nitrogen • Phosphorus • Metals • Lead • Mercury • Calcium • Magnesium • Aluminum • Arsenic • Copper • Iron • Numerous others
- 51. Contaminants Metals • Lead • Lead shot • Fishing weights • Industrial waste • Naturally occurring • Mercury • Coal fired power plants • Health effects (Methylmercury) • Deteriorates central nervous system • Impairs hearing, speech, vision and gate • Bioaccumulation • Aluminum • Common treatment for eutrophic lakes • Possible health concerns with elevated levels of Al. • Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, Alzheimer's • Mobilization of Al due to low pH can become toxic to fish
- 52. • Nitrogen • Sources • Rain • Runoff – Residential and Agricultural lands • Fertilizer • Animal Waste • Waterfowl • Septic Systems and Sewage Treatment Facilities • Illegal Dumping • Ammonia • Phosphorus • Sources • Runoff – Residential and Agricultural lands • Fertilizer • Soil Erosion • Detergents • Septic Systems Contaminants Nutrients
- 54. Aquatic Vegetation Important Component of Aquatic Environment Provides food, nesting, nursery, cover Oxygenates water Stabilizes shoreline and bottom sediment Can be a problem (over 50% pond surface affected) Fishing becomes difficult Upsets balance between bass and bluegill Excessive plant die-off's affect dissolved oxygen End of growing season Cloudy weather/muddy water decreases sunlight Decomposition depletes oxygen – fish kills
- 55. www.aquaplant.tamu.edu Floating Emergent Submerged Algae Page 62 of Pond Guide www.illinoiswildflowers.info Aquatic Vegetation www.lakerestoration. com
- 58. Aquatic Vegetation Submerged Illinoiswildflowers.info Coontail American Pondweed Aquaplants.tamu.edu Water Lily Aquaplant.tamu.edu
- 59. Aquatic Vegetation Invasive/Noxious Purple Loosestrife Marbleheadconservancy.org Curly-leaf Pondweed Neinvasives.comEurasianWatermilfoil Neinvasives.com
- 60. Aquatic Vegetation Invasive/Noxious • State Noxious Weeds • Saltcedar • Phragmites • Purple Loosestrife • Invasive in Nebraska – • Status Unknown • Parrot Feather • Hydrilla • Water Hyacinth
- 61. Aquatic Vegetation (cont.) Preventive Measures Adequate water depth Slope at waterline 2:1 to 3:1 Land use practices, buffer strips, restrict livestock access/waste Reduces excessive nutrients in water and sediment Use fertilizers with no or low phosphorus Control Measures Physical or mechanical removal Discard plants away from pond (also fragments) Removal reduces associated nutrients
- 62. Aquatic Vegetation (cont.) Chemical Control Spot treatment (shoreline areas, create fishing/boating lanes) If large area, only do 1/3 to 1/4, wait 2 weeks Many are restricted use – certification required Read and follow directions on label, treat before excessive Biological Control (grass carp) Not a cure all – prefer certain plants, inefficient, long lived Limited control of algae, duckweed, coontail, pond lily, milfoil Overstocked, eliminate beneficial plants, algae blooms result
- 63. Aquatic Vegetation Algae • Algae • Filamentous • Planktonic • Blue-Green Algae
- 64. Aquatic Vegetation Algae • Elevated Nutrients • Eutrophication • Extensive macrophytic growth • Algal blooms • Blue Green Algae • Toxin producing • Microcystins • Anatoxin-a • BMAA • DABA
- 65. Aquatic Vegetation Algae • Health Effects • Microcystin • Humans • Liver Damage • Skin irritant • Pets and Livestock • Ingestion is likely fatal • BMAA & DABA • Suspected Effects • ALS • Parkinson's Disease • Alzheimer’s Disease • Nervous System • Anatoxin – a • Suspected Effects • Nervous System
- 66. Algae Aquatic Vegetation Algae • Prevention • Reduce the amount of nutrients entering the lake • No phosphorus fertilizer • Eliminate waterfowl • Harass do not harm • Check with USFWS, UNL extension, NGPC • Eliminate livestock access and any associated runoff - Pick up pet waste • Construct berms and natural grass barriers • Inspect septic system
