Despite sampling difficulties associated with a cold wet spring and abnormally warm fall, results from the 2008 large-lake sampling on Lake Kabetogama provided valuable information about the status of the fishery on Lake Kabetogama. The walleye population in Lake Kabetogama is functioning below previous levels. Strong year-classes of walleye are not occurring as frequently as they once were. While at this time we are unsure of the cause, high juvenile mortality appears to be affecting walleye recruitment and therefore production of strong year-classes.
\n
\nWalleye gill net CPUE decreased in 2008 to the third lowest level since 1983. This reduction in gill net CPUE was somewhat of a surprise. Anecdotal information from anglers keeping fishing logs indicated that walleye catch was two to three times higher in 2008 than in the past three years, with some length groups (12.0-12.9 inch) five times higher than in previous years. Despite the decrease in walleye CPUE over the past several years the yield per unit effort in pounds of walleye per net has remained remarkably stable. This indicates that the walleye biomass in Kabetogama is likely remaining fairly consistent despite poor recruitment in recent years.
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\nAging of walleye otoliths (ear bones) showed that the catch is dominated by young fish not yet fully recruited to the gill nets, a few strong year-classes (1996 and 2001), and various moderate to poor year classes; typical of a \"boom and bust\" fishery. For the fishery to recover a few strong year-classes need to be strung together, with some moderate year-classes filling the gaps. Currently walleye recruitment is inconsistent, with only a few strong year-classes present in the catch.
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\nThe 1996 year-class ranks as the strongest walleye year-class on Lake Kabetogama and was well represented in 2008. This year-class has recruited to the protected slot (17 to 28 inches) with a mean length of 21.7 inches. Prior to the regulation change in March 2007, these fish would have been vulnerable to harvest again as they recruit from the protected slot to harvest length. The expansion of the protected slot will protect these fish for many years to come.
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\nPrior to the 2001 year-class there were four consecutive years of poor to mediocre walleye recruitment. The 2000, 1999, 1998, and 1997 year-classes were all below average in strength and help explain the current status of the Kabetogama walleye fishery
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\nJuvenile walleye mortality has increased in recent years. A downward trend was apparent in the mid-1990s. However, in the past eight to nine years there has been a significant increase in the instantaneous mortality of age-1 to age-3 walleye. Further investigation is required on this topic, as it is obviously contributing to the poor recruitment on Lake Kabetogama.
\n
\nSauger abundance has returned to levels seen in the early to mid 1990\u0019s. The 2003 year-class provided a highlight in the 2008 net surveys. The 2003 year-class is showing great promise and should be recruiting to the sport fishery during the next couple of years. This year-class will be the first strong sauger year-class since the two very strong year-classes of 1997 and 1998.
\n
\nThe 2008 fall gill netting indicates that after a sharp jump in abundance in 2007 the northern pike abundance returned to levels typical of past years. The age and size structure have remained healthy through recent fluctuations. Spring water levels should be more favorable for northern pike spawning under the Rule Curve implemented by the IJC in 2000 (RNWLISC 1993).
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\nYellow perch abundance has returned to normal levels for Lake Kabetogama. Yellow perch abundance and growth provide indications of the overall fishery health on Lake Kabetogama. Recent years with poor walleye recruitment may have contributed to higher perch recruitment as the YOY yellow perch were freed from a major source of predation. The 2008 data shows a good length distribution; however few fish were captured in the length ranges desired by anglers.
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Lake Kabetogama is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program includes annual population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys. A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages. These gear types include gill nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Lake Kabetogama. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year in order to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.
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\nThe Walleye gill net catch in 2021 was 10.4 fish/net which is higher than average for similar lakes. Walleye catch rates have generally been higher than average for Lake Kabetogama since 2015 due to good recruitment. Walleye gill net catches were at a historical low in 2014 of 5.5 fish/net. The catch of Walleyes in our sampling increased in the following four surveys due to good year-classes of Walleyes from the 2015 and 2016 cohorts. The 2016 year-class contributed 17.9 percent of the Walleye catch in 2021 while the 2015 year-class added an additional 8.7 percent to the catch total. These back-to-back year-classes mark the first time Kabetogama has produced two consecutive above average year-classes since the late 1980s. The average length of the 2015 year-class was 19.1 inches and ranged from 17.2 to 20.9 inches long in 2021. Age-5 Walleyes from the 2016 year-class averaged 17.5 inches with most in the 16 to 18 inch length bins. The largest contributor to the 2021 Walleye catch were age-1 fish from the 2020 year-class composing 23.7 percent of the total. The 2020 year-class was caught in record numbers as age-0 fish in the 2020 netting due to exceptional growth. They were caught in above average numbers as age-1 fish and appear likely to recruit to the fishery as the next strong year-class. Age-1 Walleyes ranged from 7.5 to 12.1 inches and averaged 9.2 inches long in 2021. Overall, gill netted Walleyes ranged in length from 7.5 to 25.5 inches long and had an average length of 15.7 inches. There is a special regulation for Walleye on Lake Kabetogama; an 18-26 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 26 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock.
\n
\nLake Kabetogama is home to a fishable Sauger population. The overall Sauger catch rate decreased from an above average catch rate of 5.3 per gill net during the past three surveys to 2.2 per gill net in 2020. The 2021 catch rate was similar to 2020 at 2.8 per gill net. The above average catch rates in the previous three surveys were driven by a large 2015 year-class. The 2015 year-class (age-6) accounted for 26.8 percent of the 2021 gill net catch. This year-class ranged in length from 12.3 to 15.1 inches long with most individuals in the 13 and 14 inch length bins. Age-4 Sauger composed the largest group making up 41.1 percent of the total catch and ranging in length from 9.4 to 15.2 inches long. The 2017 year-class appears to be a slightly above average year-class. Lake Kabetogama has historically produced a strong Sauger year-class every 3-5 years.
\n
\nThe 2021 gill net catch of Northern Pike was 3.5 fish/net, greater than the historic average and similar to recent years. Gill net catches of Northern Pike have historically been variable at a low level on Lake Kabetogama but appear to be on a slightly increasing trend over the past 15 years. Northern Pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 15.7 to 39.3 inches in 2021 gill nets. The average length was 25.0 inches. Large Northern Pike over 40 inches are often caught in gill net surveys.
\n
\nYellow Perch numbers have increased in recent years in Lake Kabetogama. The 2021 gill net catch rate followed that trend and had the highest gill net catch rate (14.4/net) since the record high catch in 2017 (18.0/net). Record setting year-classes in 2010 and 2015 were drivers of the high catch rates in recent surveys. The 2017, 2018, and 2019 year-classes produced good numbers of Perch driving the good overall catch rate in 2021. The 2019 year-class composed 44.5 percent of the 2021 gill net catch and ranged in size from 5.4 to 8.1 inches long. The 2018 year-class added an additional 21.4 percent to the 2021 total and ranged from 7.0 to 10.5 inches long. Overall perch ranged from 4.9 to 12.5 inches long and averaged 7.8 inches in 2021. Yellow Perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish.
\n
\nAn electrofishing boat is used as the standard sampling gear for Smallmouth Bass because they are not effectively caught in standard assessment nets. Fifty-four Smallmouth Bass were caught while electrofishing in 2021 for a catch rate of 16.0 fish/hour, similar to numbers seen in recent surveys. Lengths ranged from 4.7 to 19.5 inches and averaged 13.0 inches. Based on recent creel and gill netting results, Lake Kabetogama appears to have an expanding Smallmouth Bass population with opportunities to catch large fish.
\n
\nLake Kabetogama is known to be infested with spiny waterfleas. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.
\n
Lake Kabetogama is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program includes annual fish population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys. A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages. These gear types include gill nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Lake Kabetogama. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.
\n
\nThe Walleye gill net catch rate in 2022 was 8.3 fish/net which is a little below the long-term average for Lake Kabetogama. Walleye catch rates have generally been higher than average for Lake Kabetogama since 2015 due to good recruitment. Walleye gill net catches were at a historical low of 5.5 fish/net in 2014. The catch of Walleyes in our sampling increased in the following four surveys due to good year-classes of Walleyes from the 2015 and 2016 cohorts. The 2016 year-class contributed 11.5 percent of the Walleye catch in 2022 while the 2015 year-class added an additional 6.7 percent to the total catch. These back-to-back year-classes mark the first time Kabetogama has produced two consecutive above average year-classes since the late 1980s. However, most of the fish from these year-classes have now grown into the protected slot range with the 2016 year-class averaging 18.7 inches and the 2015 year-class averaging 19.0 inches long in 2022. The largest contributor to the 2022 Walleye gill net catch were age-2 fish from the 2020 year-class composing 35.2 percent of the total number caught. The 2020 year-class was caught in record numbers as age-0 fish in the 2020 netting due in part to exceptional growth. They were caught in above average numbers as age-1 and age-2 fish and now appear likely to recruit to the fishery as the next strong year-class. Age-2 Walleyes ranged from 9.3 to 13.5 inches and averaged 11.4 inches long in 2022. Overall, gill netted Walleyes ranged in length from 6.3 to 25.3 inches long and had an average length of 14.4 inches. There is a special regulation for Walleye on Lake Kabetogama; an 18-26 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 26 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock.
\n
\nLake Kabetogama is home to a fishable Sauger population. The overall Sauger catch rate has increased in the past two surveys from a low of 2.2 per gill net in 2020. The 2022 catch rate was similar to the long-term average at 3.8 per gill net. A strong 2015 year-class led to increased catch rates from 2017-2019. The 2015 year-class (age-7) accounted for 14.7 percent of the 2022 gill net catch. This year-class ranged in length from 14.5 to 16.3 inches long. Age-2 Sauger composed the largest group making up 28.0 percent of the total catch in 2022, followed by age-5 Sauger representing 25.3 percent of the catch. The 2017 year-class (age-5) appears to be an above average year-class and ranged in length from 12.7 to 16.6 inches long with most individuals in the 13-15-inch length groups in 2022. The 2020 year-class (age-2) was also caught in above average numbers in 2022 and ranged in length from 8.1 to 11.6 inches long. Lake Kabetogama has historically produced a strong Sauger year-class every 3-5 years on average.
\n
\nThe 2022 gill net catch of Northern Pike was 3.9 fish/net, greater than the historic average and similar to recent years. Gill net catches of Northern Pike have historically been variable at a low level on Lake Kabetogama but appear to be on a slightly increasing trend over the past 15 years. Northern Pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 18.2 to 40.6 inches in 2022 gill nets. The average length was 24.3 inches. Large Northern Pike over 40 inches are often caught in gill net surveys.
\n
\nYellow Perch numbers have increased in recent years in Lake Kabetogama. The 2022 gill net catch rate followed that trend and had the highest gill net catch rate (16.8/net) since the record high catch in 2017 (18.0/net). Record setting year-classes in 2010 and 2015 were drivers of the high catch rates in recent surveys. The 2017, 2018, and 2019 year-classes produced good numbers of Perch. In addition, an exceptional catch of age-2 Perch from the 2020 year-class contributed to driving the good overall catch rate in 2022. The 2020 year-class composed 71.0 percent of the 2022 gill net catch and ranged in size from 5.3 to 8.6 inches long, but most individuals were in the five- and six-inch length groups. The 2019 year-class added an additional 11.9 percent to the 2022 total and ranged from 7.3 to 9.9 inches long. Overall, Perch ranged from 5.2 to 13.0 inches long and averaged 7.1 inches in 2022. Yellow Perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish.
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\nLake Kabetogama is home to a good Smallmouth Bass fishery both in numbers and size structure. Bass numbers have increased in our sampling gear as well as in angler catches in recent years. Smallmouth Bass over 19 inches long are regularly caught during surveys.
\n
\nLake Kabetogama is known to be infested with spiny waterfleas. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.
\n
RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF WALLEYE AND SAUGER HAS INCREASED SLIGHTLY FROM 1985 LEVELS, BUT IS SLIGHTLY BELOW 1983-84 LEVELS. ABUNDANCE OF NORTHERN PIKE WAS SIMILAR TO 1983-85. MEAN WEIGHT OF MOST GAMEFISH SPECIES WAS SIMILAR TO 1983-85 MEAN WEIGHTS.
","surveyDate":"1986-09-17","surveyType":"Standard Survey","surveySubType":"Population Assessment","lengths":{},"surveyID":"111623"},{"surveyDate":"1987-09-14","narrative":"WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE LARGE LAKE REPORT. SEE PAGE 13 FOR A HISTORICAL LOOK AT NET CATCHES (INCLUDES 1987).
","headerInfo":{"wb_id":"69084500","survey_id":"111897","id_date":"1987-09-14","survey_type":"Population Assessment","wb_name":"Kabetogama","county":"St. Louis","wb_type":"Lake","wb_alt_name":""},"fishCatchSummaries":[{"gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":108.2,"gearCount":20,"totalCatch":77,"quartileWeight":"0.3-0.9","species":"TLC","averageWeight":"1.41","quartileCount":"1.1-10.1","CPUE":"3.85"},{"totalWeight":6.9,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","averageWeight":"1.38","species":"BUB","totalCatch":5,"quartileWeight":"0.7-2.1","CPUE":"0.25","quartileCount":"0.1-0.3"},{"gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":45.6,"gearCount":20,"quartileWeight":"2.8-4.3","totalCatch":13,"species":"NOP","averageWeight":"3.51","quartileCount":"1.1-2.4","CPUE":"0.65"},{"quartileWeight":"1.7-2.2","totalCatch":155,"averageWeight":"2.04","species":"WTS","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":316,"CPUE":"7.75","quartileCount":"1.4-3.0"},{"species":"WAE","averageWeight":"0.94","totalCatch":335,"quartileWeight":"0.8-1.3","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":313.9,"gear":"Standard gill nets","quartileCount":"3.6-10.8","CPUE":"16.75"},{"quartileCount":"0.2-0.6","CPUE":"0.25","species":"SMB","averageWeight":"1.60","totalCatch":5,"quartileWeight":"0.7-1.2","totalWeight":8,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets"},{"quartileCount":"2.1-4.3","CPUE":"3.60","quartileWeight":"0.3-0.5","totalCatch":72,"species":"SAR","averageWeight":"0.91","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":65.3},{"quartileCount":"1.4-6.8","CPUE":"4.70","quartileWeight":"0.1-0.2","totalCatch":94,"species":"YEP","averageWeight":"0.36","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":33.9},{"quartileCount":"0.6-1.6","CPUE":"0.20","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":1.1,"gearCount":20,"totalCatch":4,"quartileWeight":"0.2-0.3","species":"RKB","averageWeight":"0.28"}],"lengths":{},"surveyID":"111897","surveySubType":"Population Assessment","surveyType":"Standard Survey"},{"surveyID":"112010","lengths":{},"surveyType":"Standard Survey","surveySubType":"Population Assessment","narrative":"The 2002 walleye gill net CPUE of 11.4 fish per lift was an increase from the past two years and above the long-term median of 10.65. This year's CPUE was the third highest in the last 10 years. The gill net CPUE of walleye over 17 inches was 2.80, the second highest CPUE on record (Figure 1). Walleye age information referenced in this summary report is based on scale samples; walleye otoliths have yet to be aged. The walleye catch in 2002 was dominated by three year-classes: 1996, 1998 and 2001. A record high number of age-1 walleye were present in the catch and accounted for 45.8% of all walleye taken. The 2001 year-class produced a gill net CPUE of 5.22, more than tripling the historical mean of 1.63 and nearly doubling the previous high CPUE of 2.80 per net. Age-1 walleye ranged in length from 7.1 to 11.2 with a mean of 9.0 inches. Most individuals will be catchable throughout the summer of 2003. However, they will not likely begin to recruit to the harvestable slot of 13 to 17 inches until late 2003 or 2004.The 1996 year-class (age-6) contributed 10.1% of the total walleye gill net catch with a CPUE of 1.16, well above the long-term average of 0.53 walleye per gill net. This year-class was reported as the strongest since 1983. The mean length of age-6 walleye was 18.1 inches and most individuals are no longer in the harvestable slot. However, the 1996 year-class will substantially contribute to the catch rate of walleye over 17 inches in 2003. The 1998 year-class (age-4) was the third most abundant age-class in the 2002 gill net sampling. The mean length of age-4 walleye was 15.5 inches. This year-class has been shown to be average in abundance but likely contributed substantially to the 2002 harvest and will continue to do so in 2003 as they reach 17 inches. The 2000 (age-2) and 1999 (age-3) year-classes we caught at low catch rates. The age-2 CPUE of 0.95 was well below the long-term mean of 2.40 fish per gill net. The age-3 CPUE of 0.55 was also below it's mean of 2.09 fish per gill net. Previous assessments have documented these two year-classes as being weak and this survey confirms those results. Sauger abundance remained high in 2002. The gill net CPUE of 6.75 was the second highest catch rate on record for Kabetogama Lake. Sauger lengths ranged from 3.7 to 15.6 inches with a mean of 12.4 inches. Aging indicated that 84% of the sauger catch were from either the 1997 or 1998 year-classes. Age-4 sauger alone accounted for 61.9% of the gill net catch and produced a CPUE of 4.18, more than tripling the historical mean of 1.18 per net. The 1998 cohort ranks as the strongest year-class ever recorded on Kabetogama Lake. The mean length of age-4 sauger was 12.5 inches. The 1997 sauger cohort is the third strongest year-class on record. During the 2003 season, these catchable year-classes will substantially contribute to the harvest.The northern pike gill net CPUE of 1.75 in 2002 was below average and just above the 25th percentile for Kabetogama Lake. The median gill net CPUE is 2.05. In the late-1980's, northern pike abundance was low, less than one fish per lift, but has remained moderate to high since then. The 2002 CPUE was the lowest since 1990. Pike lengths in 2002 ranged from 11.5 to 33.1 inches. Ages 1-4 pike substantiated the catch, representing 83% of the pike caught. Age-2 pike represented 37% of the catch, with a mean length of 20.0 inches. This year-class should provide good catch and harvest opportunities during 2003.The yellow perch CPUE of 5.05 was near the median of 5.5 fish per lift. Perch ranged in length from 5.2 to 12.4 inches, with a mean of 9.0 inches.
