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Fishery biologists have several tools at their disposal when it comes
to managing lakes. Length limits, habitat work, water level manipulation,
and numerous other practices allow us to make the most out of our fishery
resources. However, sometimes fish populations can become so "out
of balance" there is little we can do. Sometimes this is due to the
introduction of undesirable species such as gizzard shad or common carp
or several others. When it gets to this point the only practical solution
is to renovate the system. When this is done several things occur. The
DNR will first move important game fish if practical. Then the lake is
often opened to promiscuous fishing. That means anglers are encouraged
to harvest fish. By doing this the resource can be utilized before it has
to be killed. Then the lake is drawn down to reduce the total volume of
water and to concentrate the fish. At this point we add a chemical called
rotenone that affects the fish's ability to utilize its body's energy (it's
actually a very complicated reaction) and the fish expires. Often times
we remove the dead fish. While the lake is down it is also an excellent
opportunity to add additional habitat and fishing structures to the lake.
The lake is then restocked and in a few years fishing will be of better
quality than before the kill.
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