- 67. Aquatic Vegetation Algae Prevention Biological Controls (Bio-manipulation) Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTW) Riparian Vegetation Physical Controls Aeration Mechanical Circulation Hypolimnetic Oxygenation Chemical Controls Alum, ferric salts, clay (Coagulation and Flocculation) Barley Straw
- 68. Aquatic Vegetation Algae Control Physical Controls Aeration Hydrologic manipulations Mechanical mixing (circulation) Reservoir drawdown/dessication Surface skimming Ultrasound Chemical Controls Algaecides Barley straw Coagulation Flocculation Hypolimnetic oxygenation Biological Controls (Biomanipulation) Floating artificial wetlands Increasing grazing pressure Increasing resource competition
- 69. Aquatic Vegetation Algae • Aquatic Herbicides • Use sparingly!! • Treat 1/4 to 1/3 of the problem at a time • Copper Sulfate • Chelated – Cutrine- Plus • Alum • Lake Sediment Dredging
- 70. Nuisance Animals
- 71. Questions
- 73. Nebraska’s Most Unwanted Aquatic Invasive Species Rock Snot: Freshwater algae that attaches to stable underwater surfaces and can form large ‘blooms’ Asian Carp: Silver, Big Head, Black and Grass- compete with native & game fishes White Perch: Outcompete native fishes for food Chinese Mysterysnail: Compete with native mollusk and fish species. Clog intake pipes Zebra & Quagga Mussels: Filter feed large amounts of plankton. Clog intake & outtake pipes. Rusty Crayfish: Eats and damages stands of aquatic plants reducing food and habitat for invertebrates and fish.
- 75. BiologyBiology • Freshwater bivalve mollusksFreshwater bivalve mollusks • Highly variable color patternsHighly variable color patterns • Triangular (Zebra)Triangular (Zebra) • Rounded (Quagga)Rounded (Quagga) • Live 4 – 5 yearsLive 4 – 5 years • Settled adults and juveniles canSettled adults and juveniles can survive up tosurvive up to 30 days out of30 days out of waterwater • Veligers will remain viable forVeligers will remain viable for up toup to 27 days in standing water.27 days in standing water. Zebra musselsZebra mussels Quagga MusselsQuagga Mussels Zebra and Quagga Mussels
- 76. Zebra and Quagga Mussels BiologyBiology • Extremely ProlificExtremely Prolific • Reproduce exponentially - can spawn year round ifReproduce exponentially - can spawn year round if conditions are favorable.conditions are favorable. • AA single female mussel can produce up tosingle female mussel can produce up to 1 mil eggs/yr!1 mil eggs/yr! • Byssal ThreadsByssal Threads • Attach to hard and semi-soft substrateAttach to hard and semi-soft substrate • Clog infrastructure and water distributionClog infrastructure and water distribution • Smother benthic organismsSmother benthic organisms • Foul watercraft equipmentFoul watercraft equipment
- 77. Zebra and Quagga Mussels BiologyBiology • Filter FeedersFilter Feeders • 1 adult can filter up to1 adult can filter up to 1 liter of1 liter of water a daywater a day • Remove plankton from water,Remove plankton from water, base of food chainbase of food chain • Degrade water quality – tasteDegrade water quality – taste and odorand odor
- 78. Zebra and Quagga Mussels SpreadSpread • Native to EurasiaNative to Eurasia • First discovered in Great Lakes-1988First discovered in Great Lakes-1988 • West of 100West of 100thth Meridian in 2007Meridian in 2007 • Spread rapidlySpread rapidly • Downstream in waterDownstream in water • Overland in waterOverland in water • Attached to boatsAttached to boats
- 79. Zebra & Quagga Mussel Effects
- 80. Zebra Mussels are Good at Hiding Veligers up to 30 days in engine water Zebra Mussel Veligers (Larvae)
- 81. February 2017 Zebra & Quagga Range Map
- 83. Cortland, NE Golf Course’s Irrigation Intake
- 84. 2016 Zebra Mussel2016 Zebra Mussel Finds on MO RiverFinds on MO River boat launchesboat launches The entire length of MO River in Nebraska is considered infested with zebra mussels
- 85. Dispose of bait on land, not in the water. Help prevent invasive fish and diseases from being released. Remove mud, plants, animals Wipe all water from boat Bone dry for 5 days. Vinegar-soak equipment for 20 mins. 140 power wash decon. Pull plug to drain live wells & bilge. Use towel to dry compartments