","surveyDate":"2002-09-16","fishCatchSummaries":[{"quartileWeight":"0.3-0.9","totalCatch":10,"species":"TLC","averageWeight":"1.29","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":12.88,"quartileCount":"1.1-10.1","CPUE":"0.50"},{"species":"NOP","averageWeight":"2.49","totalCatch":35,"quartileWeight":"2.8-4.3","totalWeight":87.11,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","quartileCount":"1.1-2.4","CPUE":"1.75"},{"totalWeight":0.01,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","species":"BLC","averageWeight":"0.01","totalCatch":1,"quartileWeight":"0.2-0.6","quartileCount":"0.2-0.8","CPUE":"0.05"},{"averageWeight":"2.21","species":"WTS","quartileWeight":"1.7-2.2","totalCatch":107,"totalWeight":235.99,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","CPUE":"5.35","quartileCount":"1.4-3.0"},{"quartileWeight":"0.8-1.3","totalCatch":228,"species":"WAE","averageWeight":"1.03","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":234.46,"quartileCount":"3.6-10.8","CPUE":"11.40"},{"quartileCount":"0.2-0.6","CPUE":"0.55","species":"SMB","averageWeight":"1.26","quartileWeight":"0.7-1.2","totalCatch":11,"totalWeight":13.81,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets"},{"quartileCount":"2.1-4.3","CPUE":"6.75","species":"SAR","averageWeight":"0.62","totalCatch":135,"quartileWeight":"0.3-0.5","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":84.06,"gear":"Standard gill nets"},{"quartileWeight":"0.1-0.2","totalCatch":101,"species":"YEP","averageWeight":"0.38","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":38.83,"quartileCount":"1.4-6.8","CPUE":"5.05"},{"quartileCount":"0.6-1.6","CPUE":"0.20","quartileWeight":"0.2-0.3","totalCatch":4,"species":"RKB","averageWeight":"0.26","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":1.05,"gearCount":20}],"headerInfo":{"wb_type":"Lake","county":"St. Louis","wb_alt_name":"","survey_id":"112010","wb_id":"69084500","wb_name":"Kabetogama","id_date":"2002-09-16","survey_type":"Population Assessment"}},{"surveyID":"111674","lengths":{},"surveyType":"Standard Survey","surveySubType":"Population Assessment","narrative":"TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FINAL LARGE LAKE REPORT.
","surveyDate":"1990-09-11","headerInfo":{"survey_id":"111674","wb_id":"69084500","wb_name":"Kabetogama","id_date":"1990-09-11","survey_type":"Population Assessment","wb_type":"Lake","county":"St. Louis","wb_alt_name":""},"fishCatchSummaries":[{"quartileCount":"1.1-10.1","CPUE":"0.15","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":4.2,"gearCount":20,"totalCatch":3,"quartileWeight":"0.3-0.9","species":"TLC","averageWeight":"1.40"},{"CPUE":"1.15","quartileCount":"1.1-2.4","quartileWeight":"2.8-4.3","totalCatch":23,"averageWeight":"3.87","species":"NOP","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":89.1},{"species":"BLC","averageWeight":"0.55","quartileWeight":"0.2-0.6","totalCatch":4,"gearCount":20,"totalWeight":2.2,"gear":"Standard gill nets","quartileCount":"0.2-0.8","CPUE":"0.20"},{"totalWeight":206.4,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","averageWeight":"1.93","species":"WTS","quartileWeight":"1.7-2.2","totalCatch":107,"CPUE":"5.35","quartileCount":"1.4-3.0"},{"totalWeight":183.4,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","species":"WAE","averageWeight":"0.85","totalCatch":217,"quartileWeight":"0.8-1.3","quartileCount":"3.6-10.8","CPUE":"10.85"},{"quartileWeight":"0.7-1.2","totalCatch":4,"species":"SMB","averageWeight":"0.40","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":1.6,"quartileCount":"0.2-0.6","CPUE":"0.20"},{"gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":1.1,"totalCatch":1,"quartileWeight":"1.6-2.9","species":"SHR","averageWeight":"1.10","quartileCount":"0.1-1.0","CPUE":"0.05"},{"quartileCount":"2.1-4.3","CPUE":"4.45","species":"SAR","averageWeight":"0.48","quartileWeight":"0.3-0.5","totalCatch":89,"gearCount":20,"totalWeight":43.1,"gear":"Standard gill nets"},{"quartileWeight":"0.1-0.2","totalCatch":106,"averageWeight":"0.25","species":"YEP","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":26.2,"CPUE":"5.30","quartileCount":"1.4-6.8"},{"totalWeight":2.7,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","species":"RKB","averageWeight":"0.23","quartileWeight":"0.2-0.3","totalCatch":12,"quartileCount":"0.6-1.6","CPUE":"0.60"}]},{"surveyDate":"2001-09-18","narrative":"The 2001 walleye gillnet catch rate (CPUE) of 8.25 fish per lift was similar to that of last year's assessment and fell below the 25th percentile for Kabetogama Lake. This year's CPUE was the fifth lowest in the last 24 years. The historical median was 10.43. The gillnet CPUE of walleye over 17 inches was the highest recorded since 1994. Based on preliminary scale aging, the walleye catch in 2001 appeared to have been dominated by three year-classes; 1996, 1998 and 2001. A record high number of age-0 walleye were present in the catch and accounted for 25% of all walleye taken. The 2001 year-class produced a gillnet CPUE of 2.05 compared to a historical average of 0.54. Age-0 walleye ranged in length from 6.3 to 7.4 inches. Most individuals should be catchable by the end of the 2002 summer season but won't begin to enter the harvestable slot of 13 to 17 inches until late summer of 2003. The 1998 year-class contributed 21% of the total walleye catch. Age-3 walleye produced a CPUE of 1.70 compared to a historical average of 2.10. This and previous assessments have indicated that the 1998 year-class is of only average abundance. Age-3 walleye ranged in length from 11.8 to 15.9 inches with an average of 13.9 inches. This year-class probably accounted for a large part of the angler harvest in 2001 and undoubtedly will again in 2002. The 1996 year-class accounted for an additional 20% of the walleye gillnet catch. This cohort was the strongest recorded since 1983. Age-5 produced a CPUE of 1.65 compared to the historical average of 0.74. Age-5 walleye ranged in length from 12.0 to 18.7 inches with a average of 16.9 inches. Fifty-three percent of the individuals from the 1996 cohort exceeded 17 inches in length. The 1996 cohort should continue to bolster both harvest rates of legal fish and catch rates of walleye over 17 inches. Three other walleye year-classes produced low to record low catches for their respective age-groups. The 1997, 1999 and 2000 year-classes, combined, produced a CPUE of 1.35, compared to a historical average for these age groups of 5.34. The 1999 year-class alone produced a CPUE of just 0.55, the lowest ever recorded for age-2 walleye on Kabetogama Lake. Fall night electrofishing results also indicated high abundance and good growth for the 2001 year-class. During this year's assessment, approximately 579 age-0 walleye were captured for a CPUE of 147.9 fish per hour, 7.5 times higher than the previous high. Sauger abundance remained high in 2001. The gillnet CPUE of 6.30 was equal to that of 2000 and exceeded the 75th percentile for Kabetogama Lake. The last time sauger CPUE exceeded 6.30 was in 1984. Sauger lengths ranged from 4.6 to 16.3 inches with a average of 11.8 inches. Aging indicated that 88% of the sauger catch was from either the 1997 or 1998 year-classes. Age-3 sauger alone accounted for 57% of the gillnet catch and produced a CPUE of 3.61 compared to a historical average of 1.23. The 1998 year-class ranks as the strongest recorded on Kabetogama Lake. The 1997 sauger year-class is the third strongest on record. Reports by anglers fishing the lake during 2001 also indicate that sauger abundance was high. The northern pike gillnet CPUE in 2001 was 2.30, near the 75th percentile for Kabetogama Lake. The median gillnet CPUE was 2.05. In the late-1980's, northern pike abundance was low, less than one fish per lift, but has remained moderate to high since then. Pike lengths in 2001 ranged from 11.3 to 40.2 inches, however, 74% of the pike captured were between 17 and 24 inches in length. Eighty-three percent of the pike catch were from either the 1998, 1999 or 2000 year-classes. Shoreline seining results indicated that the 2001 cohort appeared to be abundant in number. Although not routinely caught by DNR assessment gear, black crappie abundance appears to be good in Kabetogama Lake. Angling success for crappie during the winter of 2002 was excellent.
","fishCatchSummaries":[{"species":"TLC","averageWeight":"1.18","quartileWeight":"0.3-0.9","totalCatch":18,"totalWeight":21.16,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","quartileCount":"1.1-10.1","CPUE":"0.90"},{"CPUE":"0.15","quartileCount":"0.1-0.3","totalWeight":2.2,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","averageWeight":"0.73","species":"BUB","quartileWeight":"0.7-2.1","totalCatch":3},{"quartileCount":"1.1-2.4","CPUE":"2.30","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":119.59,"gearCount":20,"totalCatch":46,"quartileWeight":"2.8-4.3","species":"NOP","averageWeight":"2.60"},{"totalWeight":2.49,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","averageWeight":"0.36","species":"BLC","totalCatch":7,"quartileWeight":"0.2-0.6","CPUE":"0.35","quartileCount":"0.2-0.8"},{"gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":159.49,"gearCount":20,"totalCatch":93,"quartileWeight":"1.7-2.2","averageWeight":"1.71","species":"WTS","CPUE":"4.65","quartileCount":"1.4-3.0"},{"CPUE":"8.25","quartileCount":"3.6-10.8","averageWeight":"1.12","species":"WAE","totalCatch":165,"quartileWeight":"0.8-1.3","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":185.03,"gear":"Standard gill nets"},{"gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":2.13,"quartileWeight":"0.7-1.2","totalCatch":2,"species":"SMB","averageWeight":"1.06","quartileCount":"0.2-0.6","CPUE":"0.10"},{"totalWeight":3.03,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","species":"SHR","averageWeight":"1.51","quartileWeight":"1.6-2.9","totalCatch":2,"quartileCount":"0.1-1.0","CPUE":"0.10"},{"gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":4.85,"totalCatch":1,"quartileWeight":"0.9-2.8","averageWeight":"4.85","species":"LKW","CPUE":"0.05","quartileCount":"0.1-3.0"},{"species":"BLG","averageWeight":"0.49","totalCatch":1,"quartileWeight":"N/A","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":0.49,"gear":"Standard gill nets","quartileCount":"N/A","CPUE":"0.05"},{"quartileCount":"1.4-6.8","CPUE":"4.60","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":21.72,"totalCatch":92,"quartileWeight":"0.1-0.2","species":"YEP","averageWeight":"0.24"},{"quartileCount":"2.1-4.3","CPUE":"6.30","species":"SAR","averageWeight":"0.50","quartileWeight":"0.3-0.5","totalCatch":126,"totalWeight":63.2,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets"},{"CPUE":"0.10","quartileCount":"0.6-1.6","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":0.39,"gear":"Standard gill nets","averageWeight":"0.20","species":"RKB","totalCatch":2,"quartileWeight":"0.2-0.3"}],"headerInfo":{"survey_type":"Population Assessment","id_date":"2001-09-18","wb_name":"Kabetogama","wb_id":"69084500","survey_id":"111991","wb_alt_name":"","county":"St. Louis","wb_type":"Lake"},"lengths":{},"surveyID":"111991","surveySubType":"Population Assessment","surveyType":"Standard Survey"},{"lengths":{"WTS":{"fishCount":[[10,2],[11,3],[12,4],[13,5],[14,2],[15,3],[16,8],[17,15],[18,13],[19,6],[20,2],[21,2],[22,1],[7,1],[8,5]],"minimum_length":7,"maximum_length":22},"BUB":{"minimum_length":23,"fishCount":[[23,1]],"maximum_length":23},"BLC":{"maximum_length":11,"minimum_length":1,"fishCount":[[0,21],[1,122],[1,12],[11,1]]},"CIS":{"maximum_length":17,"minimum_length":1,"fishCount":[[1,3],[2,2],[12,5],[13,1],[14,2],[15,3],[16,7],[17,2]]},"SAR":{"fishCount":[[10,12],[11,23],[12,12],[13,6],[14,5],[15,1],[16,2],[7,7],[8,1],[9,5]],"minimum_length":7,"maximum_length":16},"YEP":{"minimum_length":1,"fishCount":[[0,579],[1,5050],[2,46],[10,47],[11,44],[12,11],[2,687],[3,742],[4,34],[5,14],[6,11],[7,21],[8,66],[9,74]],"maximum_length":12},"NOP":{"minimum_length":1,"fishCount":[[1,1],[2,5],[3,10],[4,8],[5,1],[13,1],[16,1],[17,6],[18,4],[19,8],[20,10],[21,8],[22,10],[23,7],[24,3],[25,2],[30,1],[32,2],[35,1],[37,1]],"maximum_length":37},"SMB":{"minimum_length":1,"fishCount":[[0,11],[1,145],[2,19],[10,4],[11,10],[12,10],[13,2],[14,9],[15,10],[16,5],[17,3],[18,2],[3,24],[5,1],[7,4],[8,2],[9,6]],"maximum_length":18},"RBS":{"fishCount":[[5,1]],"minimum_length":5,"maximum_length":5},"RKB":{"fishCount":[[3,4],[4,3],[5,12],[6,47],[7,10],[8,7],[9,5]],"minimum_length":3,"maximum_length":9},"WAE":{"fishCount":[[1,141],[2,72],[3,10],[4,9],[5,105],[6,9],[10,9],[11,7],[12,8],[13,6],[14,15],[15,7],[16,19],[17,22],[18,15],[19,29],[20,17],[21,4],[22,2],[23,2],[24,1],[6,2],[7,21],[8,32],[9,16]],"minimum_length":1,"maximum_length":24}},"surveyID":"3941316339996000","surveyType":"Standard Survey","surveySubType":"Large Lake Survey","narrative":"Walleye
\n
\nEleven fish species were captured during fall gill netting on Lake Kabetogama in 2013. Yellow Perch was the most abundant species in the catch making up 36.5 percent of the total by number Walleye was the second most abundant species adding 20.4 percent to the catch by number. Walleye made up the largest proportion of the total yield comprising 35.2 percent of the total weight of the gill net catch. This year's Walleye gill net catch rate of 8.05 was lower than 2012 but higher than the first quartile for Lake Kabetogama and higher than the median of all Lake Class 2 lakes. The Walleye yield per net for Lake Kabetogama has bounced up and down in the past few years but has hit some of the highest yield numbers since the late 1980s and early 1990s with a recent high in 2012 of 14.91 pounds per net. In fact, since 1986 only 1987, 1988, and 1991 had higher Walleye yields than 2012. The 2013 Walleye yield was 12.98 pounds per net. The catch rate of Walleye over 17 inches in length was 4.15 in 2013, the second highest rate ever recorded on Lake Kabetogama. The only higher catch rate of Walleye over 17 inches in length occurred in 2012. The 2012 rate was 1.5 times higher than the third quartile for Lake Kabetogama (3.00 per net).
\n
\nLengths of gill net captured Walleye ranged from 6.97 to 24.29 inches in 2013. The average length was 15.8 inches. The average weight was 1.61 pounds. Walleye growth has remained relatively consistent over time. However, the observed length at capture in 2013 was lower than previous surveys for age-7 through age-9 fish.
\n
\nEighteen age groups from age 1 to age 20 were present in the Walleye catch. The average age was 5.4 years. Age-7 Walleye from the 2006 year class comprised 23.0 percent of the total Walleye catch. Age-1 and age-3 Walleye made up an additional 13.0 and 18.6 percent of the catch, respectively. Analysis of gill netting data using a year-class strength index (YCI) suggests the 2006 and 2001cohorts were the only two strong year-classes produced in the recent past. Lake Kabetogama had been producing a strong year-class every 5th year dating back to 1996. The most recent data suggests a strong year-class has not been produced on Lake Kabetogama since 2006 which would mark the longest span without a strong year-class on Lake Kabetogama since the large lake monitoring program began in 1983.
\n
\nStrong year-classes of Walleye are not occurring as frequently as they once were in Lake Kabetogama. While at this time we are unsure of the cause, high juvenile mortality appears to be affecting Walleye recruitment and therefore production of strong year classes. Examining mortality of juvenile (age-1 to age-3) Walleye showed that mortality has significantly increased in recent years.
\n
\nSeining and fall electrofishing are used to monitor age-0 Walleye growth and production and predict year class strength on Lake Kabetogama. A total of 51 seine hauls were carried out during 2013, and 21 species of fish were represented in the catch. A total of 9,180 fish were captured. Age-0 Yellow Perch were the most numerous species caught, representing 62 percent of the catch. Age-0 White Sucker composed an additional 10 percent of the catch while age-0 Walleyes contributed 2.4 percent of the catch. The catch rate of age-0 Yellow Perch was 111 per haul, totaling 5,676 fish. This catch rate was lower than the long-term mean of 428 per haul and less than the 2012 catch rate of 446 age-0 Yellow Perch per haul. The catch rate of age-0 Walleye was 4.37 per haul which was lower than the long-term average of 22 per haul but higher than the 2012 catch of 0.13 Walleyes per haul.
\n
\nThe late ice-out in 2013 coupled with a cold snap in July likely contributed to slow age-0 walleye growth. Mean Walleye length increased from 1.55 inches (39.3 mm) on July 1st to 3.0 inches (76.5 mm) on July 31st . There is a significant positive correlation on Lake Kabetogama between the age-0 Walleye length on July 31st and the subsequent year-class strength from gill net data. Age-0 Walleye growth was slower than average in 2013 and seining data suggests it will be a weak year-class.
\n
\nFall electrofishing has also been used on Lake Kabetogama to predict future Walleye year-class strength, and in 2013 a total of six stations were sampled. Sampling occurred on the nights of October 7th and 8th. A total of 123 young-of-year Walleye were captured. The catch rate of age-0 Walleye was 45.7 fish per hour of \"on-time\". The historical mean was 36.2 age-0 fish per hour. The 2013 catch rate was lower than 2012 when the third highest age-0 Walleye catch rate ever recorded on Lake Kabetogama was logged (57 per hour) and trailed only the 2001 and 2002 sampling. Consistent with seining results, summer growth appeared slow with age-0 Walleyes averaging 5.49 inches long in the fall electofishing samples which is below the long-term median of 5.64 inches.
\n
\nAnalysis of historical fall electrofishing data of age-0 Walleyes indicates the strongest correlation to subsequent year-class strength is catch rate of age-0 Walleyes greater than or equal to 6.5 inches long. The overall catch rate of age-0 Walleyes provides additional strength to this correlation. Together these two variables explain 75 percent of the variation in subsequent year-class strength.
\n
\nConsistent with seining results, the 2013 fall electrofishing results predict 2013 will be a poor year-class. This model predicted the 2012 year-class to be a strong year-class based on 2012 fall electrofishing results, as did the seining results from July, 2012. However, 2013 gill netting suggests 2012 will be a weak year-class. The 2006 Walleye year-class has driven much of the harvest fishery on Kabetogama in the past couple of years and made its mark as the first strong year-class of Walleyes to recruit to the gill nets since the 2001 year-class did so in 2004. Aside from the two very strong year-classes in 2001 and 2006, every year-class from 1999 through 2012 appears to be very weak. This is likely to create a void of harvestable size fish available to the anglers in the next few years as a majority of individual fish from the 2006 year-class now appear to have grown into the slot. Thirty-one of 37 fish caught in the gill nets in 2013 (84%) from the 2006 year-class were 17 inches or longer.
