DNR Seeks Comments on Lake and Stream Management Plans in the Grand Marais Area
November 20, 2008
Every year, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) prepares or revises individual fisheries lake and stream management plans for several waters in each management area and seeks public comment on the plans.
In the Grand Marais area, plans for the following lakes and streams will revised through
March 2009:
- Axe - managed for walleye
- Bingshick (BWCAW) - stocked with brook trout, reviewing stocking strategy
- Caribou (near Clearwater; BWCAW) - reviewing walleye management options
- Carrot - stocked with brook trout, reviewing stocking strategies
- Christine - potential for panfish management
- Kemo - stocked with lake trout, reviewing stocking strategy
- Lima - stocked with brook trout, reviewing stocking strategy
- Logger - many small northern pike
- Marsh - a flowage on the Temperance River
- McDonald - walleye and northern pike fisheries
- Moses - little potential for game fish
- Mush - some potential for trout management
- Road - has been stocked with walleye, unsuccessfully
- Swamp River Reservoir - large numbers of small northern pike
- Trout - stocked with rainbow trout, and a natural lake trout lake.
Management plans describe the past, present, and desired future conditions of the waters. The plans identify specific management activities planned for that lake or stream in the next five to 20 years.
In addition to the lakes listed above, many BWCAW lakes plans are being revised solely to update survey and assessment scheduling. Those lakes are: Banadad, Bat, Blue Snow, Cam, Canoe, Caribou (near Poplar Lake), Carl, Echo, Fern, Gaskin, Honker, Howard, Jake, Jasper, Karl, Kingfisher, Kiskadinna, Little Trout, Middle Cone, Morgan, North Cone, Peter, Ray, Rose, Smoke, Snipe, South Cone, and Zephyr lakes.
The Grand Marais Fisheries office will also review stocking strategies on all stream trout lakes in the area. The intent of this review is to improve management efficiency and lower management costs, while maintaining historic levels of stream trout fishing opportunity and quality. Stocking strategies on several lakes may be modified, and some less effective stocking may be discontinued. Any feedback or suggestions for management of stream trout lakes in the area would be greatly appreciated.
Current plans for lakes in the area, and recent fish population assessment information, are available for review at the DNR Fisheries office at 1356 Hwy 61 E, Grand Marais. People may visit the office, call 218-387-3056, or e-mail steve [dot] persons [at] dnr [dot] state [dot] mn [dot] us
to discuss any of these plans with fisheries staff. Grand Marais office hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Public comment on management of BWCAW lakes will be taken through Dec. 15. Comments on all other lakes will be taken through March 1. Suggestions for management of any of the other lakes and streams in the Grand Marais area are welcome at any time, and will be considered when those plans are due for review.
Related posts
Michigan Weekly Recreational Fishing Report - 11/20/2008
November 20, 2008
Great Lakes temperature mapAngler numbers continue to drop around the state as many pursue the open hunting seasons or kick back and wait for the onset of ice fishing season. Walleye and pike continue to feed around the state and the whitefish action improves daily.
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Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Shore anglers continue to catch walleye and perch off Stony Point, Metro Park and Pt. Mouillee. Try jigs or perch rigs with minnows.
Huron River - Water levels are up and steelhead are being caught between Rockwood and Flat Rock. Most are using a jig and wax worm above the dam and spawn or crank baits below. The backwaters are still providing some decent crappie and bluegill action.
Detroit River - Shore anglers are catching perch in the cuts and canals and off the docks at Gibraltar and around the southern tip of Grosse Ile. Most are using shiners. Walleye can still be found off the Edison Power Plant and around the islands.
Clinton River - As more steelhead move into the river, one of the better spots to fish is up around Ryan Road. Try spawn, flies or even small spoons.
St. Clair River - Shore anglers fishing off the wall up at Port Huron were taking some steelhead. For whitefish, try a single egg on a small hook during the day or at night try jigging small spoons off the wall.
Lexington - Steelhead and perch are still being caught however the fish are running on the small side.
Saginaw Bay - Both the perch and walleye anglers are heading out when the weather permits. Perch anglers are fishing off Linwood, near the shipping channel and the first Spark Plug.
Saginaw River - Perch anglers using minnows in the lower river have caught some fish. Those willing to sort out the small ones should get enough for a meal.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Pier anglers are taking steelhead when using spawn or spoons. Orange and pink have been good colors. Whitefish are also being caught. The best bait is a single egg on a hook.