- 87. Property values were reduced by up to 16% from aquatic invasive plant infestations
- 88. AIS Watercraft Inspections & Outreach will have 7 Techs this year
- 89. Allison Zach Phone: (402) 472-3133 Email: Azach3@unl.edu Visit: Neinvasives.com
Editor's Notes
- Hi folks, my name is Katie Pekarek, Lakes are blue jewels that add diversity to the landscape. Lakes can provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and for these reasons, shoreline lots are prized as home sites. But lakes are also fragile. Increasing use of a lake and its shorelines can strain the ecosystem. The major problems include algae blooms, nuisance weeds, siltation, winterkill of fish, loss of attractive wooded shorelines, and conflicts among lake users. To avoid or reduce these problems, lakes and their watersheds must be managed and that is why you are all here today. Before we dive in, I would like to introduce you to my two very knowledgable colleagues. In fact, if you have any hard questions, we can direct them to these two! We have Mike Archer with the Nebrask Department of Environmental Quality and Jeff Blaser, with the Nebraska Game and Parks. Both of these gentleman have a background relating to biology and lake ecology.
- A lake ecosystem is a community of interacting animals, plants and microorganisms and the physical and chemical environment in which they live. A complex interdependence has evolved among the organisms that comprise the lake community. It is not possible to disturb one part of the ecosystem without affecting other parts. A road, a housing development, a drainage project, a forest fire, acid rain or another change in the watershed can alter the delicate balance of the lake ecosystem.
- A lake ecosystem is a community of interacting animals, plants and microorganisms and the physical and chemical environment in which they live. A complex interdependence has evolved among the organisms that comprise the lake community. It is not possible to disturb one part of the ecosystem without affecting other parts. A road, a housing development, a drainage project, a forest fire, acid rain or another change in the watershed can alter the delicate balance of the lake ecosystem.
- about three-fourths of the precipitation that falls reenters the atmosphere by transpiration from plants and evaporation from the earthís surface. In flat or sandy areas, most of the remaining water enters the groundwater and moves underground toward lakes and rivers. Many lakes are intersections of water table and land surface Water that runs off the surface also enters rivers and lakes. Spring-fed lakes are fed primarily by groundwater and drainage lakes are fed primarily by surface runoff Lake levels vary from season to season and yearto year. Precipitation is the principal cause of lake-level fluctuation. If rainfall decreases, the lake levels fall. If rainfall increases, lake levels eventually rise. However, the lag between precipitation and lake-level change varies from days to years depending on the lake. Dams can be used to modify some of these fluctuations, but varying lake levels are a normal characteristic of the natural system
- An ecosystem with a great diversity of life forms and habitats is stable. A lake that has extensive marshes around it, shallow areas near shore (littoral zone), and deep open water is more stable than a lake without this diversity. However, even diverse lake ecosystems change from season to season and from year to year. Short-term events like a single algae bloom do not necessarily signal a long-term problem. On the other hand, changes in land use in the watershed may not immediately manifest themselves in the lake. It may take a decade or more before the effects of new agricultural practices or urbanization result in weed problems or fish kills.
- Lake managers measure inflow and outflow to determine a lake’s water budget. As shown in the formula, a water budget consists of many elements.
