|
|
Institute For Fisheries Research, University
Museums |
|
|
University of
Michigan |
| Date: |
November 23,
1942 |
|
|
Report Number
160a |
|
Title: |
A Second Fisheries Survey of Hamlin Lake, Mason
County |
|
Authors: |
C. J. D. Brown and Hugo Kilpela |
|
Introduction |
|
Location and Drainage |
HamHn Lake is located in the extreme west
central part of Mason County, within a mile or
two of Lake Michigan. I ts more specific
location is as follows: T. 19 N., R. 17 W., Secs.
5, 6, 7; T. 19 N.,
R. 18 W., Secs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16,
17., 20, 21., 22, 27, 28, 33; T. 20 N., R. 17
W., Sec. 32. The lake is about 5 miles
north of Ludington and may be reached by several
excellent roads including the new state highway
M. 116. |
|
|
Hamlin Lake is within the Sable River drainage
and receives all tributaries to that stream. The
main Sable River enters the lake at the tip of
the easternmost arm and leaves from the
southwest to travel less than 2 miles where it
enters Lake Michigan.
|
|
Acknowledgements |
The map used in the present survey was made by
the original survey party led by R. W. Eschmeyer
in 1932 and although this map is inaccurate with
respect to contours and bottom types, it has
been possible to use it until a more accurate
map can be prepared. Data taken on fish
collections (Institute Report 160) made by the
original survey party are also to be used in
this report for comparison purposes. The recent
survey*was carried out between June 26 and July
14., 1942. The personnel of the survey party
included: Hugo Kilpela. leader; R. D.
Van Deusen, Pat Galvin and Stanley Lievense.
assistants.
|
|
|
Mr. Gwinn.,
superintendent of the Ludington State Park.,
supplied tba survey party with information on
operation of the dam at the outlet and Mr. J.
Barnhart allowed the party camping privileges
and furnished some equipment while the party was
working the eastern portion of the lake.C.C... |
|
|
Creel census
data on this lake were taken by the C.C.C. and
Institute report No. 661 prepared by O. H. Clark
includes the Hamlin Lake Summaries. |
| Past and Present
Use |
Hamlin Lake and
the Sable River were used extensively in
lumbering operations. It was during this
prriod that the original dam was built and the
size of the lake increased. A considerable
portion of the lake east of the narrows and most
of the Bayous were formed at this time. |
|
|
The lake has
maintained a good fishing reputation even from
early times. Today there is mixed opinion
on the subject. Several "old timers" have
given the usual "isn't what it used to be"
statememt of present fishing conditions. T he
fact remains however that the lake is still one
of the most productive bodies of' water in the
state. Fishing operations by the survey
party showed large numbers of legal fish of many
species. Any decline noted by fishermen
could easily be explained on the basis of
changing fishing pressure which has increased
severel hundred percent in the past 20 years. |
|
|
There is
extensive resort and cottage development on
practically all parts of the shore where
conditions are at all suitable. There were at
least 300 cottages, 5 hotels, 15 resorts and 13
boat liveries at the time of the survey (July
14, 1942). Further development is limited
due to the marshy, stumpy ground or
inaccessibility of the shore. Practically
the entire lake east of Barnhart's to the inlet
of Sable River is completely weed choked and
inaccessible by boat except a narrow channel.
It has been necessary to keep boat paths open by
regular cutting operations with an underwater
mowing machine. This weed choked condition
also occurs in some of the bayous of the main
lake to the south. |
|
|
The public has
access at two points on the upper lake. One is a
U. S. Forest Service Camp site located near the
inlet of the Sable River (T 20 N., R. 17 w.,
Sec. 32). This is at the terminus of a
road which crosses the Sable River near its
mouth. The other is Victory Park (T. 19
N., R. 17 W., Sec. 6) located on the south shore
of the east arm. |
|
|
The large state
park (Ludington State Park) situated on the
northwest side of the main lake offers the best
of camping facilities, picnic areas, etc.,
typical of the state park system. |
|
Physical Characteristics |
| Geological
Origins |
Very little
information is available on the geological
origin and history of Hamlin Lake. It has been
completely ignored in past geological works on
Michigan lakes. There is little doubt that the
lake's original basin was formed by glacial
action and that subsequent changes have altered
greatly the original conditions. The location of
the lake in almost pure sandy lake deposits
makes its shore line on the west constantly
subject to change because of the encroachment of
wind blown sand.
|
| Shape of the
Basin and Extent of Drainage |
The basin ot
Hamlin Lake is very irregular in outline.
