Response of walleye and yellow perch to water-level fluctuations in glacial lakes

Fisheries Management and Ecology
By: , and 

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Abstract

The influence of water levels on population characteristics of yellow perch, Perca flavescens (Mitchill), and walleye, Sander vitreus (Mitchill), was evaluated across a range of glacial lakes in north-eastern South Dakota, USA. Results showed that natural variation in water levels had an important influence on frequently measured fish population characteristics. Yellow perch abundance was significantly (P<0.10) greater during elevated water levels. Yellow perch size structure, as indexed by the proportional size distribution of quality- and preferred-length fish (PSD and PSD-P), was significantly greater during low-water years, as was walleye PSD. Mean relative weight of walleye increased significantly during high-water periods. The dynamic and unpredictable nature of water-level fluctuations in glacial lakes ultimately adds complexity to management of these systems.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Response of walleye and yellow perch to water-level fluctuations in glacial lakes
Series title Fisheries Management and Ecology
DOI 10.1111/fme.12047
Volume 21
Issue 2
Year Published 2014
Language English
Publisher John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Leetown
Description 7 p.
First page 89
Last page 95
Country United States
State South Dakota
Other Geospatial Bitter Lake, Cattail-Kettle Lake, Clear Lake, Enemy Swim Lake, Kampeska Lake, Lynn Lake, Poinsett Lake, Roy Lake, Waubay Lake
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