- Rooted plants are a normal and essential part of a healthy ecosystem. They are limited by hosphorus and the depth to which the sunlight can penetrate the water. If more phosphorus is added, or if sedimentation makes the lake shallower, these plants can spread and become a nuisance to recreation and to the winter survival of the fish when the rotting plants use oxygen
- The food web begins with green plants. With the help of sunlight and chlorophyll (as a catalyst), plants convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen gas. We all know this as photosynthesis. The food web transfers these ingredients and energy from organism to organism. Plants are eaten by animals and animals are eaten by each other. The oxygen produced during photosynthesis is vital to animals for breathing. Oxygen is also needed by bacteria and fungi that decay plant and animal matter. Decomposition is a needed phase in the cycle of life. Through decomposition, nutrients are recycled for continued plant growth. Among plants, the controlling factor is usually phosphorusóa plant nutrient. The available phosphorus may be used by microscopic plants (algae). Addition of more phosphorus from sewage treatment plants, urban and farmland runoff and septic tanks is likely to increase the intensity of algae blooms and n balance the food web
- Lakes can be classified in a number of ways. They may be classified by how they were formed, such as by a glacier retreating, volcanic erruption, or man made lakes. They may also be classified by how often the water turns over. But we are going to talk about lakes today by where their source of water comes from. Water can enter lakes from a variety of sources including groundwater, runoff from the watershed, surface waters (like streams and rivers) flowing into the lake, and direct precipitation into the lake. Water leaves lakes through groundwater or surface water flow and evaporation.Lakes can be classified into five main lake types based on how water enters and exits the lake. For some lakes, all or most of their water enters the lake through one source (such as groundwater), other lakes may receive water through several sources. The source of a lake’s water supply is very important in determining its water quality and in choosing management practices to protect that quality. If precipitation is the major water source, the lake
- One of the most common types of lakes in Nebraska is a sandpit lake. These lakes are created as a result of the mining of sand and gravel for use in other projects. When the sand and gravel is mined below the water table of the groundwater, it creates a sandpit lake. The water for these lakes is mainly groundwater. There is very little watershed runoff, except during a flood event and even then it is usually just immediate shoreline area with a limited amount of surrounding land. Nearby rivers or streams also influence the water level, even when not flooded. This is because the connection between the river and groundwater level is strong, thus making the connection with the lake strong as well.
- These lakes do not have an inlet or an outlet, and only occasionally overflow. As landlocked water bodies, the principal source of water is precipitation or runoff, potentially supplemented by groundwater from the immediate drainage area. Since seepage lakes commonly reflect groundwater levels and rainfall patterns, water levels may fluctuate seasonally.
- These lakes have no inlet, but do have an outlet. The primary source of water for spring lakes is groundwater flowing into the bottom of the lake from inside and outside the immediate surface drainage area. Spring lakes are the headwaters of many streams and are a fairly common type of lake in northern Wisconsin.
- These lakes have no inlet, but like spring lakes, have a continuously flowing outlet. Drained lakes are not groundwater-fed. Their primary source of water is from precipitation and direct drainage from the surrounding land.Frequently, the water levels in drained lakes will fluctuate depending on the supply of water. Under severe conditions, the outlets from drained lakes may become intermittent. Drained lakes are the least common lake type found in Wisconsin.
- During the summer, water in a shallow lake is kept thoroughly mixed by the wind, unless the lake is small and protected from the wind. Water in deep lakes stratifies into thermal layers. Cool water is heavy and stays in the lake bottom in a layer called the hypolimnion. The warm water stays on top in the epilimnion. A narrow band of transition from cold to warm water is called the thermocline. During summer months, little mixing occurs between layers. Water in the epilimnion is in contact with the air, and has plenty of oxygen. However, if plant matter or sewage is decaying on the lake bottom, the oxygen in the hypolimnion may be depleted. Fish that require cool water with high oxygen levels can no longer survive.
- During the spring and fall the temperature between the layers of water disappear. These turnover periods allow the entire lake to be reoxygenated and fish may inhabit the deeper waters.
- Oxygen gas is a common substance dissolved in lake water. It is absorbed from the atmosphere and is produced by aquatic plants. It is essential for an living creatures and plants to have access to oxygen. However, in winter the oxygen in the atmosphere is sealed off from the lake by ice, and a snow blanket on the ice may prevent sunlight from reaching the plants. Without light, the plants die. Then instead of the plants producing oxygen, their decomposition consumes oxygen. The combination of these two factors often causes winterkill in shallow lakes which are not replenished by inflowing water.
- This session will talk about fishery management techniques to maintain and improve fish populations in sandpits. Emphasis will be placed on stocking strategies, sandpit construction, habitat improvement, management strategies and regulations.
