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 2008.

Key Issues in 2008 for Lewis and Clark Lake

• Habitats in Lewis and Clark Lake are continuously changing due to reservoir ageing (Niobrara Delta).  Anglers will need to adjust their fishing strategies as habitat changes.
• Numbers of 15 inch and larger walleye will remain similar to 2007 with smaller (<15 inch) walleye more numerous in 2008 due to higher production in 2007.
• The Lewis and Clark Lake sauger population continues to boast an excellent size structure with 45% of the sauger sampled during fall gill netting above 15 inches.
• Channel catfish numbers and size structure are both 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. 

 

Lewis and Clark Lake

Click on links for information on each fish species Walleye Catfish Largemouth and Smallmouth bass