The lake proper is composed of two main parts; a
south arm whose long axis extends in a
north-south direction and an east arm with its
long axis in an east-west direction. These
two arms form a right angle the apex of which,
known locally as the Narrows, points to the
northwest. Many bayous and bays, some of
considerable size, are scattered around the lake
margin. |
|
|
The drainage of
the Sable River and Hamlin Lake includes
approximately 275 square miles in the coastal
region of eastern Lake Michigan. The major
water supply of the lake comes from Sable River
but numerous small inlets drain the adjacent
countryside and enter the lake through the
bayous. |
|
|
The drainage of
the Sable River and Hamlin Lake includes
approximately 275 square miles in the coastal
region of eastern Lake :Michigan. The major
water supply of the lake comes from Sable River
but numerous small inlets drain the adjacent
countryside and enter the lake through the
bayous. |
| Water
Fluctuation |
The most
controversial matter concerning Hamlin Lake has
been the establishment of a satisfactory water
level. This of course has arisen because
of the dam at the outlet. Natural water
fluctuation would not be great but due to
manipulation of the dam an annual fluctuation of
3-4 feet is the usual thing. At present
the dam is operated by Mr. Gwinn,
superintendent of Ludington State Park, in
accordance with agreements set forth in the will
deeding the said dam to the state. Each
fall. beginning in early October, the water
level is allowed to drop slowly until a point 3
feet below the summer level is reached.
This decrease is ordinarily spread over two
months time so that the lake does not reach its
lowest level until about mid December. |
|
|
In the spring
after the ice is gone the lake is slowly raised
to a prescribed level. The high level is
usually reached by June l. The management
of the dam during 1941-42 as reported by Mr.
Gwinn is as follows:
|
I. 1941
Boards taken
from the dam in
the fall |
|
October 14, 1941
|
One board all
the way across
|
6" |
|
October 24, 1941 |
One board all
the way across |
6" |
|
November 10,
1941 |
Two boards all
the way across |
12" |
|
December 10,
1941 |
Two boards all
the way across |
12" |
| |
|
Total 36" |
|
II. Spring 1942 |
|
March 24, 1942 |
Three boards
installed all
the way across
when the ice
went out. |
A raise of 18" |
|
May 1, 1942 |
One board all
the way across |
6" |
|
May 13, 1942 |
Two boards all
the way across |
12" |
|
July 3, 1942 |
Took out four
center boards on
one row to drop
water and
replaced same 4
on July 11, 1942 |
|
|
|
|
The purpose of
regulating the water level in Hamlin Lake is
entirely to protect lake properties against ice
damage and takes no cognizance of biological
interests. |
|
|
The dam located
in the Sable River about ¼ mile down stream from
the outlet of Hamlin Lake, is about 14 ft. in
height, constructed of concrete and has
removable boards for regulating the water level.
There is no fishway. Certain
conservation-minded citizens have taken the
responsibility of seining fish below the dam
each spring and removing them to the lake above.
This procedure has been in practice for a dozen
or more years. A summary of these "rescue"
operations during the past 6 years (1937-1942
incl.) is given below:
|
|
Year |
|
Species |
1937 |
1938 |
1939 |
1940 |
1941 |
1942 |
|
Rainbow Trout |
49 |
51 |
80 |
51 |
47 |
36 |
|
Brook Trout |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brown Trout |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Walleye |
281 |
307 |
301 |
302 |
381 |
282 |
|
Northern Pike |
30 |
26 |
48 |
48 |
40 |
12 |
|
Perch |
231 |
112 |
196 |
65 |
|
|
|
Black bass |
30 |
19 |
54 |
23 |
15 |
2 |
|
Rock Bass |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
Speckled bass |
312 |
22 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bluegills |
2 |
2 |
38 |
|
|
|
|
Totals |
937 |
539 |
717 |
494 |
483 |
332 |
The small number of fish added to Hamlin Lake by
these operations certainly does not justify the
effort involved.
|
| Other Physical
Characteristics |
The area of
Hamlin Lake is 5,070 acres according to the best
maps now available. We believe this map is
fairly accurate as far as the shore line is
concerned. A new map will probably be
prepared sometime within the next few years.