St. Joe River - Both shore and boat anglers have caught steelhead up near the Berrien Springs Dam. A few walleye are still being caught at night when fishing below the dams.
Kalamazoo River - Steelhead are being caught from the mouth up to the Allegan Dam however the better bite continues to be in the lower river. Those trolling are using plugs and shore anglers are floating spawn.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Boat and shore anglers are taking steelhead when bouncing spawn bags, floating small white jigs tipped with a few wax worms or when using an orange Mepps spinner. Boats trolling planer boards above the Fulton Street Bridge have caught steelhead and walleye on blue and chrome Hot-n-Tots with a red bill. Those handlining off the Fulton Street Bridge are using chartreuse Hot-n-Tots while others are back trolling with spawn. Crappie and other panfish have been caught in the lagoon at Riverside Park and off the East Wall.
Grand River at Lansing - No anglers means no report. No word on steelhead but there should be some walleye over at Moore’s Park. Pike anglers might want to try above or below the dams.
Muskegon - Pier anglers floating spawn are taking steelhead. Whitefish are in the channel and those fishing after dark have done well when jigging spoons off the wall.
Muskegon Lake - Perch are being caught in the deeper holes on both the north and the south ends of the lake. Good walleye action at night.
Muskegon River - Water levels are low so the better steelhead fishing has been in the lower river. Most are using spawn or crank baits.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Alpena - This is the peak for whitefish in Lake Huron. For those who have not put their boats away for the winter, large numbers of whitefish are on the reefs in Thunder Bay, particularly off the end of Partridge Point and on the Grass Island reefs. Most are being caught on wax worms, spawn, or small minnows however the whitefish have now added the round goby to their diets so small lures can also catch fish. Catch rates should only get better through the first week of December. Most fish are in the 3-4 pound range but the occasional 6-8 pound fish has been caught.
Thunder Bay River - Look for steelhead and whitefish below the Ninth Street Dam.
Au Sable River - Look for more steelhead between the mouth and the dams. Anglers report fair to good catch rates just below the Foote Dam when using spawn or wax worms. The mouth is usually one of the hot spots for whitefish. Try a single egg or wax worm.
Tawas - The best spot here for whitefish is off the pier. Try using wax worms, spawn, small minnows or small lures that resemble the goby as they have become part of the diet. Catch rates should be good through the next two weeks or so.
Au Gres River - Those fishing the East Branch have caught steelhead and the occasional brown trout near the Singing Bridge. The better fishing takes place on those windy overcast days.
Higgins Lake - A few boats are trolling for brown trout between the Conference Center and the boat launch on the north side of the lake and along the drop-off on the west side. Try using body baits, rapalas or spoons.
Houghton Lake - A couple anglers are still heading out for walleye in the evening but most have moved on to fishing Saginaw Bay. Shoreline ice has started to form.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Burt Lake - Not many, but a few anglers are still targeting and catching walleye in the early morning or late evening in waters about 8 feet deep. Perch are also there, but scattered.
Traverse City - Boats will target whitefish in waters 100 to 120 feet deep. Try Swedish Pimples or perch rigs with minnows just off the bottom. Perch anglers are fishing the bottom half of waters 45 to 65 feet deep.
Boardman River - Water levels are low so steelhead anglers are fishing right at the mouth. Most are floating spawn in the early morning or late evening.
Portage Lake - Although not too many people are doing it, trolling for walleye can be very good this time of year as the adult walleyes typically feed aggressively.
Manistee - Pier and surf anglers continue to do well on steelhead.
Manistee Lake - Is another good lake for late fall early winter walleye fishing. Try trolling along the drop-offs or the humps especially after dark.
Manistee River - Decent numbers of steelhead are being caught in the lower river. There are a few fish further upstream but the low clear waters have made it difficult to catch them.
Ludington - Pier and shore anglers are finding fish as they seem to be congregating in the deeper waters. They are floating fresh spawn or wax worms under a bobber.
Pere Marquette River - Steelhead are being caught in the lower stretches of the river where water levels are higher. Spawn has been the best bait.
Menominee River - Water levels are low enough that rocks can easily be seen sticking out of the water. A few walleye have been caught up near the Hattie Street Bridge. Rumor has it some whitefish have been caught after dark when using yarn or a single egg. Green and chartreuse have been good colors however it is always a good idea to take along a variety of colors.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye anglers are still taking fish in the shallows at night. Most are jigging with minnows. A few boats are still out trolling around the Second and Center Reefs. The better perch fishing continues to be off Kipling when trolling or drifting minnows in waters 10 to 15 feet deep.