\n
\nFemale spawner biomass estimates from a model that uses gill net catch rates to estimate biomass were made back to 1983 to allow for stock-recruit analysis of the entire large lake data set. Female spawner stock biomass has fluctuated between 0.9 and 1.8 pounds per acre from 1983 through 2005. In 2006 the female spawner biomass exceeded 2.0 pounds per acre for the first time. In 2007 and 2008, the female spawner biomass dropped slightly but was still above the mean from 1989 to the present. The 2010 and 2012 female spawner biomass estimates set new record highs with 2.16 and 2.26 lbs/acre, respectively. The 2013 estimate was slightly lower than 2012 but still consistent with an increasing trend in female spawner biomass in Lake Kabetogama.
\n
\nSauger
\n
\nThe Sauger gill net catch rate of 3.70 per net was in the normal range for Lake Kabetogama and higher than the median for similar lakes. Gill netted Sauger ranged in length from 7.3 to 16.7 inches with an average of 11.5 inches. The average Sauger weight was 0.46 pounds .
\n
\nEight year-classes were present in the Sauger catch. Age-3 made up 52.7 percent of the Sauger catch, while age-6 fish added another 13.5 percent. There have been three strong year-classes (2003, 2007, and 2010) in the past 10 years and the 2006 year-class appears average.
\n
\nSauger catch rates in the gill nets have been steady following a decline in the mid-2000s from highs experienced in the late 1990s and early 2000s. An abnormal period of three out of four strong year classes from 1995 to 1998, including two of the strongest year-classes ever in 1997 and 1998, were the catalyst for this spike in Sauger abundance. Recruitment has since normalized and appears on a schedule of a strong year-class every third or fourth year. This consistent recruitment has resulted in a very stable catch rate of Sauger fluctuating between 2.85 and 3.75 fish per gill net since 2006. The strong 2007 year-class is now at a harvestable size averaging 14.3 inches long in 2013 and higher Sauger numbers in recent years may help fill some of the void until another strong year-class of Walleyes recruits to the fishery.
\n
\nNorthern Pike
\n
\nThe 2013 Northern Pike gill net catch rate of 3.25 per net was above average for Lake Kabetogama and for similar lakes. The 2013 gill net catch rate represents the second highest catch rate on Lake Kabetogama since 1983. The historical median for Lake Kabetogama is 2.0 per net. Most of the catch in the 2013 gill nets were from the 2009 and 2010 year classes. These two year classes composed 60 percent of the Northern Pike catch in 2013. Lake Kabetogama experienced a very early ice-out in 2010 and therefore a longer growing season. This longer growing season may have been favorable to Northern Pike because the 2010 year class was caught in good numbers in 2011, 2012, and 2013 gill netting despite low water levels in 2010 that had the potential to hamper Northern Pike spawning.
\n
\nNorthern Pike lengths ranged from 13.5 to 37.1 inches with a mean of 21.9 inches. The mean weight was 2.13 pounds. Trophy-sized Northern Pike are present in Lake Kabetogama. One fish over 37 inches long was caught in the 2013 gill nets and a 45.4 inch long Northern Pike weighing 18.6 pounds was caught in 2012.
\n
\nYellow Perch
\n
\nThe Yellow Perch catch rate of 14.4 was well above average for Lake Kabetogama and for similar lakes. This catch rate was slightly lower than 2012 which was the highest catch rate in any survey of Lake Kabetogama since the large lake program was standardized in 1983. The historical average was 7.04 fish per lift. Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 5.2 to 13.0 inches with an average of 9.4 inches. The average weight was 0.47 pounds.
\n
\nNine age groups were represented in the perch catch. Age-3 Yellow Perch made up 50.1 percent of the catch with the age-4 year-class providing an additional 9.6 percent. The average perch age was 3.6 years. The index of year class strength indicates the 2005 through 2010 year-classes are all strong and the 2010 year-class is the strongest ever on Lake Kabetogama.
\n
\nYellow Perch abundance has increased in recent years and an all-time high gill net catch rate was recorded in 2012. Recent years with poor Walleye recruitment may have contributed to higher perch recruitment as the age-0 Yellow Perch were freed from a major source of predation. Another potential explanation for the recent strong year-classes of Yellow Perch is favorable weather for spawning and a longer growing season. Northern Minnesota has experienced earlier springs and later falls in recent years. In fact, Lake Kabetogama experienced record early ice-outs in 2010 and 2012, breaking the previous record by nine and 11 days, respectively. The recent string of six consecutive strong year-classes is unprecedented on Lake Kabetogama and explains the record high gill net catches.
\n
\nSmallmouth Bass
\n
\nA total of seven stations were sampled during spring electrofishing events targeting Smallmouth Bass on the nights of June 12 and June 13, 2013. Effort per station ranged from 954 to 2732 seconds of \"on time\". Total effort was 10,679 seconds.
\n
\nA total of 48 Smallmouth Bass were captured during spring electrofishing. The catch rate was lower than 2012 (27.2 per hour) at 18.0 per hour but within the range seen in recent years. Seven year-classes were represented in the 2013 catch. Age-4 (2009 year-class) Smallmouth Bass averaging 11.1 inches long represented 46.8 percent of the bass catch while age-7 averaging 14.7 inches long made up an additional 18.1 percent of the catch. Quality size fish are present with Smallmouth Bass up to 18.5 inches sampled in 2013.
\n
\nOther Species
\n
\nTwenty ciscos were captured in the 2013 gill net survey for a catch rate of 1.0 per net, down from 3.3 per net in 2012. Ciscos ranged in length from 12.1 to 17.2 inches with a mean of 15.0 inches. White Suckers were captured at a rate of 3.6 per gill net which was in the normal range for Lake Kabetogama and higher than average for similar lakes. In the gill nets, centrarchids were represented by Smallmouth Bass (1.0 per net), rock bass (4.4 per net), and black crappie (0.1 per net). One Rainbow Smelt and one Burbot were also caught in the gill nets.
\n
Lake Kabetogama is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program includes annual population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys. A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages. These gear types include gill nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Lake Kabetogama. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year in order to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.
\n
\nThe walleye gillnet catch in 2015 was 11.3 fish/net, well above the historic average for Lake Kabetogama. Walleye gillnet catches were at a historical low in 2014 at 5.5 fish/net. The increase in the walleye catch was largely due a high catch rate of age 0 fish which made up 28.8 percent of the catch. The catch rate of age 0 walleyes was the highest ever observed in 2015 and the result of very fast growth in 2015. The average length of age 0 walleyes was 7.3 inches. Age 3 walleyes from the 2012 year-class composed the next largest portion of the catch at 16.8 percent of the catch. Overall, gillnetted walleyes ranged in length from 6.5 to 26.9 inches long and had an average length of 13.3 inches. There is a special regulation for walleye on Lake Kabetogama; a 17-28 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 28 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock.
\n
\nSauger numbers have been stable or slightly increasing in recent gill net surveys. The 2015 gill net catch rate was 3.75 fish/net which is near the long term average. Quality sized saugers are present in good numbers. Lengths ranged from 5.3 to 17.0 inches in 2015 and 41 percent were over 13 inches. The strong year-classes from 2010 and 2012 made up the majority of the 2015 catch (81 percent).
\n
\nThe gillnet catch of northern pike was 1.8 fish/net, slightly lower than the historic average. Gillnet catches of northern pike have historically been variable at a relatively low level on Lake Kabetogama. Northern pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 12.0 to 41.5 inches in 2015. The average length was 23.3 inches. Large northern pike over 40 inches are caught regularly in gill net surveys, and a 45.4 inch pike weighing 18.6 pounds was caught in 2012.
\n
\nYellow perch numbers have increased in recent years in Lake Kabetogama. The 2015 gill net catch rate was 10.7 fish/net, well above the historic average. Yellow perch lengths ranged from 4.8 to 14.0 inches and the overall average was 9.6 inches. Yellow perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality sized fish. Sixty eight percent of the 2015 gill net catch measured nine inches or longer and 50 percent were 10 inches or longer.
\n
\nAn electrofishing boat is used as the standard sampling gear for smallmouth bass because they are not effectively caught in standard assessment nets. Sixty smallmouth bass were caught while electrofishing in 2015 for a catch rate of 23.5 fish/hour, lower than the historic average but similar to what has been seen in recent surveys. Lengths ranged from 5.9 to 18.0 inches and averaged 11.8 inches. The smallmouth bass catch was dominated by age 4 fish (2011 year class), which composed 37% of the catch.
\n
\nLake Kabetogama is known to be infested with spiny waterfleas. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.
\n
TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FINAL LARGE LAKE REPORT.
","fishCatchSummaries":[{"CPUE":"3.70","quartileCount":"1.1-10.1","quartileWeight":"0.3-0.9","totalCatch":74,"averageWeight":"1.29","species":"TLC","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":95.26,"gearCount":20},{"quartileCount":"0.1-0.3","CPUE":"0.05","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":0.31,"gear":"Standard gill nets","species":"BUB","averageWeight":"0.31","quartileWeight":"0.7-2.1","totalCatch":1},{"quartileCount":"1.1-2.4","CPUE":"2.10","quartileWeight":"2.8-4.3","totalCatch":42,"species":"NOP","averageWeight":"2.32","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":97.47,"gearCount":20},{"totalCatch":6,"quartileWeight":"0.2-0.6","species":"BLC","averageWeight":"0.08","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":0.49,"gearCount":20,"quartileCount":"0.2-0.8","CPUE":"0.30"},{"CPUE":"3.95","quartileCount":"1.4-3.0","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":160.94,"gearCount":20,"totalCatch":79,"quartileWeight":"1.7-2.2","averageWeight":"2.04","species":"WTS"},{"CPUE":"12.60","quartileCount":"3.6-10.8","totalWeight":301.9,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","averageWeight":"1.20","species":"WAE","quartileWeight":"0.8-1.3","totalCatch":252},{"quartileWeight":"0.7-1.2","totalCatch":12,"species":"SMB","averageWeight":"1.14","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":13.71,"quartileCount":"0.2-0.6","CPUE":"0.60"},{"species":"SHR","averageWeight":"2.43","totalCatch":1,"quartileWeight":"1.6-2.9","totalWeight":2.43,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","quartileCount":"0.1-1.0","CPUE":"0.05"},{"totalCatch":1,"quartileWeight":"N/A","species":"BLG","averageWeight":"0.19","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":0.19,"gearCount":20,"quartileCount":"N/A","CPUE":"0.05"},{"averageWeight":"0.30","species":"YEP","totalCatch":46,"quartileWeight":"0.1-0.2","totalWeight":14.01,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","CPUE":"2.30","quartileCount":"1.4-6.8"},{"quartileCount":"2.1-4.3","CPUE":"3.15","totalWeight":38.52,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","species":"SAR","averageWeight":"0.61","totalCatch":63,"quartileWeight":"0.3-0.5"},{"CPUE":"0.60","quartileCount":"0.6-1.6","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":2.75,"gearCount":20,"quartileWeight":"0.2-0.3","totalCatch":12,"averageWeight":"0.23","species":"RKB"}],"headerInfo":{"wb_id":"69084500","survey_id":"111686","id_date":"1991-09-16","survey_type":"Population Assessment","wb_name":"Kabetogama","wb_type":"Lake","county":"St. Louis","wb_alt_name":""}},{"narrative":"Cold spring temperatures caused spring sampling to be delayed for the second year in a row in 2009. This time below normal temperatures continued throughout much of the summer with the warmest stretch of weather occurring during our fall gill net assessment in September. Despite sampling difficulties associated with a cold, wet spring and abnormally warm fall, results from the 2009 large-lake sampling provided valuable information about the status of the fishery on Lake Kabetogama. The walleye population in Lake Kabetogama is functioning below previous levels. Strong year-classes of walleye are not occurring as frequently as they once were. While at this time we are unsure of the cause, high juvenile mortality appears to be affecting walleye recruitment and therefore production of strong year-classes.
\n
\nWalleye gill net CPUE increased in 2009, rebounding from a near record low, for the large lake program era, in 2008. This increase in gill net CPUE was expected last year with indications that recruitment of walleye from the 2006 year class would boost catch rates. This increase did not occur in 2008 potentially due to poor growth associated with cold water temperatures. The 2006 year class did make an appearance in the 2009 fall gill nets making up 44.4% of the total walleye catch and making its mark as the first strong year class of walleyes to recruit to the gill nets since the 2001 year class did so in 2004. Anecdotal information from anglers in 2008 indicated high catches of small walleyes despite our inability to sample them with nets. These reports continued in 2009. Again these reports were largely driven by catches of small fish less than 14 inches in length, though larger fish in the protected slot were also noted.
\n
\nAging of walleye otoliths (ear bones)showed that the catch is dominated by young fish with73.2% of the walleyes captured age-3 or younger. Remnants of a few strong year-classes (1996 and 2001), and various moderate to poor year classes make up the remainder of the sample. This catch is typical for a \"boom and bust\" fishery. For the fishery to recover a few strong year-classes need to be strung together, with some moderate year-classes filling the gaps. Currently walleye recruitment is inconsistent, with only a few strong year-classes present in the catch. The recruitment of the 2006 year class as a \"strong\" year class and early indications that the 2007 year class may be \"strong\" as well provide hope for the near future of the walleye fishery on Kabetogama.
\n
\nThe 2006 walleye year-class provided Lake Kabetogama with a bright spot in the net surveys. As age-0 through age-1 they were caught in above average numbers. However, their abundance appeared to decline at age-2 during the 2008 survey. Abundance of the 2006 walleye year-class rebounded in the 2009 assessment. Additionally, the 2006 year class shows the lowest juvenile mortality observed since the calculations began for Kabetogama in 1983.
\n
\nPrior to the 2001 year-class there were four consecutive years of poor to mediocre walleye recruitment. The 2000, 1999, and 1997 year-classes were below average in strength and when combined with the four poor year-classes after 2001 (2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005) help explain the current status of the Kabetogama walleye fishery
\nJuvenile walleye mortality has increased in recent years. A downward trend was apparent in the mid-1990s. However, in the past eight to nine years there has been a significant increase in the instantaneous mortality of age-1 to age-3 walleye. Sampling in 2009 indicated that the 2006 year class exhibited the lowest juvenile mortality ever calculated for Lake Kabetogama. This is a drastic departure from the trend of the past seven year-classes. Further investigation is required on this topic, as high mortality is obviously contributing to the poor recruitment on Lake Kabetogama, and understanding why 2006 mortality was so low may lead to better management or stock predictions.
\n
\nSauger abundance has returned to levels seen in the early to mid 1990\u0019s. The 2003 year-class provided a highlight in the 2009 net surveys. The 2003 year-class is showing great promise and should be recruiting to the sport fishery during the next couple of years. This year-class will be the first strong sauger year-class since the two very strong year-classes of 1997 and 1998.
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\nThe 2009 fall gill netting indicates that after a sharp jump in abundance in 2007 the northern pike abundance returned to levels typical of past years. The age and size structure have remained healthy through recent fluctuations. Spring water levels should be more favorable for northern pike spawning under the Rule Curve implemented by the IJC in 2000 (RNWLISC 1993).
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\nYellow perch abundance spiked in 2009 with the third highest gill-net catch ever recorded for Lake Kabetogama. Yellow perch abundance and growth provide indications of the overall fishery health on Lake Kabetogama. Recent years with poor walleye recruitment may have contributed to higher perch recruitment as the YOY yellow perch were freed from a major source of predation. The 2006 year class became the third year class in the past four years to be considered strong. The 2009 data shows a good length distribution with 26.7% of the perch sampled being larger than nine inches in length.
\n
\n
Lake Kabetogama is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program includes annual population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys. A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages. These gear types include gill nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Lake Kabetogama. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year in order to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.
\n
\nThe walleye gill net catch in 2016 was 12.8 fish/net, well above the historic average for Lake Kabetogama. Walleye gill net catches were at a historical low in 2014 at 5.5 fish/net. The increase in the walleye catch over the past two years was largely due to a high catch rate of fish from the 2015 year-class which made up 24.6 percent of the 2016 catch. The average length of 2015 Walleyes was 9.7 inches. Age-4 walleyes from the 2012 year-class composed the next largest portion of the catch at 18.8 percent of the catch. The 2012 year-class ranged in length from 14.5 to 18.5 inches long and averaged 16.5 inches in 2016 gill nets. Overall, gill netted walleyes ranged in length from 6.6 to 27.5 inches long and had an average length of 15.4 inches. There is a special regulation for walleye on Lake Kabetogama; a 17-28 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 28 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock.
\n
\nSauger numbers have been stable or slightly increasing in recent gill net surveys. The 2016 gill net assessment continued this trend with a Sauger catch rate of 4.1 fish/net which is slightly higher than the long term average. Quality sized Saugers are present in good numbers. Lengths ranged from 8.0 to 16.5 inches in 2016 and 53 percent were over 13 inches. The strong year-classes from 2010 and 2012 together made up more than half of the 2016 catch (56 percent), while the 2015 year-class added an additional 33.3 percent to the total catch.
\n
\nThe gill net catch of Northern Pike was 2.5 fish/net, slightly higher than the historic average. Gill net catches of Northern Pike have historically been variable at a low level on Lake Kabetogama. Northern pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 15.6 to 40.8 inches in 2016 gill nets. The average length was 23.2 inches. Large Northern Pike over 40 inches are caught regularly in gill net surveys, and a 45.4 inch pike weighing 18.6 pounds was caught in 2012.
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\nYellow Perch numbers have increased in recent years in Lake Kabetogama. The 2016 gill net catch rate was 7.8 fish/net, slightly higher than the historic average but lower than the 2015 catch. Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 4.3 to 13.6 inches and the overall average was 9.0 inches. Yellow Perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish. Fifty-four percent of the 2016 gill net catch measured nine inches or longer and 41 percent were 10 inches or longer.
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\nAn electrofishing boat is used as the standard sampling gear for Smallmouth Bass because they are not effectively caught in standard assessment nets. Forty four Smallmouth Bass were caught while electrofishing in 2016 for a catch rate of 36.1 fish/hour, similar to the historic average and slightly higher than has been seen in recent surveys. Lengths ranged from 5.4 to 16.9 inches and averaged 11.7 inches. The Smallmouth Bass catch was dominated by age 4 fish (2012 year class), which composed 48% of the catch.
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\nLake Kabetogama is known to be infested with spiny waterfleas. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.
\n
Lake Kabetogama is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program includes annual population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys. A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages. These gear types include gill nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Lake Kabetogama. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year in order to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.
