Tolo Lake Receives Catfish

GRANGEVILLE - In efforts to increase the diversity of angling opportunity in north central Idaho, officers from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) recently released approximately 100 adult catfish into Tolo Lake, a 40-acre lake west of Grangeville. Ranging from six inches to near eight pounds, the majority of fish transferred were channel catfish, but a few flathead catfish were also collected. Anglers prize both species since they can grow to exceed twenty pounds and provide excellent table fare. George "Catfish" Fischer, IDFG district conservation officer who recently moved to the area, organized the project after learning the shallow lake has a struggling fishery of largemouth bass and crappie, yet lacked catfish. "When I first saw Tolo, I have visions of a great catfish water," he said. "We'll see what happens, but catfish are very resilient and can withstand some pretty tough conditions." After obtaining permission for the release and transport from IDFG Fisheries personnel in Lewiston and the McCall sub-region, Fischer organized the project to collect and transfer fish from Oxbow Reservoir in southern Idaho to Tolo Lake, the largest natural body of water in the area. The fish were captured by rod and reel and gill nets. With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees at Oxbow Reservoir, the fish were held in oxygenated tanks that were constantly monitored for optimal temperature and sufficient oxygen to reduce handling stress. Sr. Conservation Officer, Larry Willmott, of Elk City and Wildlife Reservists, Tim Holden and Pres Funkhouser, of Cascade also helped with the project. IDFG plans to conduct similar transfer projects annually for the next few years and hopes the fish will populate the lake and create a self-sustaining catfish fishery. Several catfish nesting structures may be added to assist the fish in producing offspring. Although the fish will spread out and initial catch rates will likely be slow, Fischer encourages anglers to get out and give catfishing a try. "Not only are catfish excellent eating, they are tremendous fighters, fun to catch and anglers only need the simplest of gear," he said. "A piece of cut-bait on a medium sized hook under a slip sinker or bobber is about your best bet," he added. Though conservation officer's principle duty is law enforcement, they regularly organize and participate in projects to improve hunting, fishing and wildlife resource education. Fischer did a similar catfish transplant to Cascade Lake several years ago that resulted in several 20-pound catfish being caught.