Marquette - Those fishing off the breakwall in the Lower Harbor are still taking whitefish and the occasional lake trout. The ore docks in the Upper Harbor also provide good open water fishing before the ice starts to move in.
Related posts
Michigan Weekly Recreational Fishing Report - 11/13/2008
November 13, 2008
Many anglers have now turned their attention to hunting so the reports will start to drop off until ice starts to form. Late fall and early winter is prime time for hungry walleye and spawning whitefish. Cold rain will bring on the better steelhead and brown trout fishing.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Shore anglers are taking walleye and perch off the seawall at the field office at Pt. Mouillee. Perch are also being caught off the Metro Park boat launch.
Huron River - Some steelhead are showing up and those fishing up near Flat Rock have caught fish. Look for the steelhead action to pick up if we get some much needed rain and as we move further into the month of November. Anglers are using spawn, Hot-n-Tots, Mepps spinners, Cleo’s or a jig and wax worm.
Detroit River - Perch fishing has been good off Gibraltar when fishing the canals. Anglers are using shiners with perch rigs in 4 to 8 feet of water. Work the weed beds. Walleye action was good for those handlining at night from the Edison Power Plant down the Horse Island. Chartreuse has been a hot color. Walleye were also caught during the day when using a jig and a minnow down around Celeron Island.
Clinton River - Steelhead are in the river but not in big numbers yet.
St. Clair River - Shore anglers up near Port Huron are catching some steelhead and the occasional whitefish. Walleye fishing in the same area has dropped.
Lexington - Has lots of small perch being caught in the harbor. Those willing to sort will find some decent sizes. A few small steelhead are being caught on crawlers and the occasional chinook salmon was also been caught. These must be younger fish as this year’s salmon run has been done for sometime.
Port Sanilac - Has the same mix of fish as Lexington, but not much fishing pressure. Anglers here have also caught a few brown trout.
Kawkawlin River - Had lots of angler activity, more than likely for perch.
Saginaw River - Perch anglers may want to start trying the lower river and the marina basins from now until freeze-up, as this can be the best time to fish for perch.
Quanicassee River - For perch, hit the lower river here and the around the marinas while fishing with minnows.
Sebewaing River - Look for fair to good perch fishing in the lower river.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Pier anglers have caught steelhead. A few whitefish have also been caught just off the bottom when using a single egg on a hook.
St. Joe River - A few more steelhead have started to show up in the lower river. Fair to good walleye action continues below the dam at Niles and Buchanan.
South Haven - Steelhead are there for the taking. Most are now pier fishing or surfcasting.
Saugatuck - Pier anglers have managed to catch the occasional steelhead.
Kalamazoo River - Steelhead are being caught from the mouth up to the Allegan Dam however the better bite seems to be down near the mouth.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Limits of steelhead have been caught in the center run and at the dam. Those throwing plugs off the bridges have also caught fish. The walleye action has slowed however those using bucktail jigs or drifting crawler harnesses with small blades have managed to catch a couple fish. Crappie can be found in the lagoon at Riverside Park when fishing around the brush piles.
Grand River at Lansing - Still no word on steelhead making it up this far. Try the waters over at Moore’s Park for walleye.
Looking Glass River - Is a good bet for pike action this time of year.
Reeds Lake - Perch and crappie were still hitting but the pike action has slowed.
Muskegon - Pier anglers and those surfcasting are taking some steelhead.
Muskegon River - Steelhead are in the river with the better action in the lower river.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Alpena - Anglers are reminded that the middle of November is the best time to catch whitefish in Lake Huron as the fish start to move in close to shore for spawning. Best places to fish are over the rocky areas, in and around the marinas and off the walls. Use small baits with light line as the fish have a small delicate mouth.
Thunder Bay River - Steelhead are being caught from the mouth up to the Ninth Street Dam. Anglers are drifting spawn, crawlers or small spoons. Walleye are hitting after dark.
Van Etten Lake - A couple anglers are still taking a few perch. Target the waters straight out from the YMCA Camp.
Oscoda - Anglers fishing off the end of the pier have caught steelhead, whitefish and walleye. Catch rates were sporadic.
Au Sable River - Look for more steelhead below the dams especially after the rain.
Tawas - The pike action has slowed however walleye are still hitting after dark. Whitefish action should only pick up as we move further into November. Try a small jig or a plain gold hook with a single egg or wax worm.