\n
\nThe Walleye gill net catch in 2018 was 9.3 fish/net which is similar to the historic average for Lake Kabetogama. Walleye gill net catches were at a historical low in 2014 at 5.5 fish/net. The increase in the Walleye catch over the past four years was largely due to a high catch rate of fish from the 2015 year-class which made up 22 percent of the 2018 catch. The average length of 2015 Walleyes was 14.4 inches with most in the 13-15 inch range in fall 2018. Age-2 Walleyes from the 2016 year-class also composed a large portion of the catch at 26 percent. Age-2 Walleyes were primarily in the 10-11 inch range in 2018. Age-6 Walleyes from the strong 2012 year-class composed 10.3 percent of the catch. Most individual fish from the 2012 year-class have reached lengths that put them within the protected slot limit on Lake Kabetogama ranging from 17.6 to 21.5 inches long in 2018. Overall, gill netted Walleyes ranged in length from 5.6 to 24.8 inches long and had an average length of 15.4 inches. There is a special regulation for Walleye on Lake Kabetogama; an 18-26 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 26 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock.
\n
\nLake Kabetogama is home to a fishable Sauger population, and Sauger numbers have increased in both average size and total numbers in recent gill net surveys. The past two surveys indicate Sauger numbers are greater than they have been since the early 2000s. Sauger were caught at a rate of 5.0 per gill net in the 2018 assessment. The 2015 year-class dominated the Sauger catch accounting for 60 percent of the gill net catch. This year-class ranged in length from 9.9 to 15.1 inches long with most individuals in the 10-12 inch size range in the fall 2018 survey. The largest Sauger caught during the 2018 survey was 18.0 inches long. The 2012 year-class was the next most recent strong year-class and ranged in length from 13.3 to 16.3 inches long in 2018.
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\nThe gill net catch of Northern Pike was 1.9 fish/net, less than the historic average and less than the 2017 catch rate. Gill net catches of Northern Pike have historically been variable at a low level on Lake Kabetogama. Northern Pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 16.0 to 34.9 inches in 2018 gill nets. The average length was 22.7 inches. Large Northern Pike over 40 inches are often caught in gill net surveys, and a 45.4 inch pike weighing 18.6 pounds was caught in 2012.
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\nYellow Perch numbers have increased in recent years in Lake Kabetogama. The 2017 gill net catch rate was 18.0 fish/net, well above the historic average and an all-time high for Kabetogama. Numbers were lower in 2018 at 8.0 per net, greater than the long-term average. Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 5.2 to 13.1 inches and the overall average was 8.6 inches. Record high numbers of Yellow Perch from the 2015 year-class were the main driver for the recent increase in gill net catch rates. The 2015 year-class composed 57 percent of the 2018 gill net catch and ranged in size from 6.8 to 10.4 inches long. Yellow Perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish.
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\nAn electrofishing boat is used as the standard sampling gear for Smallmouth Bass because they are not effectively caught in standard assessment nets. Fifty-eight Smallmouth Bass were caught while electrofishing in 2018 for a catch rate of 19.0 fish/hour, similar to numbers seen in recent surveys. Lengths ranged from 5.6 to 19.4 inches and averaged 12.9 inches. Based on recent creel and gill netting results, Lake Kabetogama appears to have an expanding Smallmouth Bass population with opportunities to catch large fish.
\n
\nLake Kabetogama is known to be infested with spiny waterfleas. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.
Walleye
\n
\nEleven fish species were captured during fall gill netting on Lake Kabetogama in 2014. Yellow Perch was the most abundant species in the catch making up 31.4 percent of the total by number. Walleye was the second most abundant species adding 21.3 percent to the catch by number. Walleye made up the largest proportion of the total yield comprising 28.4 percent of the total weight of the gill net catch. This year's Walleye gill net catch rate of 5.45 fish per net was the lowest catch rate since the inception of the Large Lake Program in 1983 for Lake Kabetogama and slightly lower than the median of all Lake Class 2 lakes. The Walleye yield per net for Lake Kabetogama has bounced up and down in the past few years but has hit some of the highest yield numbers since the late 1980s and early 1990s with a recent high in 2012 of 14.91 pounds per net. In fact, since 1986 only 1987, 1988, and 1991 had higher Walleye yields than 2012. However, the 2014 Walleye yield was below the first quartile for Lake Kabetogama (9.26 pounds per net) and the lowest since 2009. The catch rate of Walleye over 17 inches in length was 2.90 in 2014 which is near the third quartile for Lake Kabetogama. This follows two years of record high catch rates of Walleye over 17 inches in 2012 and 2013. The 2012 rate was 1.5 times higher than the third quartile for Lake Kabetogama (3.00 per net) and an all-time high.
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\nLengths of gill net captured Walleye ranged from 5.31 to 23.86 inches in 2014. The mean length was 16.08 inches. The mean weight was 1.70 pounds. Walleye growth has remained relatively consistent over time. However, the observed length at capture in 2014 was lower than previous surveys for age-7 through age-10 fish.
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\nSixteen age groups from age-1 to age-17 were present in the Walleye catch. The mean age was 5.5 years. Age-6 Walleye from the 2008 year class comprised 14.7 percent of the total Walleye catch. Age-3 and age-4 Walleye each made up an additional 13.8 percent of the catch. Analysis of gill netting data using a year-class strength index (YCI) suggests the 2006 and 2001cohorts were the only two strong year-classes produced in the recent past. Lake Kabetogama had been producing a strong year-class every 5th year dating back to 1996. The most recent data suggests a strong year-class has not been produced on Lake Kabetogama since 2006 which would mark the longest span without a strong year-class on Lake Kabetogama since the large lake monitoring program began in 1983.
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\nStrong year-classes of Walleye are not occurring as frequently as they once were in Lake Kabetogama. While at this time we are unsure of the cause, high juvenile mortality appears to be affecting Walleye recruitment and therefore production of strong year classes. Examining mortality of juvenile (age-1 to age-3) Walleye showed that mortality has significantly increased in recent years.
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\nSeining and fall electrofishing are used to monitor age-0 Walleye growth and abundance and predict year class strength on Lake Kabetogama. A total of 31 seine hauls were carried out during 2014, and 16 species of fish were represented in the catch. A total of 7,542 fish were captured. Age-0 Walleye were the most numerous species caught, representing 39.5 percent of the catch. Age-0 Yellow Perch composed an additional 38.7 percent. The catch rate of age-0 Walleye was 96.0 per haul which was more than four times higher than the long-term average of 21.6 per haul and the third highest catch rate ever recorded on Lake Kabetogama. The catch rate of age-0 Yellow Perch was 94.1 per haul, totaling 2,917 fish. This catch rate was lower than the long-term mean of 417.5 per haul and less than the 2013 catch rate of 111.3 age-0 Yellow Perch per haul.
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\nThe late ice-out in 2014 likely contributed to slow age-0 Walleye growth. Mean Walleye length increased from 1.51 inches on July 2nd to 2.59 inches on July 24th. There is a positive relationship on Lake Kabetogama between the age-0 Walleye length on July 31st and the subsequent year-class strength from gill net data. Age-0 Walleye growth was slower than average in 2014 and seining data suggests it will be a weak year-class.
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\nFall electrofishing has also been used on Lake Kabetogama to predict future Walleye year-class strength, and in 2014 a total of seven stations were sampled. Sampling occurred on the nights of October 6th and 13th. A total of 95 young-of-year Walleye were captured. The catch rate of age-0 Walleye was 31.9 fish per hour of \"on-time\". The historical mean was 36.2 age-0 fish per hour. Consistent with seining results, summer growth appeared slow with age-0 Walleyes averaging 5.53 inches long in the fall electofishing sample which is below the long-term median of 5.64 inches.
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\nAnalysis of historical fall electrofishing data of age-0 Walleyes indicates the strongest correlation to subsequent year-class strength is catch rate of age-0 Walleyes greater than or equal to 6.5 inches long. The overall catch rate of age-0 Walleyes provides additional strength to this correlation. Together these two variables explain 75 percent of the variation in subsequent year-class strength.
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\nConsistent with seining results, the 2014 fall electrofishing results predict 2014 will be a poor year-class. This model predicted the 2012 year-class to be a strong year-class based on 2012 fall electrofishing results, as did the seining results from July, 2012. However, 2013 and 2014 gill netting caught only 21 age-1 and 12 age-2 fish, respectively, suggesting 2012 will be weak. The 2013 year-class is also projecting to be weak based on the gill net catch and electrofishing model projections. The 2006 Walleye year-class has driven much of the harvest fishery on Kabetogama in the past several years, and made its mark as the first strong year-class of Walleyes to recruit to the gill nets since the 2001 year-class did so in 2004. Aside from the two very strong year-classes in 2001 and 2006, every year-class from 1999 through 2013 appears to be very weak. This created a void of harvestable-size fish available to the anglers as a majority of individual fish from the 2006 year-class now appear to have grown into the protected slot. All 10 fish caught in the gill nets in 2014 from the 2006 year-class were 17 inches or longer.
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\nFemale spawner biomass estimates from a model that uses gill net catch rates to estimate biomass were made back to 1983 to allow for stock-recruit analysis of the entire large lake data set. Female spawner stock biomass fluctuated between 0.9 and 1.8 pounds per acre from 1983 through 2005. In 2006 the female spawner biomass exceeded 2.0 pounds per acre for the first time. In 2007 and 2008, the female spawner biomass dropped slightly but was still above the mean from 1989 to the present. The 2010 and 2012 female spawner biomass set new record highs with 2.16 and 2.26 lbs/acre, respectively. The 2013 estimate was lower than 2012, and the 2014 estimate was the lowest since 2001 at 1.34 lbs/acre. This drop can be attributed to a lower catch of walleyes from the 2006 year-class in 2014 with just 10 individuals. This compares to 37 walleyes in 2013 from the 2006 year-class. It appears that several years of harvest and natural mortality have reduced the number of walleyes from the 2006 year-class and with no strong year-classes following, catch rates and female spawner biomass is likely to continue the downward trend.
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\nSauger
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\nThe Sauger gill net catch rate of 2.90 per net was near the bottom of the normal range for Lake Kabetogama and slightly lower than the median for similar lakes. Gill netted Sauger ranged in length from 7.9 to 16.1 inches with a mean of 12.4 inches. The mean Sauger weight was 0.59 pounds.
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\nSeven year-classes were present in the Sauger catch. Age-4 made up 51.7 percent of the Sauger catch, while age-2 fish added another 19.0 percent. There have been three strong year-classes (2003, 2007, and 2010) in the past 15 years.
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\nSauger catch rates in the gill nets have been steady following a decline in the mid-2000s from highs experienced in the late 1990s and early 2000s. An abnormal period of three out of four strong year classes from 1995 to 1998, including two of the strongest year-classes ever in 1997 and 1998, were the catalyst for this spike in Sauger abundance. Recruitment has since normalized and appears on a schedule of a strong year-class every third or fourth year. This consistent recruitment has resulted in a very stable catch rate of Sauger fluctuating between 2.85 and 3.70 fish per gill net since 2006. The strong 2007 year-class averaged 15.8 inches long and the strong 2010 year-class ranged from 10.7 to 14.5 inches in 2014 gill nets. Good numbers of harvestable size Sauger in recent years may help fill some of the void until another strong year-class of Walleye recruits to the fishery.
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\nNorthern Pike
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\nThe 2014 Northern Pike gill net catch rate of 1.70 per net was near the bottom of the normal range for Lake Kabetogama and near the median for similar lakes. The 2014 gill net catch rate is the lowest since 2008 and follows the second highest catch rate ever in 2013 (3.25 per net). The historical median for Lake Kabetogama is 2.0 per net.
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\nThe Northern Pike gill net catch consisted of eight age groups. Age-3 pike from the 2011 year-class comprised 32 percent of the Northern Pike catch while age-2 from the 2012 year-class added 24 percent to the 2014 catch. The mean age was 3.6 years. The 2011 year-class appears to be an average year-class. The 2010 year-class is the most recent strong year-class of Northern Pike and were caught in good numbers in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Lake Kabetogama experienced a very early ice-out in 2010 and therefore a longer growing season. This longer growing season may have been favorable to Northern Pike despite low water levels in 2010 that had the potential to hamper Northern Pike spawning.
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\nNorthern Pike lengths ranged from 17.1 to 42.4 inches with a mean of 23.8 inches. The mean weight was 3.42 pounds. Trophy-sized Northern Pike are present in Lake Kabetogama. One fish just under 40 inches and one that was 42.4 inches long were caught in the 2014 gill nets and a 45.4 inch long Northern Pike weighing 18.6 pounds was caught in 2012.
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\nYellow Perch
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\nThe 2014 Yellow Perch catch rate of 8.1 was lower than the 2013 catch rate but near the top of the normal range for Lake Kabetogama and higher than average for similar lakes. This decrease in catch rates follows a rise that culminated with the highest catch rate ever recorded on Lake Kabetogama which occurred in 2012. The historical mean is 7.1 Yellow Perch per lift. Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 5.5 to 12.7 inches with a mean of 9.6 inches in 2014 gill nets. The mean weight was 0.50 pounds. Yellow Perch size structure has improved with 72 percent of the 2014 gill net catch measuring nine inches or longer and 53 percent 10 inches or longer.
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\nTen age groups were represented in the perch catch. Age-4 Yellow Perch made up 42.5 percent of the catch with the age-2 year-class providing an additional 19.9 percent. The mean perch age was 3.9 years. The index of year class strength indicates the 2005 through 2010 year-classes are all strong and the 2010 year-class is the strongest ever on Lake Kabetogama. The 2011 year-class is the first cohort since 2004 to recruit to the gear as a weak year-class and the 2012 and 2013 year-classes are projecting as weak at this time.
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\nYellow Perch abundance has increased in recent years and an all time high gill net catch rate was recorded in 2012. Recent years with poor Walleye recruitment may have contributed to higher perch recruitment as the YOY Yellow Perch were freed from a major source of predation. Another potential explanation for the recent strong year-classes of Yellow Perch is favorable weather for spawning and a longer growing season. Northern Minnesota has experienced earlier springs and later falls in recent years. In fact, Lake Kabetogama experienced record early ice-outs in 2010 and 2012, breaking the previous record by nine and 11 days, respectively. Yellow Perch production may also be influenced by higher spring water levels under the current water level management regime implemented in 2000. Larson et. al. (in press) found possible evidence of increasing Yellow Perch production with higher spring water levels on Kabetogama and Rainy Lakes using model simulations of seining data. However, slope estimates had wide confidence intervals and always overlapped zero. The recent string of six consecutive strong year-classes is unprecedented on Lake Kabetogama and explains the record high gill net catches. However, with the projected string of three weak year-classes it is likely that catch rates will continue to decline until another strong year-class recruits to the gear.
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\nSmallmouth Bass
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\nA total of eight stations were sampled during spring electrofishing events targeting Smallmouth Bass on the nights of June 12 and June 16, 2014. Effort per station ranged from 908 to 1,919 seconds of \"on time\". Total effort was 10,748 seconds.
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\nA total of 70 Smallmouth Bass were captured during spring electrofishing. The catch rate was higher than 2013 (18.04 per hour) but similar to the 2012 catch rate at 23.45 bass per hour of on-time. Six year-classes were represented in the 2014 catch. Age-3 (2011 year-class) represented 39.2 percent of the bass catch while age-2 made up an additional 28.0 percent of the catch. Smallmouth lengths ranged from 5.7 to 17.1 inches in 2014 electrofishing. Quality-sized fish are present with Smallmouth Bass up to 18.5 inches sampled in 2013.
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\nOther Species
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\nSixty-four Ciscos were captured in the 2014 gill net survey for a catch rate of 3.25 per net which is near the long-term median for Lake Kabetogama. Ciscos ranged in length from 6.4 to 17.8 inches with a mean of 15.1 inches. White Suckers were captured at a rate of 2.3 per gill net which was the third lowest catch rate ever recorded for Lake Kabetogama but near the median for similar lakes. Rock bass numbers appear to have increased in recent years setting an all-time record high catch rate in 2013 (4.4 per gill net). The 2014 catch rate was 1.1 per gill net which is higher than the third quartile for Lake Kabetogama. Three Burbot were also caught in the gill nets.
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Walleye gill net CPUE (catch per unit effort: number per net) dropped for the second year in a row. The 2004 walleye gill net CPUE of 7.40 was below the first quartile for Lake Kabetogama. However, the CPUE of walleye over 17 inches was 2.50, the seventh highest rate in the past 20 years.Lengths of captured walleye ranged from 7.7 to 26.0 inches. The length distribution was trimodal with peaks at 9, 13, and 19 inches. The mean length was 14.8 inches. The mean weight was 1.49 pounds.Thirteen age groups from age 1 to age 14 were present in the walleye catch. The mean age was 4.4 years. Age-3 walleye comprised 28.4% of the total walleye catch. Age-1 and age-8 walleye added 19.6 and 12.2%, respectively. The 1996 and 2001 cohorts were the only strong year-classes present in the gill-net catch. The 2001 year-class provides Lake Kabetogama with a bright spot in the net survey; standing as the second strongest year-class observed on Kabetogama. As long as fishing mortality remains acceptable on this year-class they should make it through the harvest slot in good numbers and provide the lake with a good quantity of spawner stock biomass. While the harvest was somewhat focused on the 2001 year-class, the open-water harvest in 2004 was low enough to minimize strong impacts on the cohort. During the 2005 open-water season the 2001 year-class should largely be recruited to the harvest slot and provide anglers with plenty of harvest opportunities.The 1996 walleye year-class was also present in the 2004 gill-net catch. The 1996 year-class ranks as the number one walleye year-class on Lake Kabetogama. This year-class has recruited to the protected slot (17 to 23 inches). During the next year the faster growing individuals from the 1996 year-class will again be vulnerable to harvest. Currently, the 1996 year-class is likely the main contributor to Kabetogama walleye reproduction.Sauger abundance has been on the decline for the past two years, despite a sharp increasing trend during the previous six years. Low sauger recruitment has produced subsequent lower catches. Prior to 2004 the exceptionally strong 1997 and 1998 year-classes have been substantiating the sauger gill-net catch in recent years. In 2004, the 2003 year-class (age-1) was caught in numbers nearly double the long-term mean for age-1 sauger. While there has been only one observation of the 2003 year-class, early indications are that it will be strong. The 2004 fall gill netting indicates the northern pike population has lower abundance with more large fish. Northern pike numbers have fluctuated between 1.5 and 2.5 per net for the last eight surveys. Length frequency distribution of northern pike indicates a good population of fish in the preferred to trophy length ranges. Examination of length at age data indicates that northern pike growth rates are above the state and area average. In conjunction with annual large lake sampling, a creel survey was conducted on Lake Kabetogama during 2004. Pressure on Kabetogama was consistent with surveys conducted during the past 10 years, however, much lower than that observed throughout much of the 1970s and 80s. Walleye were the most common species angled for, caught, and harvested. Of the estimated 30,965 walleyes caught by anglers, 5,978 were harvested for a total yield of 9,072 pounds, or 0.35 pounds per acre. Throughout the season the walleye catch and harvest rates for all anglers were 0.119 and 0.023, respectively.