A maximum depth of 86 feet was recorded by the
recent survey party but this was only a chance
sounding. Careful, systematic sounding
will be necessary before accurate depth contours
can be drawn. This point of greatest depth
is near the center of the south portion of the
lake. The lake has a shore line
development of 3.5. This means that the
shore line is 3.5 times longer than it would be
if the lake were of the same size and perfectly
round. This long shore line is indicative
of high fish yield since it is caused by many
productive bays and bayous. |
|
|
The lake bottom
of the shoal areas is composed almost wholly of
sand and sand may be found at depths as great as
40 feet. Beyond the 15 ft. contour however., the
predominant bottom type is pulpy peat. There is
evidence of much movement of sand on the bottom
of the main or lower lake. |
|
|
The water of
Hamlin Lake is light brown in color and of about
average transparency. A secchi disc was
visible from 9 to 13 feet. |
| Wave and Ice
Action |
There can be
little doubt but that very considerable wave and
ice action are the usual thing at Hamlin Lake.
Aside from reports there is evidence of ice
action along the shores especially in lower
Hamlin and considerable portions of the sand
bottom on the shoals are almost constantly on
the move. This condition. however, is not unique
to Hamlin. As a matter of fact these molar
agents are much more severe on Crystal Lake in
Benzie County and Higgins Lake in Roscommon
County. These two lakes just mentioned
have even more real estate development than
Hamlin and yet there is not the controversy
concerning water level and ice damage. The
answer is simple. Arrangements have been
made whereby ice damage is slight. Boat houses
are not built over the water and docks are
removed at the end of each season. |
| Discussion of
Physical Factors |
Physical
conditions are for the mos part favorable to
high productivity in Hamlin Lake. The
manly embayments, moderately clear water and
suitable bottom give ample opportunity for plant
growth and the production of fish. The
wave and ice action are somewhat unfavorable but
do not reduce plant areas as much as is common
in many other large lakes in Michigan. As a
matter of fact there is surprisingly little
damage done to the biological constituents.
The large, fairly rich drainage insures proper
fertilization of the water and this is reflected
in the extensive vegetation beds in the upper
lake and bayous. |
| Temperature and
Chemical Characteristics |
There is
probably never any significant thermal
stratification in Hamlin Lake. At the time
of the survey the temperature was almost uniform
from the surface (72° F.) down to a depth of 86
feet (69° F.) at the bottom. This
temperature condition precludes any possibility
of' the lake being suitable to cold water fish
such as trout. On the other hand it
insures the suitability of the entire lake for
warm water species such as bass. |
|
|
The surface
water had 7.3 ppm. and the bottom. (86 ft.) 6.8
ppm of oxygen. This is adequate for all
fish life from top to bottom. Gill net
operations in 50-70 :rt. of water by the survey
produced numerous game fish. |
|
|
Hamlin Lake is
moderately hard (Methyl orange alkalinity
108-128) and quite alkaline (pH 7.6-7.7).
These conditions are extremely favorable to
plants, fish-food and consequently gallle fish.
Moderately hard, alkaline lakes are known to be
more productive than soft, acid lakes. |
| Pollution |
No pollution of
any kind was observed on Hamlin Lake. |
|
Biological Characteristics |
|
|
Hamlin Lake has
an abundance of plants. A total of 28
species was collected by the survey party.