Higgins Lake - Only a couple boats are still going out for perch and there has been no brown trout action to speak of.
Houghton Lake - As the walleye target minnows and move in closer to shore, anglers will want to target shallow waters with a jig and a minnow, floating rapalas or small crank baits.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Traverse City - The gales of November have kept the boat anglers on shore. When the winds let up, look for improved whitefish action in waters up to 120 feet deep. Keep with the Swedish Pimples or perch rigs with minnows just off the bottom. Anglers are reminded that lake trout season in the Bay is closed and will not reopen until January 1st, 2009.
Boardman River - Rain is still needed to push more steelhead into the river. A few fish were caught in the early morning or late evening when drifting spawn. Lake trout are also being caught in the river.
Frankfort - Steelhead are being caught off the piers when using fresh spawn. Those surfcasting with spawn or small spoons are also taking fish.
Betsie River - Anglers here are focusing on steelhead but catch rates were still on the slow side. With water levels low and clear, the fish are spooked easily. Try drifting spawn through the deeper holes.
Manistee - Both the pier anglers and those surfcasting have caught fair to good numbers of steelhead. It is just a matter of being there on the right day.
Manistee River - Steelhead fishing is the main game right now. Some fish are being caught however the water is low and clear so most anglers are concentrating on the lower and middle stretches.
Ludington - Pier and shore anglers here are taking some steelhead. They are floating fresh spawn or casting small spoons.
Pere Marquette River - Has low water levels so try fishing the lower stretches.
Lac Vieux Desert - Boat anglers slow trolling or drifting with sucker rigs have caught some nice muskie. Some are also using jerk baits however the sucker rigs seem to catch more fish.
Smokey Lake - In western Iron County is still producing some good muskie action and live sucker rigs have caught the most fish.
Lake Michigamme - Hearty anglers are still taking muskie on sucker rigs.
Paint Pond - Good numbers of nice muskie are being caught here as well.
Menominee River - Cooler wet weather will help to bring more steelhead into the river and increase the brown trout bite.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye action has picked up at night because of the good water clarity. Fish were caught in 7 feet of water east of the Black Bottom when jigging with minnows. Those trolling stick baits or jigging minnows in 6 to 17 feet of water out near the Second and the Center Reefs caught fish. Those trolling crank baits during the day only caught a few along the reefs near Kipling. Several nice perch including jumbos were also caught when drifting or trolling natural baits in 10 to 15 feet of water near Kipling. Walleye catch rates should only get better in the next few weeks.
Marquette - A few small whitefish and some lake trout are still being caught off the lower harbor breakwall.
Related posts
Michigan Weekly Fishing Report - 11/6/2008
November 6, 2008
This is one of the best times of the year to fish for those that do not like crowds. Fishing starts to take a back seat to hunting, so the lakes, rivers, piers, docks, shoreline and more start to open up and still offer good fishing opportunities.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Even though the waters have been a bit cloudy, boat anglers have managed to catch a few perch on minnows when fishing out near the turn-around buoy. Bass are still hitting and a few walleye were caught here and there.
Huron River - Steelhead have been caught from the mouth up to the Flat Rock Dam even though water levels are a bit low. Additional rain should push more steelhead into the river. Warmer weather turned up the panfish bite. Bluegills were hitting on wax worms and crappie on minnows.
Detroit River - Perch are still being caught between the mouth and Sugar Island.
Lake St. Clair - Perch are being caught in shallow waters when jigging minnows or trolling perch rigs. Muskie fishing continues to be very good with some very big fish caught. Try trolling near the mouth of the channels as the fish hang out here just waiting for a meal.
Lexington - A few trout and salmon have been caught. Steelhead are hitting on small spoons, crawlers and spawn. The better perch fishing was here but anglers will need to sort out the small ones. Most are using minnows taken right at the harbor.
Port Sanilac - Salmon and trout are being caught here as well. The smaller steelhead are hitting on small spoons such as Cleo’s. Perch are being caught but not in the same numbers as Lexington.
Port Austin - Windy conditions slowed fishing activity. A few perch were caught off the north wall.
Saginaw Bay - There has been perch activity around the shipping channel. Boats were also seen between Spoils Island and the first Spark Plug.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Steelhead have been caught off the piers when floating spawn just off the bottom or when casting small spoons such as Cleo’s.