","surveyDate":"2004-09-20"},{"surveyID":"3941215848926000","lengths":{"WAE":{"maximum_length":25,"fishCount":[[1,1],[2,3],[4,1],[5,39],[6,121],[7,17],[10,12],[11,16],[12,18],[13,14],[14,8],[15,18],[16,12],[17,23],[18,23],[19,15],[20,11],[21,12],[22,4],[23,2],[24,2],[25,1],[7,5],[8,22],[9,27]],"minimum_length":1},"LMB":{"maximum_length":0,"fishCount":[[0,1]],"minimum_length":0},"MOE":{"minimum_length":9,"fishCount":[[9,1]],"maximum_length":9},"NOP":{"maximum_length":45,"minimum_length":5,"fishCount":[[14,1],[15,2],[16,2],[17,3],[18,5],[19,12],[20,7],[21,3],[22,1],[23,1],[24,1],[29,1],[31,2],[37,1],[38,2],[45,1],[5,6],[6,7]]},"SMB":{"maximum_length":18,"minimum_length":1,"fishCount":[[10,5],[11,8],[12,5],[13,10],[14,4],[15,6],[16,3],[18,2],[5,1],[6,6],[7,13],[8,6],[9,2],[0,56],[1,382],[2,108]]},"SHR":{"fishCount":[[17,1]],"minimum_length":17,"maximum_length":17},"RKB":{"minimum_length":3,"fishCount":[[3,2],[4,2],[5,12],[6,4],[7,5],[8,6],[9,1]],"maximum_length":9},"CIS":{"fishCount":[[10,1],[11,6],[12,14],[13,11],[14,9],[15,9],[16,11],[17,3],[18,1],[1,374],[2,55]],"minimum_length":1,"maximum_length":18},"SAR":{"maximum_length":16,"minimum_length":7,"fishCount":[[10,12],[11,9],[12,4],[13,14],[14,11],[15,2],[16,1],[7,1],[8,4],[9,9]]},"YEP":{"minimum_length":1,"fishCount":[[10,67],[11,49],[12,5],[2,61],[3,248],[4,13],[5,19],[6,42],[7,85],[8,30],[9,24],[0,281],[1,16445],[2,229]],"maximum_length":12},"RHS":{"minimum_length":22,"fishCount":[[22,1]],"maximum_length":22},"WTS":{"maximum_length":21,"minimum_length":12,"fishCount":[[12,2],[13,6],[14,5],[15,6],[16,20],[17,14],[18,17],[19,6],[20,2],[21,2]]},"BLG":{"minimum_length":2,"fishCount":[[2,5]],"maximum_length":2},"BLC":{"maximum_length":6,"minimum_length":1,"fishCount":[[0,32],[1,446],[2,20],[4,1],[6,1]]}},"surveySubType":"Large Lake Survey","surveyType":"Standard Survey","surveyDate":"2012-06-12","narrative":"Walleye
\n
\nTwelve fish species were captured during fall gill netting on Lake Kabetogama in 2012. Yellow perch was the most abundant species in the catch making up 39.0 percent of the total by number. Walleye was the second most abundant species adding 22.1 percent to the catch by number. Walleye made up the largest proportion of the total yield comprising 37.1 percent of the total weight of the gill net catch. This year's walleye gill net catch rate of 9.10 was near the median for Lake Kabetogama and higher than the median of all Lake Class 2 lakes. The walleye yield per net for Lake Kabetogama has bounced up and down in the past few years but has hit some of the highest yield numbers since the late 1980s and early 1990s with a recent high in 2012 of 14.91 pounds per net. In fact, since 1986 only 1987, 1988, and 1991 had higher walleye yields than 2012. The catch rate of walleye over 17 inches in length was 4.35 in 2012, the highest rate ever recorded on Lake Kabetogama. This rate was 1.5 times higher than the normal range for Lake Kabetogama (2.89 per net).
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\nStrong year-classes of walleye are not occurring as frequently as they once were in Lake Kabetogama. While at this time we are unsure of the cause, high juvenile mortality appears to be affecting walleye recruitment and therefore production of strong year classes. Abundance of each year class was estimated using catch corrected gill net catch rates at age-one, two, and three. Mortality was then evaluated between years and should not reflect any effects of changes in growth. Examining mortality of juvenile (age-1 to age-3) walleye showed that mortality has significantly increased in recent years. This high juvenile mortality dropped considerably with the 2006 and 2007 year classes but returned to a high rate in 2008 before dropping again with the 2009 year-class. In fact, the 2007 year class experienced the lowest juvenile mortality on record through age-3. The 2006 year class was a very strong year class while the 2007 year class initially appeared promising but has not shown up in the gill nets in high numbers in recent years and now appears to be a weak year class (Figure 8). Juvenile mortality of the 2008 year class was higher and similar to year classes in the early 2000s and is also a weak year class. The 2009 year-class appears to be very weak but exhibited a lower mortality rate and was within the range observed in the mid-1990s.
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\nLengths of gill net captured walleye ranged from 6.4 to 25.6 inches. The average length was 15.8 inches, and the average weight was 1.65 pounds. Walleye growth has remained relatively consistent over time. However, the observed length at capture in 2012 was lower than previous surveys for age-6 through age-9 fish.
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\nSixteen age groups from age 0 to age 18 were present in the walleye catch. The average age was 5.2 years. Age-6 walleye from the 2006 year class comprised 24.2 percent of the total walleye catch. Age-1 and age-2 walleye made up an additional 11.2 and 15.8 percent of the catch, respectively. The 2006 and 2001cohorts were the only two strong year-classes produced in the recent past.
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\nFemale spawner biomass estimates from a model that uses gill net catch rates to estimate biomass were made back to 1983 to allow for stock-recruit analysis of the entire large lake data set. Female spawning stock biomass has shown normal fluctuations during the past 24 years. Female spawner stock biomass has fluctuated between 0.9 and 1.8 pounds per acre from 1983 through 2005. In 2006 the female spawner biomass exceeded 2.0 pounds per acre for the first time; the 2006 estimate was 2.03 lbs/acre, a new record on Lake Kabetogama. In 2007 and 2008, the female spawner biomass dropped slightly but was still above the average from 1989 to the present. Female spawner biomass in 2009 dropped precipitously to 0.94 lbs/acre, the lowest value recorded since 1997. The 2009 values are associated with an unusual netting year where lower than normal numbers of large fish were caught on both Lake Kabetogama and Rainy Lake. In 2010 female spawner biomass was again on the rise setting a new record high with 2.16 lbs/acre. The 2012 female spawner biomass estimate broke the 2010 record at 2.26 lbs/acre and indicates a strong increasing trend.
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\nFall electrofishing has also been used on Lake Kabetogama to predict future walleye year-class strength, and in 2012 a total of six stations were sampled. Sampling occurred on the nights of October 1st and 2nd. A total of 175 young-of-year walleye were captured. The catch rate of age-0 walleye was 57.0 fish per hour of \"on-time\". The historical average was 35.2 age-0 fish per hour. The 2012 catch rate is the third highest ever recorded on Lake Kabetogama behind only the 2001 and 2002 catch rates. Consistent with seining results, summer growth appeared to be good with age-0 walleyes averaging 6.37 inches long in the fall electofishing samples. Scales were collected from a subsample of walleyes to verify ages. The combination of a high electrofishing catch rate and good growth indicate the 2012 year-class has the potential to be a strong year-class.
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\nThe 2006 walleye year-class has driven much of the harvest fishery on Kabetogama in the past couple of years (Vondra 2012), and made its mark as the first strong year-class of walleyes to recruit to the gill nets since the 2001 year-class did so in 2004. Aside from the two very strong year-classes in 2001 and 2006, every year-class from 1999 through 2009 appears to be very weak. Preliminary data suggests 2010 and 2011 will also be weak. If the 2010 and 2011 year classes do in fact recruit to the fishery as weak year classes, it will mark the longest gap between strong year-classes in Lake Kabetogama in its history. This is likely to create a void of harvestable size fish available to the anglers in the next few years as a majority of individual fish from the 2006 year-class now appear to have grown into the slot. Thirty-two of 44 fish caught in the gill nets in 2012 (73%) from the 2006 year-class were 17 inches or longer.
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\nSauger
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\nThe sauger gill net catch rate of 3.35 was in the normal range for Lake Kabetogama and near the median for similar lakes. Gill netted sauger ranged in length from 7.6 to 16.7 inches with an average of 12.0 inches. The average sauger weight was 0.54 pounds.
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\nEight year-classes were present in the sauger catch. Age-2 made up 38.8 percent of the sauger catch, while age-5 fish added another 37.3 percent. There have been two strong year-classes (2003 and 2007) in the past 10 years but only the 2007 year class was present in the 2012 catch. High catch rates of fish from the 2010 year-class in 2011 and 2012 suggest it may recruit to the fishery as a strong year-class. The 2006 year class was just below average and all other year-classes during this period were weak.
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\nSauger catch rates in the gill nets have been steady following a decline in the mid-2000s from highs experienced in the late 1990s and early 2000s. An abnormal period of three out of four strong year classes from 1995 to 1998, including two of the strongest year-classes ever in 1997 and 1998, were the catalyst for this spike in sauger abundance. Recruitment has since normalized and appears on a schedule of a strong year-class every third or fourth year. This consistent recruitment has resulted in a very stable catch rate of sauger fluctuating between 2.85 and 3.45 fish per gill net since 2006. The strong 2007 year-class is now reaching a harvestable size averaging 13.7 inches long in 2012 and may help fill some of the void until another strong year-class of walleye recruits to the fishery.
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\nNorthern pike
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\nThe northern pike gill net catch rate of 2.25 was above the median for Lake Kabetogama and in the normal range for similar lakes. Northern pike lengths ranged from 14.2 to 45.4 inches with an average of 21.9 inches. The average weight was 2.92 pounds.
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\nThe northern pike gill net catch consisted of ten age groups. Age-2 pike comprised 56.1 percent of the northern pike catch while age-3 added 19.5 percent. The average age was 3.4 years. Schupp's index of year-class strength identified four strong year-classes (2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2009) present in the 2012 catch , and gill net data suggests the 2010 year-class may also be strong.
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\nNorthern pike numbers in the gill nets fluctuated in recent years with no noticeable increasing or decreasing trend. Most of the catch in the 2012 gill nets were from the 2009 and 2010 year classes. These two year classes composed almost 76 percent of the northern pike catch in 2012. Lake Kabetogama experienced a very early ice-out in 2010 and therefore a longer growing season. This longer growing season may have been favorable to northern pike because the 2010 year class was caught in good numbers in 2011 and 2012 gill netting despite low water levels in 2010 that had the potential to hamper northern pike spawning. Trophy-sized northern pike are present in Lake Kabetogama. Four fish over 37 inches long were caught in the 2012 gill nets with the largest measuring 45.4 inches long and weighing 18.6 pounds.
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\nYellow perch
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\nThe yellow perch catch rate of 16.1 was well above the normal range for Lake Kabetogama and above average for similar lakes. This was slightly higher than 2011 and the highest catch rate in any survey of Lake Kabetogama since the large lake program was standardized in 1983. The historical average was 6.79 fish per lift. Yellow perch lengths ranged from 5.2 to 12.4 inches with an average of 8.8 inches. The average weight was 0.38 pounds.
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\nEight age groups were represented in the perch catch. Age-2 yellow perch made up 41.9 percent of the catch with the age-4 year-class providing an additional 20.3 percent. The average yellow perch age was 3.1 years. The index of year class strength indicates the 2005 through 2009 year-classes are all strong.
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\nYellow perch abundance has increased in recent years and an all time high gill net catch rate was recorded in 2012. Recent years with poor walleye recruitment may have contributed to higher perch recruitment as the YOY yellow perch were freed from a major source of predation. Another potential explanation for the recent strong year-classes of yellow perch is favorable weather for spawning and a longer growing season. Northern Minnesota has experienced earlier springs and later falls in recent years. In fact, Lake Kabetogama experienced record early ice-outs in 2010 and 2012, breaking the previous record by nine and 11 days, respectively. The recent string of five consecutive strong year-classes is unprecedented on Lake Kabetogama and explains the record high gill net catches. High catch rates of age-1 and age-2 yellow perch in the gill nets in 2012 suggest the 2010 and 2011 year-classes may also become strong year-classes which would amount to seven consecutive strong year-classes.
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\nSmallmouth Bass
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\nDue to time constraints only four stations were sampled during a single spring electrofishing event targeting smallmouth bass in 2012. Sampling occurred on the night of June 6th. A total of 43 smallmouth bass were captured during spring electrofishing. This catch rate was higher than 2011 at 27.2 per hour and similar to recent years. Nine year-classes were represented in the 2012 catch. Age-2 (2011 year-class) represented 53.5 percent of the bass catch while age-6 made up an additional 20.9 percent of the catch. Quality size fish are present with smallmouth bass up to 18.6 inches sampled in 2012.
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\nOther Species
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\nSixty-five ciscos were captured in the 2012 gill net survey for a catch rate of 3.3 per net. Ciscos ranged in length from 10.4 to 18.3 inches with a mean of 14.3. White suckers were captured at a rate of 4.0 per gill net which was near the median for Lake Kabetogama and higher than average for similar lakes. In the gill nets, centrarchids were represented by smallmouth bass (1.4 per net), rock bass (1.6 per net), and black crappie (0.1 per net). One shorthead redhorse was also caught in the gill nets.
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Lake Kabetogama is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program includes annual population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys. A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages. These gear types include gill nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Lake Kabetogama. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year in order to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.
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\nThe Walleye gill net catch in 2020 was 12.7 fish/net which is higher than average for similar lakes. The 2020 catch was a 79 percent increase from 2019. This large increase was due to a record high gill net catch of age-0 Walleyes. These fish averaged 7.3 inches long at the end of their first year of growth. Walleye gill net catches were at a historical low in 2014 at 5.5 fish/net. The catch of Walleyes in our sampling increased in the following four surveys due to good year-classes of Walleyes from the 2015 and 2016 cohorts. The 2016 year-class contributed 13.1 percent of the Walleye catch in 2020 while the 2015 year-class added an additional 8.7 percent to the catch total. These back-to-back year-classes mark the first time Kabetogama has produced two consecutive above average year-classes since the late 1980s. The average length of 2015 Walleye was 16.4 inches with most in the 14 to 17 inch length groups in fall 2020. Age-3 Walleyes from the 2016 year-class averaged 14.8 inches with most in the 13 to 15 inch length bins. Age-2 Walleyes from the 2018 year-class composed 9.9 percent of the catch. Individuals from this year-class ranged from 9.5 to 14.4 inches long and averaged 11.4 inches. Overall, gill netted Walleyes ranged in length from 5.8 to 26.3 inches long and had an average length of 12.0 inches. There is a special regulation for Walleye on Lake Kabetogama; an 18-26 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 26 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock.
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\nLake Kabetogama is home to a fishable Sauger population. The overall Sauger catch rate decreased from an above average catch rate of 5.3 per gill net during the past three surveys to 2.2 per gill net in 2020. The above average catch rates in the past three surveys were driven by a large 2015 year-class. The 2015 year-class (age-5) dominated the 2020 Sauger catch accounting for 45.5 percent of the gill net catch. This year-class ranged in length from 10.4 to 14.7 inches long with most individuals in the 12 to 14 inch length bins. Age-3 Sauger composed the next largest group making up 27.3 percent of the total catch and ranging in length from 10.6 to 13.0 inches long. Age-3 Sauger from the 2017 year-class appears to be average. Lake Kabetogama has historically produced a strong Sauger year-class every 3-5 years.
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\nThe 2020 gill net catch of Northern Pike was 2.9 fish/net, greater than the historic average and similar to recent years. Gill net catches of Northern Pike have historically been variable at a low level on Lake Kabetogama. Northern Pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 9.5 to 41.4 inches in 2020 gill nets. The average length was 24.6 inches. Large Northern Pike over 40 inches are often caught in gill net surveys including two in 2020. Overall, 12 percent of the 2020 gill net catch was over 35 inches long.
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\nYellow Perch numbers have increased in recent years in Lake Kabetogama. The 2020 gill net catch rate did not follow that trend and dipped below the Kabetogama historical average for the first time since 2008. The 2020 catch rate was 6.3 perch/net. Record setting year-classes in 2010 and 2015 were drivers of the high catch rates in recent surveys. The 2015 year-class composed 27.5 percent of the 2020 gill net catch and ranged in size from 8.9 to 11.9 inches long. Overall perch ranged from 5.1 to 12.7 inches long and averaged 8.6 inches in 2020. Yellow Perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish.
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\nLake Kabetogama is home to a good Smallmouth Bass fishery both in numbers and size structure. Bass numbers have increased in our sampling gear as well as in angler catches in recent years. Smallmouth Bass over 19 inches long are regularly caught during surveys.
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\nLake Kabetogama is known to be infested with spiny waterfleas. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.
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Lake Kabetogama is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest Walleye lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program includes annual fish population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys. A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages. These gear types include gill nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Lake Kabetogama. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.
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\nThe Walleye gill net catch rate in 2024 was 8.4 fish/net, which is a little less than the long-term average for Lake Kabetogama. Walleye catch rates have generally been greater than average for Lake Kabetogama since 2015 due to good recruitment. Walleye gill net catches were at a historical low of 5.5 fish/net in 2014. The catch of Walleyes in our sampling increased in the following four surveys due to good year-classes of Walleyes from the 2015 and 2016 cohorts. These back-to-back year-classes mark the first time Kabetogama has produced two consecutive above average year-classes since the late 1980s. However, most of the fish from these year-classes have now grown into the protected slot range with the 2016 year-class averaging 20.1 inches long in 2024. The largest contributor to the 2024 Walleye gill net catch were age-4 fish from the 2020 year-class, composing 27.4 percent of the total number caught. The 2020 year-class was caught in record numbers as age-0 fish in the 2020 netting due in part to exceptional growth. They were caught in above average numbers in each subsequent survey and are now considered a strong year-class. Age-4 Walleyes ranged from 11.9 to 18.5 inches and averaged 14.7 inches long in 2024. Overall, gill netted Walleyes ranged in length from 5.3 to 27.0 inches long and had an average length of 16.3 inches. There is an experimental special regulation for Walleye on Lake Kabetogama; an 18-26 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 26 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock.
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\nLake Kabetogama is home to a fishable Sauger population. The 2024 catch rate of 4.1 per gill net was above average and an increase from lower numbers in the past four surveys. A strong 2017 year-class followed by a very strong 2020 year-class led to increased catch rate. Age-4 Sauger composed the largest group making up 57.3 percent of the total catch in 2024, followed by age-3 Sauger representing 13.4 percent of the catch. The 2017 year-class (age-7) ranged in length from 13.3 to 15.0 inches long and averaged 14.4 inches in 2024. The 2020 year-class (age-4) is the most recent strong year-class of Sauger in Lake Kabetogama and ranged in length from 9.4 to 13.8 inches long. Most individuals from the 2020 year-class were in the 11- and 12-inch length groups in 2024. Lake Kabetogama has historically produced a strong Sauger year-class every 3-5 years on average.