A summary of the species and their relative
abundance is given in the following table.
|
Common name |
Scientific name |
Abundanee |
|
Water
weed |
Anacharis
canadensis |
Common |
|
Water shield |
Brasenia
Sehreberi |
Sparse |
|
Coontail |
Ceratophyllum
demersum |
Common |
|
Water star
grass |
Heteranthera
dubia |
Comnon |
|
Duckweed |
Lemna trisulca |
Sparse |
|
Water
milfoil |
Myriophyllum
exalbeseens |
Common |
|
Water milfoil |
Myriophyllum
sp.? |
Common |
|
Bushy
pondweed |
Najas
flexilis |
Common |
|
White
water
lily |
Nymphaea odorata |
Common |
|
Yellow water
lily |
Nuphar
variegatum |
Common |
|
Large-leaf
pondweed |
Potamogeton
amplifolius |
Common |
|
Variable
pondweed |
Potamogeton
angustifolius |
Common |
|
Leafy pondweed |
Potamogeton
epihydrus |
Common |
|
Pondweed |
Potamogeton
Frieaii |
Common |
|
Floating-leaf
pondweed |
Potamogeton
natane |
Abundant |
|
Sago
pondweed |
Potamogeton
pectinatus |
Common |
|
Clasping-leaf
pondweed |
Potamogeton
Richardaoini |
Abundant |
|
White-stem
pondweed |
Potamogeton
praelongus |
Common |
|
Flat-stem
pondweed |
Potamogeton
zosteriformis |
Abundant |
|
Water marigold |
Ranuneulus
longirostris |
Abundant |
|
Bullrush |
Scirpus
aoutua |
Common |
|
Bur
reed |
Sparganium
eurycarpum |
Common |
|
Bur reed |
Sparganium
sp.? |
Common |
|
Duck weed |
Spirodela
polyrhiza |
Common |
|
Cattail |
Typha latifolia |
Abundant |
|
Bladderwort |
Utricularia
vulgaris |
Cammon |
|
Wild
celery |
Vallisneria
spiralis |
Common |
|
Musk grass |
Chara sp.? |
Common |
Upper Hamlin Lake has the greatest abundance of
vegetation. The bayous of Lower Hamlin are
likewise completely filled with a dense growth
of submerged plants. There ate extensive
cattail mats in upper Hamlin which are bordered
on the lakeward side by such submerged species
as Bladderwort, Myriophyllum, wild celery as
well as the several species of pondweeds.
Almost the entire bottom of upper Hamlin down to
15 feet is covered with a dense growth of
vegetation. |
|
|
In the lower
lake, the plant beds are less extensive being
confined to the shallow areas near shore and the
bays and bayous. |
|
|
Plant (weed)
control has been in practice in the upper lake
where strips have been cut to allow the passage
of boats. Only a few channels can be kept
open because of laok of' equipment and time.
In this part of the lake there is little chance
that too many plants will be destroyed. On
the wholo the vegetation conditions in Hamlin
Lake are very favorable to a high fish
production. |
| Fish Foods |
There is no
doubt that Hamlin I.Ake produces a great
abundance of fish-food organisms. Plankton
(microscopic free-floating organisms) was
abundant at the time of the survey and most
surely is common to abundant throughout the year
due to the high nutrient content of the water. |
|
|
The larger
food-organisms such as aquatic insects, snails,
scuds, etc., are common to very numerous.
