A Survey of Lakes on the Menominee Indian Reservation, Wisconsin

Abstract

Lakes on the Menominee Indian Reservation were mapped, and water chemistry and fish were sampled from late May through late August 1991 - 1994. The purpose of the study was to obtain baseline information on each lake's physical, chemical, and fish populations. Lakes were surveyed if they were at least 10 acres or 10 feet deep; later smaller lakes were added if fishery or hunting potential existed. Forty-four lakes ranging from 5 to 1,200 acres, including 2 reservoirs, one with eight basins, were mapped, and substrate, shoreline development, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and Secchi disk depth were recorded. Chemistry included pH, alkalinity, hardness, conductivity, and true color. Lakes varied from acidic to alkaline, eutrophic to oligotrophic, and spring-fed to seepage. When the chemical data were compared with past samples, no major changes were found. Fish populations were sampled with experimental gill nets and fyke nets. Scale samples were collected for determination of age and growth rate. Growth curves, proportional stock density (PSD), and relative weights (Wr) were determined and compared with past data, if available. Low dissolved oxygen and low fertility were a problem in most lakes without fish. Growth rates of fish among lakes varied widely. Some fish populations had characteristics of unfished populations, e.g., old large fish, that grew slowly. Some management opportunities include stocking, habitat improvement, regulations, and thinning.