St. Joe River - Water flows are well above normal for this time of year and the river should provide decent steelhead fishing. Moderate numbers of fish were moving through the fish ladder at Berrien Springs. Fisheries staff conducted an electro-fishing survey near the Jasper Dairy Boat launch which is downstream of Berrien Springs and that turned up about 30 steelhead and a couple salmon. Walleye fishing has been very good at night below the Buchanan Dam and the Niles Dam.
South Haven - Pier anglers are catching steelhead in the early morning or late evening.
Kalamazoo River - Steelhead are being caught from the mouth up to the Allegan Dam. With the warmer temperatures, fish the deeper holes.
Grand Haven - Pier anglers are taking steelhead especially off the north pier. The better fishing has been early or late when using spawn or small spoons.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Good numbers of steelhead are still being caught at the Sixth Street Dam. Try using small spawn bags or a white jig with a wax worm and fish the deeper holes. Walleye fishing has been good in the early morning or late evening when drifting crawlers or small crank baits. Bucktail jigs are still taking fish off the bridges. Bluegill and crappie action continues to be good throughout the river.
Grand River at Lansing - Steelhead are being caught downriver with some of the best fishing in this area taking place on Prairie Creek in Ionia. Anglers here will want to tap into the excellent walleye and pike fishing. It seems the warm weather has these fish on a fall feeding frenzy.
Reeds Lake - Warm temperatures have the bluegills and the crappie hitting on wax worms and minnows.
Muskegon - Some boats are still out trolling for steelhead. Those surfcasting and the pier anglers are taking fish in the early morning and evening.
Muskegon River - Both shore and boat anglers reported a fair number of salmon still in the river however it is safe to say these fish are beyond ripe. Steelhead are in the river however warm temperatures have slowed the bite.
Norhtern Lower Peninsula
Rogers City - Anglers are still seeing brown trout however the bite has been slow. Try trolling or casting spoons and body baits. The fish should start to become more aggressive in the next week or two.
Thunder Bay River - Steelhead are in the river but the bite was slow. Target the deeper holes until we get some rain. Walleye have been caught at night.
Harrisville - Walleye have been caught in and around the harbor when trolling a crawler harness or body baits at night.
Van Etten Lake - Was producing some good perch action until it warmed up.
Au Sable River - Water levels are holding steady and rain in the forecast should push more fish into the river. Steelhead are being caught below the dams on a single hook and fresh spawn. Some are also using a jig and wax worm. Those trolling rapalas caught some nice walleye.
Tawas - Whitefish have been caught off the East Tawas Dock. Pier anglers are still catching some perch but not like a week ago. Pike and walleye have been caught in the early morning or evening.
Au Gres - Shore anglers are still catching steelhead in the surf off Whitney Drain. The better fishing has been early morning or late evening because of the weather.
Au Gres River - A few perch were caught on minnows down near the mouth. Anglers will have to sort out the small ones.
Higgins Lake - Windy conditions have kept boats off the lake.
Houghton Lake - Very few pike and walleye have been caught when casting stick baits along the shallows at night. It is still a bit early for this fishery.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Traverse City - When boats can get out, anglers have found limited success for whitefish in the East Bay. Try Swedish Pimples or perch rigs with perch minnows just off the bottom in 70 to 120 feet of water.
Boardman River - Rain is needed to push more steelhead into the river. A few fish were caught up near the Union Street Dam in the early morning or late evening.
Lake Leelanau - Light numbers of perch have been caught on minnows.
Big Glen Lake - Perch are being caught however anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Crystal Lake - Is producing some small perch.
Betsie River - Steelhead are in the river but not in big numbers. The fall runs are triggered by rain and this area of state has not seen much of that. Anglers are hoping to see more fish on the move by this weekend.
Manistee - Those surfcasting off the beach have caught steelhead when using fresh spawn. Pier anglers are also taking fish when using fresh spawn or when casting spoons. Orange has been a hot color.
Manistee River - Has fair steelhead action. Rain by the weekend should help push more fish into the lower stretches. Look for the occasional brown trout in the deeper holes below Tippy Dam.
Ludington - Pier and shore anglers are catching some steelhead on fresh spawn.
Pere Marquette River - Warm weather slowed the steelhead movement. After we get some rain, try spawn under a bobber, a jig and wax worm or small spoons.
Keweenaw Bay - Coho and the occasional steelhead have been caught off the pier in L’Anse. Anglers are taking some coho at the head of the Bay between Baraga and L’Anse. In Traverse Bay, nice lake trout were caught around Buffalo Reef.