Scuds and snails were abundant in the weed beds
and midge larvae, mayfly nymphs, dragonfly
nymphs, and caddis larvae were the most numerous
of the aquatic insects. Forage fishes were
fairly abundant in both the upper and lower
lake. All in all, Hamlin lake may be
considered as unusually rich in essential fish
foods. |
| Fish |
Hamlin has a
rich fish population. There were 37
different species oi f'ish actually collected by
the survey party. Ten of these were game
species, 17 forage species, 8 coarse species and
2 obnoxious species. A summary of the
kinds of fish collected or reported is given in
the following table. Stocking records are
also included in this table. The fish in
each category such as game, forage, etc., are
arranged in the order of abundance. The
first listed is the most abundant, etc. |
| Species of Fish |
|
|
|
Stocking Records |
|
Game Species |
1937-1941
inclusive |
|
1 |
Yelow perch |
604 adults · |
9.000 fingerling |
|
2 |
Bluegills |
40 adults |
84,000
fingerling |
|
3 |
Large Mouth bass |
|
11,500
fingerling |
|
4 |
Rock bass |
5 adults |
|
|
5 |
Pumpkinseed |
|
|
|
6 |
Black crappie |
334 adults |
|
|
7 |
Northern
pike |
192 adults |
|
|
8 |
Walleye |
1,191 adults |
715,000 fry |
|
9 |
Small Mouth bass |
127 adulta |
2,000 fingerling |
|
10 |
Muskellunge |
|
|
|
11 |
Rainbow Trout |
Reported |
231 adults |
|
12 |
White Bass |
Reported |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forage Species |
|
|
|
1 |
Mimic shiner |
|
|
|
2 |
Bluntnose minnow |
|
|
|
3 |
Sand shiner |
|
|
|
4 |
Scaly Johnny
darter |
|
|
|
5 |
Log perch |
|
|
|
6 |
Iowa darter |
|
|
|
7 |
Golden shiner |
|
|
|
8 |
Black-chin
shiner |
|
|
|
9 |
Spot-tail shiner |
|
|
|
10 |
Manona killifish |
|
|
|
11 |
Brook
stickleback |
|
|
|
12 |
Silverside
minnow |
|
|
|
13 |
Black-nose
shiner |
|
|
|
14 |
Mud minnow |
|
|
|
15 |
Great Lakes
muddler |
|
|
|
16 |
Tadpole cat
(madtom) |
|
|
|
17 |
Least darter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coarse Species |
|
|
|
1 |
Common sucker |
|
|
|
2 |
Brown bullhead |
|
|
|
3 |
Northern
redhorse sucker |
|
|
|
4 |
Sheepshead |
|
|
|
5 |
Black bullhead |
|
|
|
6 |
Golden redhorse
sucker |
|
|
|
7 |
Yellow bullhead |
|
|
|
8 |
Long-eared
sunfish |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obnoxious
Species |
|
|
|
1 |
Long-nosed gar |
|
|
|
2 |
Dogfish |
|
|
|
3 |
Carp |
Reported |
|
|
| Creel Census |
Aside from the
general creel census data accumulated on Hamlin
Lake in the past 12 years, there was an
intensive census on this lake during the summer
fishing season of 1939 and the winter season
following (1939- 1940). The intensive census is
of recent enough date to give a fairly accurate
picture of present fishing conditions. A
summary of the results of the intensive
census of 1939-40 follows: |
|
|
|
|
Summer |
Winter |
|
Catch per hour |
0.97 |
0.80 |
|
Catch per
fisherman |
3.50 |
3.60 |
|
Fishermen per
day per acre |
3.30 |
0.27 |
|
Average number
of fish caught
per acre |
11.62 |
0.97 |
|
Species
composition of
catch |
Percent |
Average size,
inches |
Perceant |
Average size,
inches |
|
Largemouth bass |
3.64 |
14.4 |
trace |
13.3 |
|
Smallmouth bass |
3.04 |
13.3 |
trace |
18.2 |
|
Bluegill |
45.86 |
8.1 |
79.61 |
8.1 |
|
Sunfish |
6.19 |
7.4 |
1.07 |
6.8 |
|
Yellow perch |
10.05 |
7.9 |
5.66 |
8.2 |
|
Black Crappie |
5.27 |
9.9 |
0.14 |
12.2 |
|
Rock Bass |
19.43 |
8.2 |
trace |
10.2 |
|
Walleye |
2.64 |
16.5 |
0.89 |
19.8 |
|
Northern Pike |
0.44 |
21.9 |
5.98 |
24.6 |
|
Bullhead |
2.78 |
12.5 |
trace |
12.8 |
|
Cogfish |
0.14 |
20.4 |
2.27 |
20.5 |
|
Gar |
trace |
28.7 |
trace |
21.8 |
|
White Bass |
trace |
13.0 |
|
|
|
Red Horse |
trace |
14.2 |
|
|
|
Sucker |
trace |
15.1 |
3.12 |
19.3 |
|
Sheepshead |
0.29 |
20.1 |
trace |
27.5 |
|
Muskellunge |
trace |
33.2 |
0.23 |
37.4 |
|
Rainbow Trout |
trace |
16.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
Creel census
data show the bluegill to be by far the most
important constituent of the catch in both
sunmer and winter . Rock bass is next
common in the summer catches while northern pike
are next in line for winter fishing.