- Fisheries management is a process of planning and actions to manipulate fish populations. Fisheries management involves more than just fish. There are three components of fisheries management, including fish, habitat, and people. All three of these components interact to achieve the final goals and objectives. Manipulating one component almost always has an impact on the other two. Fish managers often joke that managing the human aspect is usually the most difficult portion of their job. But it is very important to consider the human aspect when making management decisions. If any of you belong to a sandpit lake association, it will be imperative that you get input from your all members before making decisions regarding your lake.
- Before you can implement a management strategy for your water body, you need to determine where you want to end up. It is important to determine management goals and objectives. You also need to consider the other uses that might be occurring on that waterbody and how it might impact your management strategies. If you are the sole owner of a lake, it might be an easy decision to determine goals for your lake, but if there are multiple owners or homeowners using that lake, the process can become much more difficult. This is when it is extremely important to consider the human component when managing the lake.
- Before you can start making management decisions, you need to do an inventory of your lake to know what you currently have. If you are fortunate enough to be starting with a newly constructed lake, this process should be fairly easy. A lake with an existing fishery will require more effort to determine what lurks below the surface. Several methods can be used. Angling – definitely the most fun way to assess a fish population. Go Fish. Invite other people to come fish. Keep detailed records of what species you catch, approximate sizes, and make observations of the fishes body condition. This data can be invaluable for making future decisions. Visual observation -- A lot of sandpits have very clear water, so grab yourself a pair of polarized sunglasses and take a boat ride or stroll around the lake and document what species you see. This normally works best during the spring and summer when fish are in shallow. Sampling Gear – Finally you can either hire a private consultant or work with NGPC to have professionals sample your lake with traditional fish sampling gear, such as nets and electroshocking boats. NGPC does private lake sampling on a limited basis as staff time permits. Normally the data collected with this gear will correlate with angling records, so we often recommend fishing to collect the data before using this type of sampling gear.
- Lets jump into fish stocking strategies , as stocking is often one of the primary tools used in fish management. New lakes allow for fish managers to be creative with stocking different species, but it is important to consider the options that have been proven to work. It is also important to choose species that will naturally reproduce and recruit on their own. Typically these fish will only need to be stocked one time. This makes managing the lake easier and more economical. One proven combination of game fish species to stock is largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie. Bass serve as the top predator, while the bluegill and crappie serve as prey for the bass and provide good angling opportunities. In new lakes, these fish can be stocked as 2 to 3 inch fingerlings. If you choose to introduce these species into an established lake, you need to consider an advanced size fingerling to increase their chances of survival. NGPC will provide largemouth bass and bluegill fingerlings free of charge for stocking in nearly constructed lakes or lakes that have had the fish population recently renovated.
- Another stocking option that has proven to work well in a couple of public sandpits, is stocking smallmouth bass as the top predator and introducing either rock bass or redear sunfish as the panfish species. Smallmouth bass are not as aggressive as largemouth bass when controlling pan fish, so it is important to only introduce one panfish species. Do not introduce bluegill, as they are too prolific. Redear and rock bass don’t produce quite as many offspring each year, so they have been good choices. Redear can grow to 11 to 12 inches when properly managed. It is also important to not introduce largemouth bass into this stocking combination, as they will soon outcompete the smallmouth and will dominate the population.
- Channel catfish are one of the most sought after fish in Nebraska and they will do very well in sandpit lakes. Due to the lack of suitable spawning habitat and predation by largemouth bass, channel catfish typically do not successfully reproduce and recruit in sandpits. They will need to be periodically stocked to maintain a fishable population. It is important to stock 9 to 10 inch catfish in lakes with established bass populations to reduce predation and increase stocking survival. NGPC typically stocks its public waters at a rate of 30 to 50 fish per acre on alternate years. Stocking rate and frequency on private waters will depend on your management goals and harvest rates.
