Scharnberg Pond

General Information

Amenities

Fishing Report

Fishing Forecast

Spring 2012 Electrofishing Assessment - Largemouth bass were sampled from Scharnberg Pond in increased numbers for the first time since 2009. A total of 18 fish > 8.0 inches (6 fish 2011) was sampled during the 2012 spring electrofishing assessment, reflecting a catch rate of 0.60 fish per minute (< 0.1fish per minute; 2011,spring electrofishing assessment) which suggests an improvement, but a continued diminished largemouth bass population in Scharnberg Pond. An electrofishing catch rate of 1 largemouth bass per minute, > 8.0 inches would typically predict 20-largemouth bass/acre, the desired value for a healthy and balanced population. A significant change in the numbers of stock (8.0 – 11.9 inches) size largemouth bass was noted during the 2012 spring electrofishing assessment. An estimate of 11 fish per acre of stock size fish increased significantly (1 fish per acre; 2011 spring electrofishing assessment) and is within the target range (8 – 12 fish per acre), indicating good numbers of this size group in Scharnberg Pond. Age III largemouth bass were detected in good numbers during the 2012 spring electrofishing assessment with approximately 83 percent of the largemouth bass sample comprised of stock size fish, which no doubt contributed to the increase numbers of largemouth bass in Scharnberg Pond. . Only 1 fish per acre of quality (12.0 – 14.9 inches) size and no preferred (>15.0 inches) size fish (target range 4 – 6 fish per acre) were sampled during the 2012 spring electrofishing survey, indicating less then desirable numbers of these size groups in Scharnberg Pond. Bluegills were also sampled during the 2012 D.C. spring electrofishing assessment. Length frequency analysis indicates several year classes comprised the total bluegill catch. Stock (3.0 – 4.9 inches) size fish represented 74 percent, (42 percent; 2011 spring electrofishing assessment), with quality (6.0-7.9 inches) size fish representing the remaining 26 percent (58 percent, 2011 spring electrofishing assessment) of the total bluegill catch. A bluegill PSD value of 26 is within the 20 – 40 target range, indicating a balanced bluegill population in Scharnberg Pond. Flathead catfish (n = 36) were stocked in Scharnberg Pond during the spring of 2009. It is the hope that this introduction will, in time, significantly decrease the bullhead population in Scharnberg Pond in significant numbers. Bullheads were sampled in limited numbers during the 2012 spring electrofishing assessment suggesting a diminished bullhead population in Scharnberg Pond. Only 5 bullhead were sampled during the 2012 spring electrofishing assessment (203 bullhead, spring 2011 electrofishing assessment) with the mean size sampled at 8.7 inches (6.8” 2011 spring electrofishing assessment) improving approximately 2.0 inches. The decreased numbers of bullheads in the sample and the apparent improvement of bullhead growth rates support the assumption of the possible reduction in the bullhead numbers in Scharnberg Pond. Yellow perch (n = 1), black crappie (n = 9), walleye (n = 1) and green sunfish (n = 2) were also sampled in limited numbers during the 2012 D.C. spring electrofishing assessment. 2012 Tandem Hoop Net Assessment - Tandem hoop net sampling was conducted from September 7th – 13th, 2012 in Scharnberg Pond to assess the channel catfish subadult and adult populations. A total of 316 channel catfish were caught for a catch rate of 40 fish per series, suggesting a channel catfish population of 101 fish per acre (190 pounds per acre). Length frequency and RSD values indicate a fish population with good size groups and a noticeable change in the overall size structure. Stock (11.0 -15.9 inches) size fish declined from 82% (2009 tandem hoop net assessment) of the total channel catfish sample to 16% during the 2012 tandem hoop net assessment. Scharnberg Pond was last stocked with channel catfish in 2009 which no doubt is the contributing factor in the reduced numbers of this size group. Quality (16.0 – 23.9 inches) size fish increased from 18% (2009 tandem hoop net assessment) of the total channel catfish catch to 82% in 2012, indicating good growth of the channel catfish population of Scharnberg Pond. Low numbers of preferred (>23.0 inches) size fish were sampled, representing the remaining two percent of the total channel catfish catch. It appears that the cage catfish program has resulted in excellent survival and recruitment of the fish stocked in Scharnberg Pond. Age and growth and length frequency analysis continue to indicate good growth of the Scharnberg Pond channel catfish population. When compared to 2006 growth rates, age and growth analysis (2012) reflects little change, with growth rates comparable to other cage catfish lakes within the Spirit Lake District. Overall relative weight, (Wr) an indice of body condition, remained relatively unchanged for the fourth consecutive year. Relative weight ranged from a high of 88 (2010 tandem hoop net assessment) to a low of 86 (2009 fall tandem hoop net assessment) during the past three years. A relative weight of 89 remained below the target range of 95-105 .indicating no change in body condition with a channel catfish population in less than desirable body shape This relatively unchanged relative weight may possibly be attributed to interspecific competition with the remaining bullhead population or a larger then desired channel catfish population in Scharnberg Pond. Black bullhead numbers declined significantly during the 2012 tandem hoop net assessment. A total of 194 black bullheads were sampled during the 2012 tandem hoop net assessment, a tenfold decline from the 2011 tandem hoop net assessment (1,923 black bullheads). Growth rates improved significantly during the 2012 tandem hoop net assessment with the mean size sampled at 10.2 inches (7.2” 2011 spring electrofishing assessment) improving approximately 2.8 inches. The decreased numbers of bullheads in the sample and the apparent improvement of bullhead growth rates support the 2012 spring electrofishing assessment assumption of the possible reduction in the bullhead numbers in Scharnberg Pond. YOUNG-OF-THE-YEAR ASSESSMENT For the seventh consecutive year a bag seine haul was made on the beach to better assess reproduction and potential recruitment to the fisheries of Scharnberg Pond. One haul were made at the swimming beach with the results interpreted from the total catch of this haul. No YOY bluegill were sampled during the 2012 bag seine assessment suggesting poor bluegill reproduction; however, excellent numbers (n=69) of sub adult bluegill were sampled, suggesting excellent bluegill reproduction during 2011 and the potential of good year class formation of this year class. Largemouth bass were also sampled in the highest numbers since bag seine assessment began at Scharnberg Pond in 2004. A total of 231 YOY largemouth bass were sampled, suggesting excellent spawning success and potential year class formation. Black carappie were also detected in limited numbers (n = 2) suggesting some spawning success of this species. No smallmouth bass were sampled for the fourth consecutive year since bag seine assessments began in 2004. (2012)

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Popular Fish Species at this Lake

• Black bullhead
• Black crappie
• Bluegill
• Channel Catfish
• Green sunfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Orangespotted sunfish
• Rainbow Trout
• Smallmouth Bass
• Walleye
• White Bass
• White sucker
• Yellow Perch

Regulations

• Fishing Regulations

Fish Surveys

Lake Fish Survey Data Data from the most recent fisheries survey of this lake is provided on this external web site. This data may include information from various netting surveys and/or electroshocking surveys. Data includes numbers of fish sampled, and fish size ranges. Not all lakes are sampled every year.

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Water Quality

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