Summer catches of northern pike are very small.
Perch which was first in abundance as judged
from survey collections was third in abundance
in the creel census for both winter and summer
fishing. By and large, the abundance
figures of collections agree fairly well with
creel census figures. Complete agreement
is not expected because it does not always
follow that the most abundant fish is the most
often taken by fishermen. |
| Growth Rate of
Game Species |
A study has been
made on the growth rate of game species
collected by the survey parties. A comparison
will be made between the recent survey
collections and those made 10 years previously.
Both of these will also be compared to the
tentative state averages prepared by W. C.
Beckman (Institute Report No. 741). |
|
|
|
Yellow Perch |
|
Age |
1932 |
1942 |
State average
total length,
inches |
|
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
|
I |
|
|
|
2 |
2.8 |
0.1 |
4.7 |
|
II |
4 |
4.3 |
|
7 |
4.2 |
1.0 |
6.2 |
|
III |
22 |
5.1 |
|
11 |
5.4 |
1.1 |
7.1 |
|
IV |
15 |
7.4 |
|
9 |
6.0 |
1.6 |
7.8 |
|
V |
15 |
8.3 |
|
14 |
7.3 |
2.9 |
9.4 |
|
VI |
22 |
9.9 |
|
12 |
8.3 |
4.4 |
10.2 |
|
VII |
1 |
9.8 |
|
14 |
8.8 |
5.3 |
10.4 |
|
VIII |
2 |
10.5 |
|
2 |
10.4 |
8.8 |
11.4 |
|
IX |
1 |
10.3 |
|
|
|
|
11.8 |
|
Largemouth Bass |
|
Age |
1932 |
1942 |
State average
total length,
inches |
|
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
|
I |
|
|
|
1 |
5.0 |
1.0 |
5.5 |
|
II |
|
|
|
7 |
7.7 |
4.4 |
8.4 |
|
III |
1 |
10.8 |
|
1 |
11.5 |
13.3 |
10.8 |
|
IV |
|
|
|
2 |
13.7 |
23.0 |
12.1 |
|
V |
|
|
|
7 |
15.0 |
30.0 |
13.3 |
|
VI |
|
|
|
2 |
15.6 |
32.5 |
14.4 |
|
Smalmouth Bass |
|
Age |
1932 |
1942 |
State average
total length,
inches |
|
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
|
III |
|
|
|
3 |
12.2 |
15.0 |
10.7 |
|
IV |
|
|
|
5 |
11.8 |
15.5 |
13.3 |
|
V |
|
|
|
2 |
13.9 |
25.5 |
13.8 |
|
VI |
|
|
|
2 |
15.5 |
34.5 |
15.0 |
|
VII |
|
|
|
2 |
17.6 |
37.0 |
|
|
Bluegills |
|
Age |
1940 |
1942 |
State average
total length,
inches |
|
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
|
II |
|
|
|
2 |
4.1 |
0.7 |
4.3 |
|
III |
|
|
|
9 |
5.9 |
2.4 |
5.6 |
|
IV |
|
|
|
1 |
6.5 |
3.7 |
6.7 |
|
V |
|
|
|
7 |
7.4 |
4.8 |
7.4 |
|
VI |
|
|
|
10 |
8.0 |
6.9 |
7.8 |
|
VII |
13 |
8.2 |
|
38 |
8.3 |
7.5 |
7.9 |
|
VIII |
59 |
8.4 |
|
30 |
8.5 |
8.3 |
8.3 |
|
IX |
25 |
8.5 |
|
6 |
8.8 |
8.3 |
8.5 |
|
X |
2 |
8.8 |
|
1 |
8.9 |
9.5 |
|
|
Pumpkinseeds |
|
Age |
1932 |
1942 |
State average
total length,
inches |
|
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
|
I |
|
|
|
1 |
2.1 |
2.0 |
2.7 |
|
III |
|
|
|
19 |
5.2 |
1.9 |
5.8 |
|
IV |
|
|
|
20 |
5.9 |
3.0 |
6.4 |
|
V |
|
|
|
15 |
6.6 |
4.2 |
6.8 |
|
VI |
|
|
|
