Fisheries biologists with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources plan an intensive study of Lake Gogebic in the western Upper Peninsula this spring. The study is part of a statewide program designed by the DNR's Fisheries Division to study the larger bodies of inland water to determine presence of fish species and other information pertaining to fish populations.

As part of this effort, the DNR will host a public information meeting to talk about the study at 6:30 p.m. Central Time Thursday, March 31, at the Gogebic Lake Lodge on M-64 in Merriweather.

The goal of the meeting is to provide information to the public and answer any questions pertaining to the fisheries survey.

"As soon as the ice goes out on Lake Gogebic, I anticipate that our survey crews will begin the survey operation," said District Fisheries Biologist George Madison in Baraga. "Our crews will be placing a number of nets at various locations around the lake and pulling them to conduct counts of species caught."

The main objective of the project is to estimate population size, annual sport harvest, growth rates, population age structure and movement dynamics of walleye and northern pike. In addition, DNR survey crews will collect information on other species present.

"We are also seeking the support of the public throughout the coming fishing season by reporting catches and other related information to our creel clerks working on the lake," Madison added. He said that the information collected by creel clerks is essential for making accurate estimates of angler harvest on important lakes like Lake Gogebic.

For more information, contact Madison at the DNR's Baraga Operations Service Center at 906-353-6651.