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\nThe 2024 gill net catch of Northern Pike was 3.2 fish/net, greater than the historic average and similar to recent years. Gill net catches of Northern Pike have historically been variable at a low level on Lake Kabetogama but appear to be increasing slightly over the past 15 years. Northern Pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 9.9 to 39.4 inches in 2024 gill nets. The average length was 24.4 inches. Large Northern Pike over 40 inches are often caught in gill net surveys and reported by anglers.
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\nYellow Perch numbers have increased in recent years in Lake Kabetogama. The 2024 gill net catch rate followed that trend with an above average catch rate at 12.0 per gill net. The 2018 and 2020 year-classes appear strong on Kabetogama. The 2020 year-class composed 30.0 percent of the 2024 gill net catch and ranged in size from 7.4 to 11.4 inches long, but most individuals were in the eight to 10-inch length groups. Age-3 Yellow Perch from the 2021 year-class added an additional 22.2 percent to the 2024 total and ranged from 6.4 to 9.0 inches long. Overall, Perch ranged from 2.9 to 12.1 inches long and averaged 8.2 inches in 2024. Yellow Perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish.
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\nLake Kabetogama is home to a good Smallmouth Bass fishery both in numbers and size structure. Bass numbers have increased in our sampling gear as well as in angler catches in recent years. Smallmouth Bass over 19 inches long are regularly caught during surveys.
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\nLake Kabetogama is infested with spiny waterfleas. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.
Lake Kabetogama is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program includes annual fish population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys. A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages. These gear types include gill nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Lake Kabetogama. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.
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\nThe Walleye gill net catch rate in 2023 was 8.2 fish/net, which is a little less than the long-term average for Lake Kabetogama. Walleye catch rates have generally been greater than average for Lake Kabetogama since 2015 due to good recruitment. Walleye gill net catches were at a historical low of 5.5 fish/net in 2014. The catch of Walleyes in our sampling increased in the following four surveys due to good year-classes of Walleyes from the 2015 and 2016 cohorts. These back-to-back year-classes mark the first time Kabetogama has produced two consecutive above average year-classes since the late 1980s. However, most of the fish from these year-classes have now grown into the protected slot range with the 2016 year-class averaging 19.5 inches and the 2015 year-class averaging 19.7 inches long in 2023. The largest contributor to the 2023 Walleye gill net catch were age-3 fish from the 2020 year-class, composing 34.1 percent of the total number caught. The 2020 year-class was caught in record numbers as age-0 fish in the 2020 netting due in part to exceptional growth. They were caught in above average numbers as age-1 and age-2 fish and are now considered a strong year-class. Age-3 Walleyes ranged from 8.5 to 16.0 inches and averaged 12.8 inches long in 2023. Overall, gill netted Walleyes ranged in length from 7.0 to 25.9 inches long and had an average length of 14.9 inches. There is a special regulation for Walleye on Lake Kabetogama; an 18-26 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 26 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock.
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\nLake Kabetogama is home to a fishable Sauger population. The 2023 catch rate of 3.1 per gill net was below average and slightly less than 2022. A strong 2015 year-class followed by a strong 2017 year-class led to increased catch rates from 2017-2019. Only two individuals from the 2015 year-class were caught in 2023 nets. Age-3 Sauger composed the largest group making up 55.0 percent of the total catch in 2023, followed by age-6 Sauger representing 13.3 percent of the catch. The 2017 year-class (age-6) ranged in length from 12.4 to 15.7 inches long and averaged 14.4 inches in 2023. The 2020 year-class (age-3) is the most recent strong year-class of Sauger in Lake Kabetogama and ranged in length from 8.7 to 13.2 inches long. Most individuals from the 2020 year-class were in the 10- and 11-inch length groups in 2023. Lake Kabetogama has historically produced a strong Sauger year-class every 3-5 years on average.
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\nThe 2023 gill net catch of Northern Pike was 3.8 fish/net, greater than the historic average and similar to recent years. Gill net catches of Northern Pike have historically been variable at a low level on Lake Kabetogama but appear to be increasing slightly over the past 15 years. Northern Pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 11.5 to 37.9 inches in 2023 gill nets. The average length was 23.3 inches. Large Northern Pike over 40 inches are often caught in gill net surveys.
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\nYellow Perch numbers have increased in recent years in Lake Kabetogama. The 2023 gill net catch rate followed that trend with an above average catch rate at 8.8 per gill net. The 2017 and 2020 year-classes appear strong on Kabetogama. The 2020 year-class composed 39.8 percent of the 2023 gill net catch and ranged in size from 6.2 to 10.1 inches long, but most individuals were in the six to eight-inch length groups. Age-2 Yellow Perch from the 2021 year-class added an additional 28.8 percent to the 2023 total and ranged from 5.1 to 7.3 inches long. Overall, Perch ranged from 4.8 to 12.8 inches long and averaged 8.0 inches in 2023. Yellow Perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish.
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\nLake Kabetogama is home to a good Smallmouth Bass fishery both in numbers and size structure. Bass numbers have increased in our sampling gear as well as in angler catches in recent years. Smallmouth Bass over 19 inches long are regularly caught during surveys.
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\nLake Kabetogama is known to be infested with spiny waterfleas. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.
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WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE LARGE LAKE REPORT. SEE PAGE 13 FOR A HISTORICAL LOOK AT NET CATCHES.
","surveySubType":"Population Assessment","surveyType":"Standard Survey","lengths":{},"surveyID":"111654"},{"surveyDate":"1996-09-30","narrative":"SEINING:SHORELINE SEINING WAS CONDUCTED EVERY TWO WEEKS FROM JUNE 17 TO AUGUST 26. SEINING WAS COMPLETED BY LARRY KALLEMEYN OF THE US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND VOYAGERS NATIONAL PARK STAFF. THE AVERAGE CATCH RATE OF AGE-0 WALLEYE WAS 12.2 FISH PER HAUL. THE HISTORICAL AVERAGE WAS 18.7 FISH PER HAUL. NEITHER CPUE NOR LENGTH OF AGE-0 WALLEYE IS LINEARLY RELATED TO FUTURE YEAR CLASS STRENGTH AS DETERMINED BY GILL NETTING. ADDITIONAL VARIABLES MAY HELP EXPLAIN VARIATIONS IN YEAR CLASS STRENGTH FROM COHORT TO COHORT.THE RECORD HIGH SEINE CATCH OF AGE-0 NORTHERN PIKE INDICATES THAT THE 1996 COHORT MAY BE ABUNDANT IN THE FUTURE. UNLIKE WALLEYE, HIGH SEINE CATCHES OF AGE-0 PIKE HAVE BEEN INDICATIVE OF STRONG YEAR CLASSES. HIGH WATER LAST SPRING MAY HAVE PLAYED A ROLE IN PRODUCING THIS STRONG YEAR CLASS.AUGUST ELECTROFISHING:BECAUSE OF FREQUENT LATE SUMMER ALGAL BLOOMS AND CONFLICTS WITH OTHER SAMPLING, IT HAS BEEN DIFFICULT TO ACCOMPLISH ELECTROFISHING DURING AUGUST. SO, BEGINNING WITH THE 1997 FIELD SEASON, I WOULD LIKE TO SWITCH OUR ELECTROFISHING TO LATE MAY OR EARLY JUNE. THIS CHANGE SHOULD STILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASSESS WALLEYE RECRUITMENT AND SMALLMOUTH BASS STOCKS.GILL NETTING:THE WALLEYE GILLNET CPUE OF 7.4 FISH PER LIFT WAS THE LOWEST RECORDED FOR LAKE KABETOGAMA. THIS CATCH RATE HOWEVER, DID FALL WITHIN THE SECOND AND THIRD QUARTILES FOR CLASS 2 LAKES. 1996 MARKED THE FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW THAT CATCH RATES WERE 9 OR LESS. THE HISTORICAL AVERAGE WAS 11.08 FISH PER LIFT.TWELVE DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS WERE REPRESENTED IN THE GILLNET CATCH. AGE-2 WALLEYE WERE THE MOST ABUNDANT MAKING UP NEARLY 30 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL. AGE-2 FISH AVERAGED 11.2 INCHES IN LENGTH AT THE TIME OF CAPTURE AND SHOULD MAKE UP A LARGE PORTION OF THE ANGLER HARVEST BY EARLY NEXT SUMMER. AGE-1 WALLEYE CONTRIBUTED 14 PERCENT WHILE AGE-6 CONTRIBUTED 12 PERCENT. ONLY THE 1990 YEAR CLASS EXHIBITED A HIGHER THAN AVERAGE CPUE WHEN COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS 13 YEARS OF NETTING. AGE-6 WALLEYE AVERAGED 18.0 INCHES IN LENGTH AT CAPTURE. WALLEYE ABUNDANCE ON LAKE KABETOGAMA HAS FLUCTUATED CONSIDERABLY WITH THE PRESENCE AND ABSENCE OF STRONG YEAR CLASSES. CURRENTLY, THERE ARE NO STRONG YEAR CLASSES DOMINATING THE FISHERY.THE NORTHERN PIKE GILLNET CPUE OF 2.85 FISH PER LIFT EXCEEDED THE HISTORICAL AVERAGE AND FELL WITHIN THE FOURTH QUARTILE FOR CLASS 2 LAKES. PIKE ABUNDANCE IN LAKE KABETOGAMA HAS BEEN RELATIVELY HIGH SINCE 1990. THIS HIGH ABUNDANCE HAS BEEN NEGATIVELY CORRELATED WITH WALLEYE ABUNDANCE.THIRTY-THREE PERCENT OF THE NORTHERN PIKE CATCH WAS MADE UP OF AGE-3 FISH. AGE-2 FISH ACCOUNTED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 30 PERCENT OF THE CATCH. CATCH STATISTICS REFLECTED THE PRESENCE OF THREE YEAR CLASSES. AVERAGE AGE WAS 2.7 YEARS AND AVERAGE LENGTH WAS 22.7 INCHES. DURING THE 1997 SEASON, MEMBERS OF THESE TWO STRONG YEAR CLASSES SHOULD RANGE IN LENGTH FROM 20 TO 26 INCHES.THE SAUGER GILLNET CPUE OF 4.10 FISH PER LIFT WAS THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF ABUNDANCE RECORDED SINCE 1990. YOUNG SAUGER DOMINATED THE CATCH WITH AGE-1 AND AGE-2 FISH MAKING UP 40 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL. AGE-4 AND AGE-6 SAUGER ALSO WERE WELL REPRESENTED.THE YELLOW PERCH CPUE OF 4.7 FISH PER LIFT WAS LESS THAN HALF OF THAT RECORDED IN 1995. PERCH LENGTHS RANGED UP TO 11.3 INCHES HOWEVER, 77 PERCENT OF THE PERCH CAUGHT WERE LESS THAN EIGHT INCHES IN LENGTH. THE 1994 YEAR CLASS ACCOUNTED FOR 56 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL CATCH.ANGLER CREEL SURVEY:THE LAST ANGLER CREEL SURVEY CONDUCTED ON LAKE KABETOGAMA WAS IN 1994. DURING 1994, RECORD LOW EFFORT AND WALLEYE HARVEST ESTIMATES WERE RECORDED. THE NEXT CREEL SURVEY IS SCHEDULED FOR 1998.EXPERIMENTAL WALLEYE REGULATIONS:FOLLOWING THE BANNER FISHING YEARS OF 1989 AND 1990, WHEN AN AVERAGE OF 5.6 POUNDS PER ACRE OF WALLEYE WERE REMOVED FROM LAKE KABETOGAMA, FISHING SUCCESS HAS STEADILY DECLINED. CONCERNS ABOUT THE FISHERY LED TO SEVERAL MEETINGS WITH THE RESORT ASSOCIATION BETWEEN 1994 AND 1996. FINALLY, AT A SEPTEMBER 1996 MEETING, A VAST MAJORITY OF THOSE IN ATTENDANCE FAVORED IMPLEMENTING SOME TYPE OF REGULATION THAT WOULD LIMIT WALLEYE HARVEST AND IMPROVE ABUNDANCE AND CATCH RATES PARTICULARLY OF \"LARGER\" FISH.IN RESPONSE TO THIS REQUEST, DURING THE WINTER OF 1997, THE WALLEYE POPULATION OF LAKE KABETOGAMA WILL BE SIMULATED WITH THE GOAL OF IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL REGULATIONS THAT WOULD MEET THE ABOVE GOAL. IF A SATISFACTORY REGULATION CAN BE IDENTIFIED, OUR GOAL WOULD BE TO HAVE IT IMPLEMENTED BY THE START OF THE 1998 SEASON.
","fishCatchSummaries":[{"gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":15.43,"gearCount":20,"quartileWeight":"0.3-0.9","totalCatch":18,"species":"TLC","averageWeight":"0.86","quartileCount":"1.1-10.1","CPUE":"0.90"},{"gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":1.16,"gearCount":20,"quartileWeight":"0.7-2.1","totalCatch":1,"species":"BUB","averageWeight":"1.16","quartileCount":"0.1-0.3","CPUE":"0.05"},{"quartileCount":"1.1-2.4","CPUE":"2.85","quartileWeight":"2.8-4.3","totalCatch":57,"species":"NOP","averageWeight":"2.94","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":167.52,"gearCount":20},{"CPUE":"0.35","quartileCount":"0.2-0.8","quartileWeight":"0.2-0.6","totalCatch":7,"averageWeight":"0.06","species":"BLC","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":0.43,"gearCount":20},{"species":"WTS","averageWeight":"1.44","quartileWeight":"1.7-2.2","totalCatch":114,"totalWeight":163.62,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill 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nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":51.75},{"quartileCount":"1.4-6.8","CPUE":"14.35","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":54.75,"gearCount":20,"totalCatch":287,"quartileWeight":"0.1-0.2","species":"YEP","averageWeight":"0.19"},{"species":"RKB","averageWeight":"0.25","quartileWeight":"0.2-0.3","totalCatch":1,"gearCount":20,"totalWeight":0.25,"gear":"Standard gill nets","quartileCount":"0.6-1.6","CPUE":"0.05"}],"headerInfo":{"wb_type":"Lake","county":"St. Louis","wb_alt_name":"","wb_id":"69084500","survey_id":"111917","survey_type":"Population Assessment","id_date":"1998-09-14","wb_name":"Kabetogama"},"surveyDate":"1998-09-14","narrative":"The walleye gillnet catch rate in 1998 was 13.00 fish per net. This catch rate was the highest recorded on Kabetogama Lake since 1988 and marked a dramatic turnaround from the all-time low of 5.85 recorded in 1997. Although twelve age-groups were present in the walleye gillnet catch, the 1996 year-class contributed 42% of the totalnumber. In 1998, age-2 walleye produced a gillnet catch over twice the historical average. Individuals of the 1996 year-classaveraged 11 inches in length. By mid-July of 1999, most individuals of this year-class should grow into the harvestable length interval (all the lakes of the Namakan Reservoir, which includes Kabetogama have an experimental regulation in place allowing the harvest of walleye between 13 and 17 inches only. One walleye over 23 inches may also be kept in the possession limit of six). The 1994 year-class also contributed substantially to the 1998 gillnet catch. Age-4 walleye made up 16% of the catch andexhibited a gillnet catch rate nearly double the historical average. Approximately half of the individuals of this year-class should grow into the protected length interval by the end of next summer. The 1998 year-class may also be strong. Fall electrofishing results indicated that age-0 walleye were abundant, making up 43% of the catch, and grew fast, averaging 6.4 inches by capture in mid-September. First year walleye growth has been positively correlated to future abundance for Kabetogama lake. The northern pike gillnet catch rate in 1998 was 2.60. The historical average was 2.04. Pike abundance since 1993 has been high. Three of the last five pike year-classes have demonstrated above average abundance. Yellow perch abundance indicated by gillnets reached a record high in 1998. The 1995 and 1997 year-classes dominated the gillnet catch contributing 51% and 22%, respectively. Eighty-four percent of the perch were between 5.0 and 8.4 inches in length. Perch are an important forage species for walleye in Kabetogama Lake and high abundance may have contributed to the low angler catch rates of walleye reported during 1998.