2 |
6.7 |
6.1 |
7.1 |
|
VII |
|
|
|
2 |
7.3 |
4.9 |
7.8 |
|
VIII |
|
|
|
1 |
8.9 |
1o.4 |
|
|
Rock Bass |
|
Age |
1932 |
1942 |
State average
total length,
inches |
|
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
|
I |
|
|
|
1 |
3.7 |
0.5 |
3.2 |
|
II |
|
|
|
2 |
4.0 |
0.8 |
4.3 |
|
III |
|
|
|
23 |
5.4 |
2.1 |
4.9 |
|
IV |
1 |
6.7 |
|
27 |
6.6 |
3.9 |
5.6 |
|
V |
|
|
|
18 |
7.6 |
4.4 |
6.6 |
|
VI |
1 |
9.4 |
|
10 |
7.8 |
5.8 |
8.3 |
|
VII |
1 |
8.8 |
|
3 |
8.4 |
6.8 |
8.7 |
|
VIII |
|
|
|
1 |
8.6 |
7.7 |
9.6 |
|
IX |
|
|
|
2 |
8.9 |
8.6 |
10.3 |
|
X |
|
|
|
1 |
9.0 |
9.4 |
10.8 |
|
Black Crappie |
|
Age |
1932 |
1942 |
State average
total length,
inches |
|
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
|
I |
|
|
|
5 |
4.2 |
|
5.3 |
|
II |
|
|
|
22 |
8.7 |
1.8 |
5.9 |
|
III |
|
|
|
12 |
7.6 |
3.9 |
8.7 |
|
IV |
|
|
|
9 |
9.9 |
8.9 |
9.2 |
|
V |
|
|
|
6 |
11.0 |
11.0 |
9.7 |
|
VI |
|
|
|
5 |
13.4 |
13.4 |
10.1 |
|
VII |
|
|
|
2 |
16.0 |
16.0 |
10.7 |
|
Norther Pike |
|
Age |
1932 |
1942 |
State average
total length,
inches |
|
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
|
I |
|
|
|
5 |
14.4 |
15.1 |
|
|
II |
|
|
|
17 |
20.9 |
39.0 |
|
|
III |
|
|
|
10 |
24.6 |
56.3 |
|
|
IV |
|
|
|
2 |
28.5 |
73.0 |
|
|
Muskellunge |
|
Age |
1932 |
1942 |
State average
total length,
inches |
|
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
|
ii |
|
|
|
1 |
23.3 |
78.0 |
|
|
Walleye |
|
Age |
1932 |
1942 |
State average
total length,
inches |
|
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
Number of
specimens |
Average total
lingth, inches |
Average weight,
ounces |
|
I |
|
|
|
2 |
9.0 |
3.4 |
|
|
IV |
|
|
|
1 |
18.3 |
31.0 |
|
|
V |
|
|
|
2 |
17.6 |
26.0 |
|
|
VI |
|
|
|
6 |
18.1 |
30.5 |
|
|
VII |
|
|
|
13 |
18.7 |
33.7 |
|
|
VIII |
|
|
|
4 |
19.0 |
34.5 |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
1 |
22.8 |
54.0 |
|
|
|
|
With the
exception of yellow perch and pumpkinseeds the
game fish in Hamlin Lake seem to equal or even
slightly exceed the state average. The perch and
sunfish are not enough below the state average
to cause concern. We believe that in general the
growth rate is remarkably good £or an assemblage
of species such as are found in this lake. |
|
Natural Propagation |
The abundance of
young game fish is usually clear evidence of
natural propagation. Large numbers of fry
of largemouth bass, perch. bluegills, and
sunfish were ta.ken in the survey netting
operations. A few northern pike and
smallmouth bass were also taken. There was
a complete absence of small walleye in
collections. |
|
|
It is believed
th.at natural propagation facilities are
adequate for all species with the possible
exception of smallmouth bass and walleye pike.
