In May 2007, personnel from the Central Office and Fisheries Management Area 7 staff conducted a survey of panfish populations using 40 trap net sets. Rose Valley Lake was evaluated as a control lake for a statewide study of the panfish enhancement special regulations program.

Excellent numbers of bluegill and pumpkinseed were captured with the majority of the catch ranging in size from 7 to 9 inches. Many of these fish were gravid and preparing to spawn, possibly for a second time this spring. Catches of black crappie were good considering this species had recently spawned and were probably beginning to disperse to offshore areas.

Walleye and yellow perch catch and size structure was impressive considering the late spring sampling. Walleye and yellow perch are much more vulnerable to trap netting earlier in the spring, shortly after ice out when they are spawning.

In addition to the above catch, 235 golden shiner, 35 brown bullheads, 11 yellow bullheads, 8 rock bass and 10 largemouth bass were also captured during trap net operations.

Fisheries Management Clerical Supervisor Cindy Kellander prepares to measure a nice chain pickerel

Area 7 Fisheries Manager Dave Miko displays a typical black crappie and yellow perch from Rose Valley Lake

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