Annual fisheries surveys take place on Lewis and Clark Lake to monitor trends in fish populations.  Electrofishing, gill netting, hoop netting, and seining are used to collect information that helps biologists monitor trends in numbers and sizes of fish of each species.  Angler surveys are conducted during some years to gather information on angler use and harvest.  These long-term trends in fish population status and angler use are used by biologists to make management decisions and determine regulations. 

With the information gathered from these surveys, predictions can be made about fishing on Lewis and Clark Lake in 2009.

Key Issues in 2009 for Lewis and Clark Lake

• Sedimentation is the most influential process occurring on Lewis and Clark Lake.  Large amounts of sediment are deposited by the Niobrara River which contributes to the growing delta area near Springfield.  As the physical characteristics of Lewis and Clark Lake change over time, anglers will need to adjust their fishing strategies.
• Annual netting surveys indicate that walleye abundance has been increasing and many are in the 15 to 22 inch range.
• The Lewis and Clark Lake sauger population continues to boast an excellent size structure with 40% of the sauger sampled during fall gill netting above 15 inches in length.
• Channel catfish numbers are down from 2007 but remain near the 5 year average and size structure remains excellent.
• Angling success is annually affected by the number of gizzard shad present.  During years with good numbers of gizzard shad throughout the summer/fall seasons, angling success can decline due to the amount of food present.