By Lake Iola Lake District

I got a report from Jason Breeggemann today on the electrofishing results from yesterday. This is what he wrote:

“We were able to complete our electrofishing survey last night. Results of the survey last night showed Iola Lake has healthy bluegill and bass populations. We caught good numbers of 6-8 inch bluegills with a couple in the 8.5 – 9 inch range and some bass in the 17 – 18 inch range. Overall, the fishery in Iola has recovered nicely and is looking good.”

I also asked Jason about his opinion on how harvesting impacts our fishery, since harvesting has been happening on Lake Iola for many years now. This is what he wrote,

“In lakes like Iola that are shallow and have aquatic vegetation throughout much of the lake, cutting some lanes can be beneficial to the fishery as well as allow for easier navigation and recreation. The lanes allow predator fish such as largemouth bass and northern pike to forage more efficiently and effectively by allowing them to sit along the edges of the lanes and ambush prey that are swimming in the open lanes. This not only helps predators grow faster, but it can also help keep panfish from becoming too overabundant and stunting due to too much competition for resources. The aquatic plants do also provide habitat for the fish, so we typically recommend cutting lanes to provide habitat as well as forage areas for the predators along the edges. I worked with Ted to develop the most recent cutting plans, and I think these plans allow for plenty of edges for predators as well as provides good vegetation throughout the lake for habitat.”