IDFG to Present Update on Lake Pend Oreille Fishery

The resurgence of the Lake Pend Oreille fishery in recent years has provided many hours of enjoyment for anglers. In fact, an angler survey completed in 2015 estimated that about 200,000 hours of angler effort took place from March 2014 through February 2015. Kokanee and rainbow trout angling made up much of the effort, but numerous species provided good catch rates and were targeted by anglers. The overall catch rate for all species combined (1.2 fish per hour of angling), was the highest it has been since 1953. The highest catch rates were for kokanee (4 fish per hour of angling) and warmwater fish (2 fish per hour of angling). Rainbow trout catch rates were nearly 0.5 fish per hour of angling, which is very good for a trophy species that occurs at lower density. Lake trout predation has been the primary factor limiting kokanee recovery for well over a decade. Aggressive efforts to remove lake trout involving both the Angler Incentive Program ($15 reward to anglers) and commercial netting equipment have dramatically reduced the size of the lake trout population and allowed a rapid expansion of the kokanee population. Kokanee not only provide a popular fishery, but also are the primary prey source for trophy species, such as rainbow trout and bull trout. According to Matt Corsi, Principal Fishery Research Biologist, IDFG's annual surveys indicated that adult kokanee were less abundant in 2015, but that all younger age classes of kokanee were strong. Even with fewer adults in 2015, there were still plenty of fish to provide good kokanee fishing. The fact that all younger age classes were abundant is encouraging and has two key implications. First, there are many young kokanee to maintain the population in coming years. Second, younger kokanee are major contributors to the diet of rainbow trout and bull trout, indicating that food availability for trophy species is good. IDFG will present a summary of the Lake Pend Oreille fishery recovery effort at the annual "State of the Lake" meeting later this month. The presentation will include a summary of activities over the past year, fish population status updates, a review of new fishing rules, and activities planned for 2016. Additionally, there will be time for questions from the audience. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, February 25th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Ponderay Events Center by the Bonner Mall north of Sandpoint. For more information, contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208) 769-1414. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations at the number above; or, through the Idaho Relay Service at 1 800 377 2529 (TDD).