Fall’s River - Coho and the occasional steelhead have been caught.
Big Traverse River - Coho and steelhead have been caught on an orange bladed #5 Mepps spinner.
Smokey Lake - In western Iron County is producing some good muskie action. Live sucker rigs seem to work best.
Lake Michigamme - Continues to produce very good muskie action. Boat anglers say live sucker rigs caught the most fish however some are also using jerk baits.
Paint Pond - Good numbers of nice muskie are being caught here as well.
Menominee River - A good number of anglers are trying for steelhead and brown trout. Try bright yarn and a hook, spawn or small spoons. Salmon are still in the river but they are dark and close to the end of their life cycle. Bass fishing has been good.
Cedar River - A few boats are still going out off the mouth after dark. Upstream, anglers have only caught a few smallmouth bass.
Little Bay De Noc - Water temperatures have dropped to the mid 40’s. Most anglers have stayed in the upper parts of the Bay from the “Narrows” north to Garth Point. Catch rates were spotty in 10 to 25 feet of water along the reefs when trolling crank baits or crawlers. A few fish were caught from Hunters Point north the Vagabond Resort. Those trolling stick baits at night took fish in about 12 feet of water just off the Second Reef. It appears the fall migration into the Bay has been delayed possibly because of warmer than normal water temperatures. Several nice perch were caught over the last week when jigging minnows in 8 to 25 feet of water near the First Reef. Those jigging minnows and crawlers in 25 feet of water near the Gladstone Beach also caught fish. The next couple of weeks should prove to be good ones as water temperatures drop.
Marquette - Pretty much the only fishing over the last week has been off the lower harbor breakwall. Anglers are fishing the very end of it for lake trout and the middle for whitefish. Catch rates for whitefish were good however the fish were small.
Manistique River - The salmon run is over however a few walleye were caught.
St. Mary’s River - Perch were still being caught on minnows and the smallmouth bass fishing was good around the islands. Steelhead and coho have been caught with the better action in the early morning or evening. Those slow trolling with body baits have caught atlantic salmon.
De Tour - Pike are still hitting in the bays and around the points.
Related posts
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Builds Mass Marking Program for Great Lakes Trout and Salmon
October 31, 2008
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Midwest Region this October received the first of a series of automated fish tagging trailers - an initial step in the development of a mass marking program that will eventually mark or tag all salmon and trout stocked into U.S. waters of the Great Lakes. Once implemented, this initiative will become the largest coordinated tagging and recovery program ever envisioned for Great Lakes management agencies.
A similar coordinated program is planned by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in Canadian waters of the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes program is modeled after a 20-year mass marking program for salmon in the Pacific Northwest.
The centerpiece of this new approach to mass marking is the computer-operated, automated tagging and marking trailer known as the AutoFish System. The system provides an alternative to manual clipping and tagging of fish ready for release to the wild. The AutoFish System is a self-contained mobile unit in a 44-foot aluminum fifth wheel trailer. The system has the capability to rapidly sort by length, clip the adipose fin, and insert coded-wire tags to more than 60,000 salmon and trout per eight-hour day without anesthetic or human handling. The fish are never completely dewatered during the process, thereby reducing stress. Fin clipping rates and tag placement accuracy is superior to that of manual operations and less costly than manual clipping and tagging systems.
The Service is leading this program at the request of state and tribal fishery agencies in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York through the Council of Lake Committees of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The Service’s Green Bay National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (NFWCO) will provide overall coordination of Basin-wide tagging and marking for 21 state hatcheries, four Service hatcheries and one tribal hatchery that stock salmon and trout. Green Bay NFWCO will also assist partner agencies with project planning, data collection, statistical analysis and laboratory services to extract and read the coded-wire tags from harvested fish.
The estimated cost to implement the mass marking program over a five year period will be around $12 million for equipment and $6 million per year for operational costs. Congress awarded the Service $1.2 million this year to begin the project.
For years the Service has fin-clipped (marked) and/or coded-wire-tagged all of the lake trout stocked into the Great Lakes for the restoration of this species. Recovery of the tagged and marked lake trout helps the Service, state and tribal fisheries agencies evaluate the performance and movement of these fish. Tagging also allows for evaluation of the survival and growth between strains, stocking locations, and sizes at stocking. With the new mass marking initiative, continued evaluation of hatchery fish is now being extended to other salmon and trout species raised by the states and tribes in U.S. waters.
Coded-wire tags are thin pieces of metal wire that are inserted into the snout of fish just prior to