We are conducting a study to determine which life stage of hatchery muskellunge fingerlings (fall fingerlings vs. spring yearlings) exhibit better survival to adulthood when stocked in Pennsylvania lakes. Canadohta Lake and Edinboro Lake are also part of this study.

Unfortunately, the unusual weather this spring resulted in our sampling schedule missing the peak muskellunge spawning period. It is important to trapnet within the peak muskellunge spawning period because greater movements lead to greater vulnerability to trapnet gear, a passive sampling gear. Our muskellunge catch was much reduced from 2005 catch, but we are confident that there are plenty of musky for anglers in Tionesta Lake. We will repeat our sampling program in 2007 as we continue to evaluate our muskellunge stocking program.

Panfish numbers and size structure continue to show improvements at Tionesta Lake. We captured good numbers of crappies with white crappies dominating the catch. The crappies are growing well with plenty of fish in the 9 to 11 inch size range and anglers are reporting excellent catches. Brown bullhead numbers and size structure are also improving and our stockings of channel catfish continue to provide quality size fish for anglers. Yellow perch, rock bass, bluegill and pumpkinseed were also netted.

Table 1. Length frequency of panfish and forage fish captured by Pennsylvania trapnets
during the week of April 17, 2006 in Tionesta Lake.

Table 2. Length frequency of catfish and suckers captured by Pennsylvania trapnets during the week of April 17, 2006 in Tionesta Lake.

Fisheries Biologists Aide Matt Wachob with two 26” channel catfish

Table 3. Length frequency of black bass, muskellunge and trout captured by Pennsylvania trapnets
during the week of April 17, 2006 in Tionesta Lake.

Fisheries Biologist Aide Matt Wachob with a tub full of crappies

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