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Date Completed: __3/14/05__________ Biologist: __Brokaw_____________________________Name of Water: ____Cathance Lake___________________________________ Fishery Region: _C_ Town: __Cooper, etc._______________________________ County:___Washington______________________ Source of LLS Stock
(indicate source with an X):
Introduced_Wild ___ Stocked __X_ Mix (stocked + wild) ___ Smelt [Indicate predator/prey (LLS/SLT) ratio re growth & condition of LLS by placing an X opposite the appropriate category]: Excellent: _X_ Sufficient: ___ Poor: ___ Other forage (indicate species & importance):__stickleback- minor importance, juvenile anadromous alewives-minor_importance_________________________________________ Competition (List significant competitors (use 3-letter spp code) in appropriate blank based on importance. Place an X opposite None if no significant competitors are present: High: ___________________________ Moderate: _SRA(with SLT) _____________________ Low: _____SMB_____________________ None: ___ Predation : (List significant predators (use 3-letter spp code) in appropriate blank based on importance. Place an X opposite None if no significant predators are present): High: ___________________________ Moderate: ________________________ Low: ______SMB_______________________ None: ___ Habitat Considerations:(describe pertinent habitat pluses, deficiencies, etc.) This clear water lake provides excellent habitat with a good volume of cool, well-oxygenated water during the summer months. Although much of the western basin provides suitable summer habitat, such habitat is limited in the eastern basin. Other Considerations:(historical significant population/fishery, genetically important population, social/traditional, etc.)..Cathance Lake has long been one of the most popular salmon waters in the Downeast region. Each year, the spring ice-out fishery attracts some non-resident as well as southern/central Maine anglers. Both open water and winter use is light-moderate, affording a good opportunity to manage for larger salmon. Back in the 50’s and 60’s, wild brook trout comprised a much higher proportion of the salmonid catch compared to the last 20 years. The trout fishery substantially declined in the aftermath of an illegal introduction of smallmouth bass along with adverse conditions in the tributaries due to the preponderance of hot, dry summers. As would be expected, salmon have tolerated the competition from bass much better than trout. The 1999 open water fishery was the best for large salmon in many, many years….”THE BEST EVER” according to one veteran who had fished the lake for nearly 50 years. Numerous 3-4 pounders were caught, along with a few 5 pounders. Based on a good catch of salmon last fall in our trap-nets when we sampled 61fish, 8(13%) of which exceeded 3-lbs, I expected a very good winter fishery. Inexplicably, the winter fishery has been the WORST in many years with very few fish being caught. Many anglers who are accustomed to catching several salmon a day have caught nothing day after day. Stocking rate was reduced to 925 in 2003 in response to a sharp decline in salmon growth. That stocking rate equals 0.32 SY’s/acre, and while low, it should have produced a reasonably good fishery for 17-19 inch age III fish this winter. However, it failed to do so. Some anglers take advantage of the extended October season, and enjoy catching and releasing some good size salmon. Current Regulations (list applicable regulations): IF= No size or bag limit on bass except that only one may exceed 14 inches. Daily bag limit on brook trout: 2 fish; minimum length limit: 10 inches, only 1 may exceed 12 inches. OW= Same as winter + From April 1-October 31, no size or bag limit on bass except that only one may exceed 14 inches. From Oct. 1-31: artificial lures only; all fish caught except for bass must be released alive at once. Proposed Regulations: For Maintaining Existing Good LLS Size Quality (list needs): For Moderate Improvement in LLS Size Quality (list needs): Daily bag limit on salmon: 2 fish, only 1 may exceed 18 inches. This modified slot limit will allow anglers to harvest two young, small-medium size fish, but only one larger one, thereby potentially increasing escapement to older ages. It has worked well at two Region F waters, East Grand Lake and West Lake. For Significant Improvement in LLS Size Quality (list needs): For Best Possible Outcome, re LLS Size Quality (list needs): Identify Individuals/Group(s)to Contact for Input and/or Support: Cathance Lake Association, Washington County Fish and Game Conservation Club, Calais Rod and Gun Club, Princeton Rod and Gun Club, Machias Valley Sportsman Club, Pleasant River Fish and Game Association, owner of Cathance Lake store, and numerous individual anglers. Action Plan: Use the next page to: 1. Identify and prioritize up to 5 management strategies. 2. Among these strategies identify those you feel most need to be worked on now, etc. and 3. Identify how SAM_FIC can help in implementation. ACTION PLAN i)Stock 750 marked salmon this spring, followed by about the same number in 2006 and 2007. ii)The proposed modified slot limit regulation has been submitted as part of the region’s 2005 regulation packet. Attempt to implement it for the 2006 ice fishing season. iii) Conduct public informational meetings to present /discuss the proposal with anglers. Contact clubs, individual anglers, etc. by mail informing them of the initiative. iv) Hold a formal public hearing in August/September to gauge the degree of support for the initiative. v) contimue to trap-net annually in October to monitor salmon age, growth, condition, etc. vi) consider scheduling aerial angler count surveys in 2007 and 2008 to monitor angler use. Solicit assistance from local SAM members to help in numbers iii and iv above. Seek their help in publicizing this initiative through articles in the SAM newsletter, monthly sporting journals, radio interviews, etc. Seek assistance from local volunteers in insuring that all campowners are contacted and made aware of the initiative. |
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