- Questions always come up on what other species are suitable to be stocked in sandpit lakes. Here are the positive and negatives on these species. Walleye, wipers, and northern pike are all top predators that will survive in sandpits, but do not typically naturally reproduce. They will need to be periodically stocked to maintain a fishable population. These fish need to be stocked at advanced sizes (8-10 inches) to improve stocking survival. They tend to be best suited for lakes that have high densities of gizzard shad or small pan fish. They can also be used to control rough fish species such as small carp, etc. It can be tough to find a source of these fish and they can be expensive to purchase. Yellow perch can do fairly well in sandpits. Once established they will generally maintain a fishable population without restocking. They are best suited to vegetated lakes and are susceptible to bass predation, or over population if adequate predators are not present. They typically do not grow as well in sandpits as they do in Sandhill lakes. Rainbow trout need water temps below 70 to survive. They can be used as a put and take fall winter fishery. Summer survival can occur in some of the newer, deeper lakes. Important to monitor temperature profiles before making too large of an investment in trout. Grass carp are used to control aquatic vegetation. I generally do not recommend them for lakes unless the vegetation is an extreme problem. They are very effective at removing all vegetation. They are long lived and take up a lot of biomass. Fairly expensive to stock, must stock at 10 to 12 inches to ensure survival. Need to be triploid.
- Unfortunately, many sandpits are located next to large rivers and are susceptible to unwanted species gaining entry from flooding. It should be noted that lakes have a certain carrying capacity and they will only support so many pounds of fish per acre. So, if your lake has a high abundance of rough fish, it will contain fewer pounds of gamefish. Many of these unwanted species will have negative impacts on water quality, habitat, and provide competition with the game fish. Also, many of the unwanted species are not susceptible to angling, so they provide little sportfishing opportunities. Therefore it is important to prevent or control unwanted species in your lake. Gizzard shad are probably the most problematic of these species. They cause water quality, habitat, and competition issues. Common carp, carpsucker, and buffalo can be manageable in low abundance, but cause problems in high abundance. They can tie up over half the total biomass of fish in a lake. Bullheads and green sunfish don’t generally cause too many problems in sandpit if suitable predators such as largemouth bass are present. White perch are primarily a problem in eastern Nebraska, but have been documented in lakes around Kearney. They are easily mistaken for white bass and can cause major issues in sandpits. The exotic Asian carp species are working their way west up the Platte and Loup river systems and cause many of the same issues as common carp.
- The best way to keep unwanted species out of your lake is through prevention. The most common way fish enter is through flood events, so it is imperative that your sandpit is properly diked. Make sure there are no other inlet or outlet connections that fish can pass through. The other main source of unwanted species contamination is from humans. Whether it be from a bait bucket or illicit stocking, lake owners need to be sure that what gets stocked is something they want. Once a fish species becomes established, the only way to completely remove them is to physically drain the lake or treat it with a piscicide. Controlling unwanted species is best done with a multiple method approach. Maintaining a high density of predators will help to reduce the recruitment of small rough fish, but will have no impact on larger fish in the population. Removal of the larger fish through angling or archery can be beneficial. These large fish can also be removed with electroshocking or commercial gear, as long as the proper permits are received. Since sandpits are nearly impossible to drain, the only sure method of removal of rough fish is by applying rotenone, which is a registered fish toxicant. This is costly and must be done by certified chemical applicators and with approval by NGPC. The chemical is non-selective and will kill all fish in the lake. Recent research has investigated low dose rotenone application, which has shown some promise in eliminating susceptible species like gizzard shad, without killing all the other fish species. The lower dose results in much less chemical being used, thus also reducing the overall cost.
- Most people do not get to design their own finished sandpit lake. The majority of sandpits in Nebraska were created by the mining of sand and gravel. Very little thought is generally given to creating fish habitat during the mining process. Most pumped sandpits are often very deep, typically very steep sided, and have only small areas of shallow water suitable for fish habitat. The sandy substrate is also sterile, which inhibits vegetation growth. All in all, new sandpits are not typically very fish friendly.
- In a perfect world, a newly constructed sandpit would have variable depths and wouldn’t have much water greater than 20 feet. There would be large areas of shallow water that would grow vegetation for fish habitat and spawning areas. The remainder of the lake would have an irregular bottom with depths ranging from 8 to 12 feet. Irregular shaped shorelines would add variability to available fish habitat, as would varying bank slopes. Most importantly, the lake would be protected from the start from flooding and the introduction of unwanted fish species. Additional information regarding construction of a new sandpit can be found in the pond management book and Managing Sandpits for Better Fishing handout.
