Results of a Partial Renovation of a Public Fishing Lake

In September 1976, 1/3 of Lake Orange was treated with rotenone to reduce an overabundant black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) population. Following the treatment 5,232.4 kg of dead fish were recovered, of which 2,050.0 kg were black crappie. Impact of the treatment on the fishery was monitored by a 2-year pre-treatment and a 2-year post-treatment creel survey. Following the treatment, the number of black crappie harvested decreased but average size increased. Average size of creeled bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) doubled The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fisheries and total fishing pressure were similar before and after the treatment.