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gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":30584,"quartileWeight":"1.7-2.2","totalCatch":36,"averageWeight":"1.87","species":"WTS"},{"gear":"Standard electrofishing","gearCount":3.13555555555556,"totalWeight":0,"quartileWeight":"N/A","totalCatch":1,"averageWeight":"0.00","species":"BNM","CPUE":"0.32","quartileCount":"N/A"},{"CPUE":"3.19","quartileCount":"N/A","totalCatch":10,"quartileWeight":"N/A","averageWeight":"0.00","species":"SHI","gear":"Standard electrofishing","totalWeight":0,"gearCount":3.13555555555556},{"averageWeight":"0.15","species":"SMB","quartileWeight":"N/A","totalCatch":111,"totalWeight":7747,"gearCount":2.79277777777778,"gear":"Fall electrofishing","CPUE":"39.75","quartileCount":"N/A"},{"CPUE":"6.24","quartileCount":"N/A","averageWeight":"0.00","species":"SMB","quartileWeight":"N/A","totalCatch":281,"gearCount":45,"totalWeight":11,"gear":"Survey seining"},{"quartileCount":"N/A","CPUE":"0.02","totalWeight":1,"gearCount":45,"gear":"Survey seining","species":"FHM","averageWeight":"0.00","quartileWeight":"N/A","totalCatch":1},{"totalCatch":2,"quartileWeight":"N/A","species":"LGP","averageWeight":"0.00","gear":"Standard electrofishing","totalWeight":0,"gearCount":3.13555555555556,"quartileCount":"N/A","CPUE":"0.64"},{"averageWeight":"1.12","species":"TLC","totalCatch":145,"quartileWeight":"0.3-0.9","totalWeight":73868,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","CPUE":"7.25","quartileCount":"1.1-10.1"}],"surveyDate":"2010-06-12","narrative":"Spring came early in 2010 and while it was not a particularly warm summer it did provide an extended growing season and an early start for many of Lake Kabetogama's fish species. Record early ice outs in the area and only one cold snap during the month of May allowed Kabetogama's black crappie and smallmouth bass to spawn successfully. Low water levels in early spring deprived northern pike and perhaps perch of the vegetation preferred for spawning which may have delayed or reduced the success of those species spawning efforts. Strong year-classes of walleye are not occurring as frequently as they once were. While at this time we are unsure of the cause, high juvenile mortality appears to be affecting walleye recruitment and therefore production of strong year-classes. This high juvenile mortality has dropped considerably in the last two years, but the effects of that decrease may take several years to become apparent in the walleye community of Lake Kabetogama. \n\nWalleye gill net catch per net increased in 2010 to near the median for Lake Kabetogama, continuing its rebound from a near record low, for the large lake program era, in 2008. The 2006 walleye year class continues to drive the harvest fishery on Kabetogama, and made its mark as the first strong year class of walleyes to recruit to the gill nets since the 2001 year class did so in 2004. For the third year in a row anecdotal reports from anglers, resort owners, and guides indicate that the walleye fishery is doing well, with numbers of small (12\"-15\") walleyes being caught as well as larger walleyes protected by the 18\"-28\" protected slot.\n\nAging of walleye otoliths showed that the catch is dominated by the two strong year-classes from the last decade with 21.2% and 14.5% of the catch coming from the 2006 and 2001 year-classes respectively. Age-0 walleye (11.7%) which experienced good growth due to the extended summer provided by early ice out were the third most abundant year-class in the 2010 gill nets. \n\nThe 2007 year class that recruited to the gill nets in 2010 has not performed as well as anticipated. Slow growth for two years may have altered the recruitment of this year class to the gill nets so another year of data may improve its year class strength index score.\n\nResults of young of year (YOY) walleye surveys were mixed during 2010. Despite starting early with the seining protocol in an effort to accommodate the earlier spawn catches remained low. The cold summer of 2009 compounded difficulties with fast growing young of year walleyes attaining sizes equal to the age-1 walleyes from 2009 by late June. \n\nEarly season walleye growth was good; late July length projections indicate an above average growth rate for Lake Kabetogama. Somewhat contradicting the length-based predictions from the summer seining, catch rates observed in 2010 were quite low though this may be due to the fish reaching a size where they move off shore beyond the reach of the seining efforts. This offshore move has been noted in the past on Lake Kabetogama and Rainy Lake though it usually occurs near the end rather than the beginning of July. \n\nDespite a continuing downward trend in sauger abundance in the gill nets, the 2007 year-class provided a highlight in the 2010 net survey. The 2007 year-class is showing great promise and should be recruiting to the sport fishery during the next couple of years. This year-class will be the second strong sauger year-class since the two very strong year-classes of 1997 and 1998, and with the strong year-class of 2003 should provide anglers with greater sauger opportunities.\n\nThe 2010 fall gill netting indicates that after a sharp jump in abundance in 2007 the northern pike abundance returned to levels typical of past years. An apparent increasing trend in abundance since 2003 may be driven by the three above average year classes produced in 2004, 2005, and 2006. The age and size structure have remained healthy through recent fluctuations. Spring water levels should be more favorable for northern pike spawning under the Rule Curve implemented by the IJC in 2000.\n\nYellow perch abundance spiked in 2009 with the third highest gill-net catch ever recorded for Lake Kabetogama and remained high in 2010 well above the third quartile for Lake Kabetogama. Yellow perch abundance and growth provide indications of the overall fishery health on Lake Kabetogama. Recent years with poor walleye recruitment may have contributed to higher perch recruitment as the YOY yellow perch were freed from a major source of predation. The 2007 year-class became the fourth year-class in the past five years to be considered strong. The 2010 data shows a good length distribution with 50.0% of the perch sampled being larger than nine inches in length.\n
"},{"surveyType":"Standard Survey","surveySubType":"Large Lake Survey","lengths":{"NOP":{"maximum_length":38,"fishCount":[[16,1],[17,1],[18,2],[19,2],[20,4],[21,5],[22,3],[23,5],[24,2],[25,3],[26,2],[27,3],[28,1],[32,1],[37,1],[38,2]],"minimum_length":16},"SHR":{"maximum_length":20,"minimum_length":7,"fishCount":[[20,1],[7,1]]},"SMB":{"maximum_length":17,"minimum_length":11,"fishCount":[[11,1],[12,1],[14,1],[15,2],[17,1]]},"RKB":{"minimum_length":3,"fishCount":[[3,2],[6,3],[7,1]],"maximum_length":7},"WAE":{"maximum_length":24,"fishCount":[[10,10],[11,11],[12,7],[13,5],[14,12],[15,8],[16,8],[17,9],[18,14],[19,17],[20,11],[21,10],[22,7],[23,3],[24,1],[6,25],[7,31],[8,7],[9,11]],"minimum_length":6},"TLC":{"maximum_length":17,"minimum_length":12,"fishCount":[[12,3],[13,2],[14,22],[15,38],[16,21],[17,1]]},"WTS":{"minimum_length":8,"fishCount":[[10,1],[11,3],[12,7],[13,4],[14,2],[15,5],[16,6],[17,7],[18,8],[19,4],[20,2],[21,1],[8,20],[9,11]],"maximum_length":21},"BUB":{"minimum_length":11,"fishCount":[[11,1],[13,1]],"maximum_length":13},"BLC":{"fishCount":[[4,1],[5,24],[6,14],[7,1]],"minimum_length":4,"maximum_length":7},"SAR":{"fishCount":[[10,2],[11,10],[12,17],[13,13],[14,5],[15,9],[16,2],[17,1],[18,1],[7,1],[8,2],[9,2]],"minimum_length":7,"maximum_length":18},"YEP":{"fishCount":[[10,1],[11,1],[12,1],[4,1],[5,73],[6,43],[7,25],[8,12],[9,3]],"minimum_length":4,"maximum_length":12}},"surveyID":"650703962375000","headerInfo":{"wb_id":"69084500","survey_id":"650703962375000","id_date":"2006-09-18","survey_type":"Large Lake Survey","wb_name":"Kabetogama","wb_type":"Lake","county":"St. Louis","wb_alt_name":""},"fishCatchSummaries":[{"gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":51837,"totalCatch":87,"quartileWeight":"0.3-0.9","species":"TLC","averageWeight":"1.31","quartileCount":"1.1-10.1","CPUE":"4.35"},{"CPUE":"0.10","quartileCount":"0.1-0.3","averageWeight":"0.52","species":"BUB","totalCatch":2,"quartileWeight":"0.7-2.1","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":474,"gear":"Standard gill nets"},{"CPUE":"1.90","quartileCount":"1.1-2.4","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":63041,"quartileWeight":"2.8-4.3","totalCatch":38,"averageWeight":"3.66","species":"NOP"},{"species":"BLC","averageWeight":"0.12","totalCatch":40,"quartileWeight":"0.2-0.6","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":2186,"gear":"Standard gill nets","quartileCount":"0.2-0.8","CPUE":"2.00"},{"gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":52096,"totalCatch":82,"quartileWeight":"1.7-2.2","species":"WTS","averageWeight":"1.40","quartileCount":"1.4-3.0","CPUE":"4.10"},{"species":"WAE","averageWeight":"1.39","totalCatch":207,"quartileWeight":"0.8-1.3","totalWeight":130428,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","quartileCount":"3.6-10.8","CPUE":"10.35"},{"CPUE":"0.30","quartileCount":"0.2-0.6","quartileWeight":"0.7-1.2","totalCatch":6,"averageWeight":"1.92","species":"SMB","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":5232,"gearCount":20},{"quartileCount":"0.1-1.0","CPUE":"0.10","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":1674,"gearCount":20,"quartileWeight":"1.6-2.9","totalCatch":2,"species":"SHR","averageWeight":"1.85"},{"quartileWeight":"0.1-0.2","totalCatch":160,"averageWeight":"0.14","species":"YEP","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":9949,"gearCount":20,"CPUE":"8.00","quartileCount":"1.4-6.8"},{"CPUE":"3.25","quartileCount":"2.1-4.3","quartileWeight":"0.3-0.5","totalCatch":65,"averageWeight":"0.78","species":"SAR","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":22967},{"CPUE":"0.30","quartileCount":"0.6-1.6","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":445,"gear":"Standard gill nets","averageWeight":"0.16","species":"RKB","totalCatch":6,"quartileWeight":"0.2-0.3"}],"narrative":"Results from the 2006 large-lake sampling provided valuable information about the status of the fishery on Lake Kabetogama. The walleye population in Lake Kabetogama is suffering from low recruitment. Despite poor recruitment, the walleye gill net CPUE increased in 2006, after three years of steady decline. The increase observed in 2006 was interesting because young of the year walleye made up about 30 percent of the catch. Generally a large catch of YOY walleye in the gill nets does not mean much. However, in 2006 young of year walleye were captured in 17 of 20 gill nets; indicating a good distribution and representation in the fishery.
\n
\nAging of walleye otoliths showed that the catch is dominated by a couple of moderate to strong, year-classes; typical of a \"boom and bust\" fishery. For the fishery to recover a few strong year-classes need to be strung together, with some moderate year-classes filling the gaps. Currently walleye recruitment is inconsistent, with only a couple of strong year-classes still present in the catch.
\n
\nRecently the 2001 year-class provided Lake Kabetogama with a bright spot in the net surveys. Early indications of the 2001 year-class were good. However, after observing several years of low relative catch rates, the 2006 catch rate was above average for age-5 walleye. The mean length of the age-5 walleye was 18.1 inches during the 2006 fall gill netting. Most of the 2001 walleye year-class will be protected by the new regulation during 2007.
\n
\nThe 1996 walleye year-class was also present in the 2006 gill-net catch. The 1996 year-class ranks as the strongest walleye year-class on Lake Kabetogama. This year-class has recruited to the protected slot (17 to 28 inches). Prior to the regulation change in March 2007, these fish would have been again vulnerable to harvest as they recruit from the protected slot to harvest length. The expansion of the protected slot will protect these fish for many years to come.
\n
\nResults of YOY walleye surveys were good during 2006. Early season walleye growth was exceptional. The late July length projections indicate the best growth rates ever observed on Lake Kabetogama. This year's electrofishing efforts produced a moderate catch, indicating the 2006 walleye year-class will be average in strength. However, if growth indications prove to override abundance indices, the 2006 year-class could be the strongest year-class of walleye ever produced on Lake Kabetogama.
\n
\nThe 2005 year-class, despite indications of being an average year-class, was caught in below average numbers for age-1 walleye. Conditions for growth have been good for both the 2005 and 2006 growing seasons. Therefore, it would have been fair to assume more age-1 walleye would have been captured during fall gill netting in 2006. Their paucity in the 2006 survey may point to the issue of elevated juvenile mortality.
\n
\nGill net catches of the 2002, 2003, and 2004 year-classes have been below average. Similarly, prior to the 2001 year-class there were four consecutive years of poor to mediocre recruitment. The 2000, 1999, 1998, and 1997 year-classes were all below average in strength and help explain the current status of the Kabetogama walleye fishery. Fish from these year-classes ranged in length from 16 to 21 inches.
\n
\nSauger abundance bounced back slightly after three consecutive years of decline in abundance. The 2003 year-class provided a highlight in the 2006 net surveys. The 2003 year-class is showing great promise and should be recruiting to the sport fishery during the next couple of years. This year class will be the first strong sauger year-class since the two very strong year-classes of 1997 and 1998.
\n
\nThe 2006 fall gill netting indicates the northern pike abundance is holding around the 1.5 to 2.0 fish per net. Northern pike numbers have fluctuated between 1.5 and 2.5 per net for the last ten surveys. The pike population on Kabetogama has shown fluctuation in abundance; and may be nearing the bottom of the valley. However, while abundance may be down, the age and size structure are healthy.
\n
Lake Kabetogama is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program includes annual population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys. A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages. These gear types include gill nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Lake Kabetogama. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year in order to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.
\n
\nThe Walleye gill net catch in 2017 was 9.6 fish/net which is greater than the historic average for Lake Kabetogama. Walleye gill net catches were at a historical low in 2014 at 5.5 fish/net. The increase in the Walleye catch over the past three years was largely due to a high catch rate of fish from the 2015 year-class which made up 25.1 percent of the 2017 catch. The average length of 2015 Walleyes was 11.7 inches. Age-1 Walleyes from the 2016 year-class composed the next largest portion of the catch at 19.4 percent. Age-4 Walleyes from the 2012 year-class composed 12.6 percent of the catch. The 2012 year-class ranged in length from 14.8 to 19.8 inches long and averaged 17.7 inches in 2017 gill nets. Overall, gill netted Walleyes ranged in length from 5.0 to 25.9 inches long and had an average length of 15.1 inches. There is a special regulation for Walleye on Lake Kabetogama; a 17-28 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 28 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock.
\n
\nSauger numbers have been stable or slightly increasing in recent gill net surveys. The 2017 gill net assessment saw a large increase with a Sauger catch rate of 6.1 fish/net which is well above the long term average. Quality-sized Saugers are present in good numbers. Lengths ranged from 5.4 to 17.4 inches in 2017 and averaged 12.3 inches. The majority of the 2017 catch came from the 2015 year-class that made up 54.5 percent of the total. The strong 2012 year-class made up an additional 28.1 percent of the catch. The 2012 year-class ranged from 11.8 to 16.9 inches long and averaged 14.6 inches in the 2017 gill nets.
\nThe gill net catch of Northern Pike was 3.6 fish/net, greater than the historic average of 2.0 per net. Gill net catches of Northern Pike have historically been variable at a low level on Lake Kabetogama. Northern pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 14.2 to 43.3 inches in 2017 gill nets. The average length was 22.9 inches. Large Northern Pike over 40 inches are caught regularly in gill net surveys, and a 45.4 inch pike weighing 18.6 pounds was caught in 2012.
\n
\nYellow Perch numbers have increased in recent years in Lake Kabetogama. The 2017 gill net catch rate was 18.0 fish/net, well above the historic average and an all-time high for Kabetogama. Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 4.9 to 12.6 inches and the overall average was 7.5 inches. Record high numbers of Yellow Perch from the 2015 year-class were the main driver for the increase in 2017 gill nets. Yellow Perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish.
\n
\nLake Kabetogama is known to be infested with spiny waterfleas. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.
\n
Lake Kabetogama is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest Walleye lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program includes annual fish population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys. A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages. These gear types include gill nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Lake Kabetogama. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.
\n
\nThe Walleye gill net catch rate in 2025 was 8.7 fish per net, which is similar to the long-term average for Lake Kabetogama. Walleye catch rates have generally been greater than average for Lake Kabetogama since 2015 due to good recruitment. Walleye gill net catches were at a historical low of 5.5 fish per gill net in 2014. The catch of Walleyes in our sampling increased in the following four surveys due to good year-classes of Walleyes from the 2015 and 2016 cohorts. These back-to-back year-classes mark the first time Kabetogama has produced two consecutive above average year-classes since the late 1980s. However, most of the fish from these year-classes have now grown into the protected slot range with the 2015 year-class averaging 20.2 inches long and the 2016 year-class averaging 19.8 inches long in 2025. The largest contributor to the 2025 Walleye gill net catch were age-1 fish from the 2024 year-class, composing 25.9 percent of the total number caught. Most of the Walleyes caught from the 2024 year-class were in the seven and eight-inch length groups and have the potential to be the next strong year-class. The 2020 year-class contributed an additional 14.4 percent of the 2025 catch and is a very strong year-class. Age-5 Walleyes from the 2020 year-class ranged from 14.4 to 18.8 inches and averaged 16.6 inches long in fall 2025. Overall, gill netted Walleyes ranged in length from 6.9 to 24.8 inches long and had an average length of 15.1 inches. There is an experimental regulation for Walleye on Lake Kabetogama; an 18-26 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 26 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock.
\n
\nLake Kabetogama is home to a fishable Sauger population. The 2025 catch rate of 3.2 per gill net was slightly below average but similar to recent surveys. Consistent recruitment has resulted in relatively stable Sauger numbers in recent years. Kabetogama has been producing strong year-classes every two to three years. The most recent strong year-classes produced were in 2017 and 2020. Age-5 Sauger dominated the 2025 catch totaling 60.3 percent of the total catch, followed by age-1 Sauger representing 11.1 percent of the catch. The 2020 year-class (age-5) ranged in length from 10.4 to 14.3 inches. Overall, 2025 gill netted Sauger ranged length from 7.9 to 16.5 inches and averaged 12.1 inches.
\n
\nGill net catches of Northern Pike have historically been variable at a low level but appear to be increasing slightly over the past 15 years. The 2025 gill net catch of Northern Pike was greater than the historic average but lower than recent years. Northern Pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 15.8 to 40.5 inches in 2025 gill nets. The average length was 23.7 inches. Large Northern Pike over 40 inches are frequently caught in gill net surveys and reported by anglers. Overall, good opportunities for large pike exist for those willing to work for them.
\n
\nYellow Perch numbers have increased in recent years in Lake Kabetogama. The 2025 gill net catch rate was less than recent years but still above average with a catch rate of 8.8 per gill net. The 2020 year-classes appears to be one of the strongest ever produced on Kabetogama. The 2020 year-class composed 18.7 percent of the 2025 gill net catch and ranged in size from 9.4 to 11.2 inches long, but most individuals were in the nine and 10-inch length groups. Age-1 Yellow Perch from the 2024 year-class composed the largest component of the Yellow Perch catch in 2025 at 24.8 percent of the total. Overall, Perch ranged from 4.8 to 11.8 inches long and averaged 8.2 inches in 2025. Yellow Perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish. Twenty-seven percent of the 2025 Yellow Perch were 10 inches or greater in length.
\n
\nLake Kabetogama is home to a good Smallmouth Bass fishery both in numbers and size structure. Bass numbers have increased in our sampling gear as well as in angler catches in recent years. Smallmouth Bass over 19 inches long are regularly caught during surveys.
\n
\nLake Kabetogama is infested with spiny waterfleas and zebra mussels. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.
Catch rates of Kabetogama Lake walleye between 13 and 17 inches in assessment gill nets exceeded the historical average largely due to the presence of the strong 1996 year-class. Catch rates of walleye over 17 inches were approximately equal to historical averages. Catch rates of all walleye, however, were only 8.8 compared to the historical average of10.4 due to low numbers of fish less than 13 inches in length. Slow growth in 2000 may have led to poor recruitment of young walleye to assessment gear.Abundance of several other species however, was at or near record highs. Sauger abundance in 2000 was the second highest recorded since 1966. Three strong year-classes from 1995, 1997 and 1998 appear to be contributing to the current high abundance. Sauger from nine to 15 inches in length were well represented. The average length was 11.0 inches.Yellow perch abundance also was high. The perch gillnet catch rate of 9.2 was the second highest recorded in the last 17 years. Most of the perch caught were between five and eight inches in length however, good numbers of larger fish up to 12.7 inches were also captured.Smallmouth bass abundance has been above average during the late-1990's and remained so in 2000. The bass gillnet catch rate of 0.5 per lift exceeded the historical average of 0.3. Strong recruitment during the warm summers of 1994-95 appear to be contributing greatly to the increase in the smallmouth bass stock.Finally, northern pike abundance was equal to historical averages for Kabetogama Lake. Pike lengths ranged from 10.6 to 39.1 inches with an average of 25.5 inches. Twenty-seven percent of the pike captured were over 30 inches in length. Growth rates for northern pike on Kabetogama Lake are fast relative to other lakes in the area.