- Depending on how much effort and money you want to put into your waterbody, there are many “intensive” methods out there that can help improve your fishery. Some that you might consider are. Feeding – automatic feeders and specially formulated foods have advanced in recent years. Many species respond to pellets, but catfish, bluegill, and trout like it best. You can improve growth rates and concentrate fish around your dock. Aeration – aeration can reduce fish kill problems and increases available fish habitat in sandpits that stratify during the summer months. Aeration can be expensive to install and maintain. Habitat improvement – can be as simple as installing artificial attractors or as expensive as re-shaping shorelines, adding rock, or creating spawning areas. Intensively managing for a single species can beneficial, especially small lakes. Channel catfish, hybrid sunfish and wipers are all easily converted to artificial feed and can provide good single species fisheries. Some pond owners have also experimented with stocking only one sex of fish to eliminate reproduction and improve growth rates.
- Aeration units are very effective for eliminating stratification by mixing the water in a lake. They normally involve an electric motor and compressor on shore which pumps air via an airline to a diffuser located on the bottom of the of lake. The size of the compressors and numbers of diffusers will depend on the size of your lake. It is important to properly size the system to meet the requirements of your lake. Depending on your objectives, it is normally only imperative to run the system during the spring, summer and early fall months. Winter operation is discouraged, as open water increases waterfowl use and causes a safety concern. It is also important to not turn the system on for the first time if the lake is already stratified, as fish kills will likely occur when the buildup of deadly gases on the bottom mix with the top layer of water. There are several reputable companies specializing in aeration systems and I would recommend anyone interested in installing one to contact them for design and consultation. Depending on how they are designed, fountains can provide limited aeration and mixing, but are typically used more for ornamental purposes.
- Fish habitat includes many things. Examples are clean water, aquatic vegetation, suitable spawning habitat, woody structure, rock piles, etc. The most common habitat enhancements that people make are the addition of fish attractors. Common items typically used include cedar trees or other woody debris that are weighted and sunk in strategic locations. PVC structures, both commercially or homemade are also commonly used. These type of structures typically do not increase fish abundance, but instead concentrate them and improve fishing success. Proper placement is key. First and foremost, you want to make sure that they do not cause boating or swimming hazards. Structures can be placed in shallow water to provide spawning areas or in deep water to provide winter habitat. A 404 permit is often required, so it is important to contact either your local NGPC office or the Corps of Engineers. Other habitat improvements might include creating suitable spawning sites by adding suitable sized gravel or rock, planting or removing vegetation, creation of shallow water habitat in sandpits where it is lacking, etc. Many enhancements will involve the use of heavy equipment and can be fairly expensive.
- It can be difficult to maintain a perfectly balanced lake, but with proper management practices, your lake can provide good fishing opportunities for a long time. Once you have an established fish population, there are several angling strategies you can use to reach your desired goals. Due to time constraints, I will refer you to the Nebraska Pond Management book for more detailed information on each of the different strategies. You can manage your lake liberally and harvest everything you catch or you can be strict and require everything to be caught and released. But in reality, it is normally best to work somewhere in the middle to create a balanced fishery. Protect most of the fish, but harvest a certain percentage of the population each year. But, if you want a lake with big bass, it might require you to sacrifice the quality of your pan fish population and to decrease the abundance of small bass so you can grow a few big lunkers. On the other hand, if big bluegill or crappie are what you are after, you will need a high population of small bass to control pan fish abundance and chances are that you will not have many big bass in your lake. The choice is ultimately up to the individuals managing the lake.