The lake has only very limited gravel and rubble
beds which may account for the lack of natural
propagation by these species. |
|
Management Proposals |
|
Designation of Lake |
Hamlin Lake is
at present in the Pike Lake category. The
findings of the survey indicate that bass and
bluegills are by far the most important fishery
in the lake. In accordance with the law
defining pike lakes Hamlin Lake should therefore
be changed to the "all other lakes" class.
We do not believ however, that the present
classification and the resulting regulations
have any very harmful effects if any on the bass
and bluegill populations. |
|
Stocking |
It is felt that
all stocking operations in this lake are
unjustified. There is certainly adequate
spawning facilities for largemouth bass and all
the pan fishes. The areas suitable for
smallmouth bass are somewhat limited but no more
so than the area of the lake favoring the growth
and well being of this species. According
to our present knowledge of walleye pike
spawning, there is practically no place for this
species to spawn. our fish collection data bear
out this fact in that no "young of the year"
walleyes were taken in any of the fishing
operations. In view of the excellent bass and
bluegill fishing which is now enjoyed on Hamlin
Lake, we are extremely doubtful about the
advisability of encouraging walleye.
Past experienoe has shown that in the majority
of cases walleye and bass do not thrive
together. Where walleye become established
and reproduce the bass fishery deteriorates and
may practically disappear. Northern pike
must find considerable suitable spawning ground
in the upper weedy part of this lake.
There can be little doubt, however, that this is
seriously interfered with by the fluctuation of
the lake level. |
|
Parasites and Predators |
There is no
serious incidence of either parasites or
predators. Many of the fish have the
"black spot" parasite but this does no harm to
the fish and cannot infect man. No control
is :i;r acticable. |
|
|
The gar pike and
dog fish are the only predators which are of
consequence and we believe that these predaceous
fish may have an important role in fish economy.
Under ordinary circumstances evidence places
them on the beneficial side of the ledger in
that they remove the sick or diseased fish and
help to keep populations of pan fish in check.
No control is recommended. |
|
Shelter |
Hamlin Lake is#
for the most part well supplied with shelter for
fish. The upper lake with lush growth of
vegetation and submerged logs and brush could
not be improved. This same applies to the
bayous and bay of the lower lake. Any
improvement would have to be confined to a few
shelters along the wind-swept shoal in water
10-20 feet in depth and we do not believe this
is essential. |
|
Regulation of Water Level |
The present
practice in regulating the water level of Hamlin
Lake has already been described in a previous
section of this report. The question now
arises as to the best practice
from the point of view of
i'isheries management. We are
willing to concede that other interests such as
the protection of property should receive
consideration in the establishment of lake
levels but are not in a position to balance this
against the biological interests. In other
words# we are only going to consider biological
interests in making recommendations. |
|
There is no doubt that a stable water level is
more conducive to biological productivity than
one which is allowed to fluctuate. Hamllin Lake
would be better off from the fisheries point of
view if a reasonably high level were maintained
throughout ·the year. |
|
|
This would improve the feeding and breeding
grounds of most fish. The northern pike fishery
would almost surely improve if the shallow
grassy shores of the lake were covered with
water in early spring - a condition which does
not exist under present management. More
extensive and desirable plant beds could become
established in the lower lake if the shoal areas
were not left high and dry each winter. |
|
|
There would not be the danger of isolation and
destruction of the fish in the bayous as exists
under present practices. |
|
|
As a matter of fact0 not a single biological
benefit can be cited as a result of water
fluctuation. From the fisheries point of
view a high stable
water level would be decidedly beneficial. |
|
Improvement of Spawning Facilities |
As already pointed out the spawning facilities
are already good for most species present in the
lake. Pike spawning grounds could be created by
the maintenance of a high stable water level. |
|
|
INSTITUTE FOR FISHERIES RESEARCH
By C. J. D. Brown and Hugo Kilpela
Report approved by: A. S. Hazzard
Report typed by: G. Wood |
| |
|
