Fishery Census 2005

1
Fishery Census 2005
Carter Lake, Iowa

• Chris J. Larson
• Fisheries Biologist
• Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources
• 57744 Lewis Rd
• Lewis IA 51544
• [phone] Fax [phone]
• chris.larson_at_dnr.state.ia.us gt

2
Overall the panfish population at Carter Lake is
in fair shape. Bluegills and crappies are
plentiful, including a good percentage of the
fish at angler acceptable sizes. Largemouth bass
and walleye were not sampled frequently, however
the ones that were sampled were large and in good
body condition. Channel catfish populations
appear to be O.K. with some fish sampled during
the most recent survey being over five pounds in
weight. On the down side is an ever present carp
and bullhead populations. Carp stir bottom
sediments as they feed leading to poor water
quality, which generally harms more desirable
game fish populations. Bullheads are very
numerous and small. These small bullheads in
large numbers will compete for limited food
resources available to other fishes.
Improvements that will benefit the fishery at
Carter Lake are listed below, with the most
important listed first. 1. Improve water
quality. a. Watershed improvement techniques
(reduce stormwater run-off lawn
fertilizer) b. Water quality education c.
Lake deepening (dredging) d. Expand no-wake
zones e. Commercial fish removal (harvest) of
common carp and bigmouth buffalo 2. Habitat
improvement a. Shoreline protection
(develop/protect near shore vegetation or rock
rip-rap) b. Removal of soft sediments
(dredging) c. In-lake contour changes (rock
reefs, drop-offs, channels) d. Small rock
spawning beds 3. Improved angler access a.
Jetty construction b. Fishing piers
3
There appears to be a good population of white
crappies with some large fish.
4
We did not sample very many small bass, which is
a concern, but the fish appeared to be in good
body condition. Poor water quality is probably
hampering largemouth bass survival.
5
There are at least four different sizes of
channel catfish, which is good. We annually stock
6,000 seven inch catfish in Carter Lake. I have
had discussions with Nebraska Game Parks this
fall and we have tentatively agreed to split
catfish stockings on an annual basis starting in
2006.
6
Carter Lake has a very good bluegill population
with good sizes available to anglers.
7
There appears to be a good population of black
crappies with numerous fish at the size that
anglers like to harvest.