- Regulations are one of the primary methods that fish managers use to manipulate the human component of fisheries management. Most common regulations involve length limits and bag limits, but in some cases there are actually special fishing seasons. What your management goals and objectives are will dictate the type of regulations that you implement on your. If private waters in Nebraska have been stocked with public fish (either intentionally or from a flood event), then all of the same rules that apply to Statewide public waters apply to the private lake. This also includes the need of a fishing permit. If a lake owner can prove (with receipt) that all fish in the lake have been privately purchased, then state fishing regulations do not apply. People transporting fish from that lake will need a receipt from the lake owner in case they are stopped by a conservation officer. Pond managers can be more restrictive than the State’s rules, but enforcement will be the responsibility of the lake owner. It is generally recommended that lake owners be restrictive on the harvest of bass, as they are easily overharvested in small water bodies. Additional information regarding regulations can be obtained by contacting your local conservation officer.
- There are many sources of information when help is needed to manage your lake. Do not hesitate to contact your local NGPC district biologist for assistance. NGPC also has a dedicated staff member, Jeff Blaser, who works primarily on private waters. Other readily available people would be staff from UNL Extension and DEQ, both of which specialize in water quality issues. There are also several private consulting firms doing business in Nebraska that specialize in lake management. These firms are popular with the larger lake associations and they offer complete lake sampling, stocking, vegetation control, etc. Finally, there are many internet sources that provide a wealth of information. One good site is Pond Boss, they publish a magazine and have a great online forum.
- [Pass around mussel displays] The species that pose the greatest threat to Wyoming’s water resources are the zebra mussel and it’s cousin the quagga mussel. Both are freshwater, bivalve mollusks meaning they have a hinged shell. They are highly variable in color patterns, but tend to get the name “zebra” and “quagga” from the striped pattern often present on their shells. In general, zebra mussels tend to be more triangular and quagga mussels tend to be more rounded-if you set a zebra mussel on a table it would stand up while a quagga would topple over. Most individuals live 4 to 5 years. Of particular importance to us when conducting watercraft inspections, is the fact that adults and juveniles attached to a substrate can live for up to 30 days out of water in humid, cool temperatures; and veligers, the larval form of mussels, can live up to 27 days in water on a boat or equipment.
- One characteristic that makes invasive mussels so problematic is that they are extremely prolific. They are broadcast spawners and reproduce exponentially. They can spawn year round if conditions are favorable, which is evident by the large infestations in places like Lake Mead, NV. A single female mussel can produce up to 1 million eggs a year through multiple spawnings. Another characteristic that allows them to easily spread to new waters is the presence of byssal threads which allows them to attach to hard or semi-soft substrate. They will attach to almost anything-rock, glass, brick, plastic-you name it! No other freshwater mussel in Wyoming attaches to hard substrate-so if you see a mussel attached in a Wyoming water-it spells trouble and needs to be reported. The ability to attach means that mussels are great at clogging infrastructure in power plants or municipal water distribution systems, and in irrigation canals and sprinklers. They will also attach to and smother benthic organisms like other mussels and crayfish. Of importance to boaters is the damage they cause to boats by fouling the exterior surface of boats and clogging motors when the microscopic veligers get sucked into motors with the water and then stay there, growing to adult size and clogging the water intakes on engines.
- Lastly, zebra and quagga mussels are filter feeders meaning they suction out tiny plankton from the water column. A single mussel can filter up to 1 liter of water a day. By doing this, they remove the plankton from the water column and cut off the base of the aquatic food chain. When there is no plankton left, there is nothing left for smaller fish to eat, which means less food for larger fish used for recreation or sustenance. By filtering large amounts of water, mussels can also affect the taste and odor of drinking water which is a problem for city water supplies.
- Invasive mussels are native to the Black and Caspian Seas of Eurasia. They were first discovered in the United States in the Great Lakes in the late 1980’s. It is thought they were brought there unintentionally in the ballast tanks of large ocean ships transporting goods from Eurasia to the U.S. For many years they were considered a problem of the Great Lakes and waters downstream, but in 2007 they were discovered west of the 100th Meridian in Lake Mead. Around that time, many western states enacted watercraft inspection programs to prevent their spread to more western waters. Mussels primarily infect new waters in three ways-the larval veligers spread downstream naturally through drift, veligers are moved in water contained in boats and other equipment and moved to a new water, and the juveniles and adults use those byssal threads to attached to boats, travel thousands of miles, and then drop off in a new water.