","headerInfo":{"wb_alt_name":"","county":"St. Louis","wb_type":"Lake","survey_type":"Population Assessment","id_date":"2000-09-18","wb_name":"Kabetogama","wb_id":"69084500","survey_id":"111970"},"fishCatchSummaries":[{"CPUE":"9.20","quartileCount":"1.1-10.1","averageWeight":"1.01","species":"TLC","quartileWeight":"0.3-0.9","totalCatch":184,"totalWeight":185.9,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets"},{"CPUE":"0.40","quartileCount":"0.1-0.3","averageWeight":"0.87","species":"BUB","totalCatch":8,"quartileWeight":"0.7-2.1","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":6.95,"gear":"Standard gill nets"},{"gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":165.57,"gearCount":20,"quartileWeight":"2.8-4.3","totalCatch":41,"averageWeight":"4.04","species":"NOP","CPUE":"2.05","quartileCount":"1.1-2.4"},{"quartileCount":"0.2-0.8","CPUE":"0.10","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":0.14,"totalCatch":2,"quartileWeight":"0.2-0.6","species":"BLC","averageWeight":"0.07"},{"CPUE":"5.60","quartileCount":"1.4-3.0","averageWeight":"1.65","species":"WTS","totalCatch":112,"quartileWeight":"1.7-2.2","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":184.94,"gear":"Standard gill nets"},{"quartileWeight":"0.8-1.3","totalCatch":175,"species":"WAE","averageWeight":"1.29","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":224.97,"quartileCount":"3.6-10.8","CPUE":"8.75"},{"CPUE":"0.50","quartileCount":"0.2-0.6","totalCatch":10,"quartileWeight":"0.7-1.2","averageWeight":"0.99","species":"SMB","gear":"Standard gill nets","gearCount":20,"totalWeight":9.86},{"totalWeight":53.54,"gearCount":20,"gear":"Standard gill nets","species":"SAR","averageWeight":"0.42","totalCatch":126,"quartileWeight":"0.3-0.5","quartileCount":"2.1-4.3","CPUE":"6.30"},{"CPUE":"9.15","quartileCount":"1.4-6.8","quartileWeight":"0.1-0.2","totalCatch":183,"averageWeight":"0.22","species":"YEP","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":39.46,"gearCount":20},{"CPUE":"0.05","quartileCount":"0.6-1.6","gear":"Standard gill nets","totalWeight":0.42,"gearCount":20,"totalCatch":1,"quartileWeight":"0.2-0.3","averageWeight":"0.42","species":"RKB"}],"lengths":{},"surveyID":"111970","surveySubType":"Population Assessment","surveyType":"Standard Survey"},{"narrative":"Results from the 2007 large-lake sampling provided valuable information about the status of the fishery on Lake Kabetogama. The walleye population in Lake Kabetogama is functioning below previous levels. Initial presumptions of why were pointing towards over harvest throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s. If overharvest did cause the observed decline, overexploitation is no longer limiting the fisheries recovery. While at this time we are unsure of the mechanism, high juvenile mortality is affecting recruitment.
\n
\nWalleye gill net CPUE decreased in 2007, after a slight rebound in 2006. Thus returning to the below average catch rates observed during the past 15 years.
\n
\nAging of walleye otoliths showed that the catch is dominated by a couple of moderate to strong, year-classes; typical of a \"boom and bust\" fishery. For the fishery to recover a few strong year-classes need to be strung together, with some moderate year-classes filling the gaps. Currently walleye recruitment is inconsistent, with only a few strong year-classes present in the catch.
\n
\nResults of YOY walleye surveys were mixed during 2007. Early season walleye growth was poor; late July length projections indicate below average growth for Lake Kabetogama. Somewhat contradicting the length-based predictions from the summer seining, catch rates observed were the second highest observed on Lake Kabetogama. The fall electrofishing CPUE observed in 2007 was below average; however, consistent with the catch rates observed during recent surveys. Development of a predictor from nighttime electrofishing is continuing (i.e, CPUE and growth). Currently the model has nine years of observation and is explaining nearly 63% of the variability in subsequent year-class strength. Model fitness is based on a low number of observations with uneven distribution along the Y-axis. Future annual gill-net sampling and electrofishing will provide valuable refinement and insight to the accuracy of this predictor model. This method of predicting year-class strength has also been demonstrated significant in other Minnesota Lakes (Borkholder and Parsons 2001). This year\u0019s electrofishing efforts produced a below average catch, indicating the 2007 walleye year-class will be weak.
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\nThe 2006 year-class was caught in above average numbers for age-1 walleye during the fall gill netting. This observation validates observations of the 2006 survey. Furthermore, the mean length of the age-1 walleye was above average for Lake Kabetogama. Based on these observations the 2006 year-class is likely to be above average in strength.
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\nSauger abundance bounced back slightly the past two years after three consecutive years of decline in abundance. The 2003 year-class provided a highlight in the 2007 net surveys. The 2003 year-class is showing great promise and should be recruiting to the sport fishery during the next couple of years. This year-class will be the first strong sauger year-class since the two very strong year-classes of 1997 and 1998.
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\nThe 2007 fall gill netting indicates the northern pike abundance is increasing in abundance for the first time in over 10 years. The pike population on Kabetogama has shown fluctuation in abundance; imitating an approximate fifteen-year cycle. While abundance is increasing, the age and size structure have remained healthy. Spring water levels should be more favorable for northern pike spawning under the Rule Curve implemented by the IJC in 2000.
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\nYellow perch abundance returned to normal levels for Lake Kabetogama and Class-2 lakes. Yellow perch abundance and growth provide indications of the overall fishery health on Lake Kabetogama. When the walleye population declined, yellow perch numbers exploded and growth was limited by their abundance. The 2007 data shows a good length distribution; however few fish were captured in the desired length range.
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Walleye
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\nTwelve fish species were captured during fall gill netting on Lake Kabetogama in 2011. Yellow perch was the most abundant species in the catch making up 41.8 percent of the total by number. Walleye was the second most abundant species adding 18.9 percent to the catch by number. Walleye made up the largest proportion of the total yield comprising 30.6 percent of the total weight of the gill-net catch. This year's walleye gill net catch rate of 7.25 was below average for Lake Kabetogama but higher than the median of all Lake Class 2 lakes. The yield per net for Lake Kabetogama has bounced up and down in the past few years but has hit some of the highest yield numbers since the late 1980s and early 1990s with a recent high in 2010 of 14.65 pounds per net. Yield per net in 2011 was down from 2010 at 11.88 pounds per net but still higher than the median for Lake Kabetogama. The catch rate of walleye over 17 inches in length was 3.35 in 2010, the second highest rate in the past 27 years. This rate dropped to 3.00 in 2011 but was still above average for Lake Kabetogama.
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\nStrong year classes of walleye are not occurring as frequently as they once were in Lake Kabetogama. While at this time we are unsure of the cause, high juvenile mortality appears to be affecting walleye recruitment and therefore production of strong year classes. Abundance of each year class was estimated using catch corrected gill net catch rates at age one, two, and three. Mortality was then evaluated between years and should not reflect any effects of changes in growth. Examining mortality of juvenile (age-1 to age-3) walleye showed that mortality has significantly increased in recent years. This high juvenile mortality dropped considerably with the 2006 and 2007 year classes but returned to a high rate in 2008. In fact, the 2007 year class experienced the lowest juvenile mortality on record through age-3. The 2006 year class was a very strong year class while the 2007 year class initially appeared promising but has not shown up in the gill nets in high numbers in recent years and now appears to be a weak year class. Juvenile mortality of the 2008 year class was higher and similar to year classes in the early 2000s and is also a weak year class.
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\nLengths of gill net captured walleye ranged from 7.6 to 23.8 inches in 2011. The average length was 15.9 inches, and the average weight was 1.65 pounds. Walleye growth has remained relatively consistent over time. However, the observed length at capture in 2011 was lower than previous surveys, possibly due to recent cold summers as illustrated by the lower length at capture of 7 year olds from the cold summer of 2004.
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\nFifteen age groups from age 1 to age 17 were present in the walleye catch. The mean age was 5.3 years. Age-5 walleye from the 2006 year class comprised 24.8 percent of the total walleye catch. Age-4, age-3, age-2, and age-1 walleye added 13.8 percent, 11.7 percent, 10.3 percent, and 9.7 percent, respectively. The 2006, 2001, 1996, and 1994 cohorts were the only strong year-classes present in the 2011 gill-net catch.
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\nFemale spawner biomass estimates from a model that uses gill net catch rates to estimate biomass were made back to 1983 to allow for stock-recruit analysis of the entire Lake Kabetogama data set. Female spawning stock biomass has shown normal fluctuations during the past 24 years. Female spawner stock biomass has fluctuated between 0.9 and 1.8 pounds per acre from 1983 through 2005. In 2006 the female spawner biomass exceeded 2.0 pounds per acre for the first time; the 2006 estimate was 2.3 lbs/acre, a new record on Lake Kabetogama. In 2007 and 2008, the female spawner biomass dropped slightly. However, female spawner biomass remained above the average from 1989 to the present. Female spawner biomass in 2009 dropped precipitously to 0.94 lbs/acre, the lowest value recorded since 1997. The 2009 values are associated with an unusual netting year where lower than normal numbers of large fish were caught on both Lake Kabetogama and Rainy Lake. In 2010 female spawner biomass was again on the rise setting a new record high with 2.42 lbs/acre. The 2011 female spawner biomass estimate was similar to the 2007 and 2008 estimates at 1.78 pounds per acre.
\n
\nThe 2006 walleye year class continues to drive the harvest fishery on Kabetogama and made its mark as the first strong year class of walleyes to recruit to the gill nets since the 2001 year class did so in 2004. Aside from the two very strong year classes in 2001 and 2006, every year class from 1999 through 2008 appears to be very weak. Preliminary data suggests 2009 and 2010 will also be very weak. Although age-0 walleye were caught in good numbers in 2011 seining and electrofishing, they did not grow exceptionally fast. The most recent strong year class to recruit to the fishery (2006) was caught in the seines as age-0 fish at a rate of just 7.86 per haul but grew at a much faster rate with a mean predicted length of 5.1 inches long on July 31st in 2006 compared to just 3.4 inches long on July 31st in 2011. Based on the limited seine and electrofishing data collected in 2011, it does not appear that the 2011 walleye year class will become a strong year class. If the 2009, 2010, and 2011 year classes do in fact recruit to the fishery as weak year classes, it will mark the longest gap in strong year classes produced on Lake Kabetogama in its history. This could create a void of harvestable size fish available to the anglers in the next few years as the strong 2006 year class grows into the protected slot.
\n
\nSauger
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\nThe 2011 sauger gill net catch rate of 3.45 fish per net was average for Lake Kabetogama and at the median for Class-2 lakes. Gill netted sauger ranged in length from 8.2 to 15.9 inches with a mean of 12.2 inches. The average sauger weight was 0.56 pounds (Table 3).
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\nSix year-classes were present in the sauger catch. Age-4 made up 55.4 percent of the sauger catch, while age-1 and age-5 fish each added another 17.4 percent. There have been two strong year-classes (2003 and 2007) in the past 10 years but only the 2007 year class was present in the 2011 catch. The 2006 year class was just below average and all other year-classes during this period were weak.
\n
\nSauger catch rates in the gill nets have declined in recent years from highs experienced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, hitting an all time low of 1.90 sauger per gill net in 2005. Full recruitment of the strong 2007 year class to the gill nets and good numbers of sauger from the 2010 year class appear to be driving the slight increase in the 2011gill net catch rate. The average-strength 2006 year class was also caught in good numbers in 2011. The 2007 year class is reaching harvestable size, averaging 12.9 inches long in the 2011 gill nets, and should provide anglers with more opportunity to catch sauger over the next couple of years.
\n
\nNorthern pike
\n
\nThe northern pike gill net catch rate of 3.1 fish per net was above average for Lake Kabetogama and above average for all Class-2 lakes. Northern pike lengths ranged from 10.3 to 39.5 inches with an average of 22.2 inches. The average weight was 2.91 pounds.
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\nThe northern pike gill-net catch consisted of eleven age groups. Age-1 and age-2 pike each comprised 29.3 percent of the northern pike catch while age-3 added 17.2 percent. The average age was 3.1 years. Schupp's index of year-class strength identified three strong year-classes (2004, 2005, 2006) present in the 2011 catch, and gill net data suggests the 2009 and 2010 year classes may also be strong.
\n
\nNorthern pike numbers in the gill nets fluctuated in recent years but have increased in each of the past three surveys. Most of the catch in the 2011 gill nets were fish from the 2008, 2009, and 2010 year classes. These three year classes composed 75 percent of the northern pike catch in 2011. Lake Kabetogama experienced a record early ice-out in 2010 and therefore a longer growing season. This longer growing season may have been favorable to northern pike because the 2010 year class was caught in good numbers in 2011 gill netting despite low water levels in 2010 that had the potential to hamper northern pike spawning.
\n
\nYellow perch
\n
\nThe 2011 yellow perch catch rate of 16.0 fish per net was well above average for Lake Kabetogama and above the average for class 2 lakes. This was the highest catch rate in any survey of Lake Kabetogama since the large lake program was standardized in 1983. The historical average was 6.47 fish per lift. Yellow perch lengths ranged from 4.8 to 12.2 inches with an average of 8.0 inches. The average weight was 0.32 pounds.
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\nEight age groups were represented in the perch catch. Age-1 yellow perch made up 35.8 percent of the catch with the age-3 year-class providing an additional 16.9 percent. The average perch age was 2.6 years. The index of year class strength indicates the 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 year-classes are strong, and the 2004 year class is average.
\n
\nYellow perch abundance appears to have increased in recent years and an all time high gill net catch rate was recorded in 2011. Recent years with poor walleye recruitment may have contributed to higher perch recruitment as the YOY yellow perch were freed from a major source of predation. Another potential explanation for the recent strong year-classes of yellow perch may be increased access to spawning habitat as a result of higher water levels in the spring. Five of six cohorts from 2003 to 2008 have been strong year classes and the 2004 year class was average. In addition, early indications suggest 2009 and 2010 may also be very strong year classes which would mark six straight years that Lake Kabetogama produced strong year classes of yellow perch. This level of recruitment is unprecedented for Lake Kabetogama and the driving force behind the record gill net catch rate in 2011.
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\nSmallmouth Bass
\n
\nDue to short staffing only four stations were sampled during a single spring electrofishing event targeting smallmouth bass in 2011. Sampling occurred on the night of June 13th. A total of 22 smallmouth bass were captured during spring electrofishing. The CPUE was slightly higher than 2010 at 13.1 per hour. Six year-classes were represented in the 2011 catch. Age-4 (2007 year-class) represented 42.9 percent of the bass catch. Age-3 and age-0 made up an additional 23.8 and 14.3 percent of the catch, respectively.
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\nOther Species
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\nFifty-five ciscos were captured in the 2011 gill-net survey. Ciscos ranged in length from 7.5 to 19.7 inches with an averge of 14.2 inches. White suckers were captured at a rate of 3.3 per gill net which was near the average range for Lake Kabetogama and above average for all Class 2 lakes. In the gill nets, centrarchids were represented by smallmouth bass (catch rate = 0.80 fish per net), black crappie (catch rate = 0.45 per net), and rock bass (catch rate = 1.15 per net). Burbot, lake whitefish, rainbow smelt, and redhorse were also captured in the gill nets.
\n
Lake Kabetogama is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program includes annual population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys. A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages. These gear types include gill nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Lake Kabetogama. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year in order to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.
\n
\nThe Walleye gill net catch in 2019 was 7.1 fish/net which is slightly higher than average for similar lakes. Walleye gill net catches were at a historical low in 2014 at 5.5 fish/net. The catch of Walleyes in our sampling increased in the following four surveys due to good year-classes of Walleyes from the 2015 and 2016 cohorts. The 2016 year-class contributed 26.1 percent of the Walleye catch in 2019 while the 2015 year-class added an additional 17.6 percent to the catch total. These back-to-back year-classes mark the first time Kabetogama has produced two consecutive above average year-classes since the late 1980s. The average length of 2015 Walleye was 15.3 inches with many in the 14 inch range in fall 2019. Age-3 Walleyes from the 2016 year-class averaged 12.8 inches with most in the 12 and 13 inch length bins. Age-7 Walleyes from the strong 2012 year-class composed 5.6 percent of the catch. All individual fish caught in 2019 that were from the 2012 year-class had reached lengths that put them within the protected slot limit for Lake Kabetogama. Overall, gill netted Walleyes ranged in length from 5.9 to 27.8 inches long and had an average length of 15.1 inches. There is a special regulation for Walleye on Lake Kabetogama; an 18-26 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 26 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock.
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\nLake Kabetogama is home to a fishable Sauger population, and Sauger numbers have increased in both average size and total numbers in recent gill net surveys. The past three surveys indicate Sauger numbers are greater than they have been since the early 2000s. Sauger were caught at a rate of 4.9 per gill net in the 2019 assessment, well above average. The 2015 year-class dominated the Sauger catch accounting for 69.5 percent of the gill net catch. This year-class ranged in length from 10.3 to 14.4 inches long with most individuals in the 11 and 12 inch length bins in the fall, 2019 survey. The largest Sauger caught during the 2019 survey was 17.4 inches long. Age 2 Sauger composed the next largest group in the 2019 survey making up 17 percent of the total catch and ranging in length from 8.5 to 10.2 inches long.
\n
\nThe gill net catch of Northern Pike was 2.8 fish/net, greater than the historic average and similar to recent years. Gill net catches of Northern Pike have historically been variable at a low level on Lake Kabetogama. Northern Pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 9.9 to 41.1 inches in 2019 gill nets. The average length was 24 inches. Large Northern Pike over 40 inches are often caught in gill net surveys, and a 45.4 inch pike weighing 18.6 pounds was caught in 2012.
\n
\nYellow Perch numbers have increased in recent years in Lake Kabetogama. The 2017 gill net catch rate was 18.0 fish/net, well above the historic average and an all-time high for Kabetogama. Numbers were lower in the past two surveys but still greater than the long-term average. The 2019 catch rate was 9.2 perch/net. Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 4.8 to 12.8 inches and the overall average was 8.6 inches. Record high numbers of Yellow Perch from the 2015 year-class were the main driver for the recent increase in gill net catch rates. The 2015 year-class composed 38.1 percent of the 2019 gill net catch and ranged in size from 8.2 to 11.0 inches long. Yellow Perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish.
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\nLake Kabetogama is home to a good Smallmouth Bass fishery both in numbers and size structure. Bass numbers have increased in our sampling gear as well as in angler catches in recent years. Smallmouth Bass over 19 inches long are commonly caught during surveys.
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\nLake Kabetogama is known to be infested with spiny waterfleas. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.
\n
The 1999 investigation found good walleye numbers at 11.6 per net compared to a long term average of 10.3 . Very high numbers of fish from the strong 1996 year class were present. These fish were between 12 and 16 inches in length with an average of 13.6 inches. Other above average year classes present were from 1989, 1990 and 1994. The number of walleye over 17 inches, fish protected by the experimental regulation, increased from an all-time low recorded in 1997 to 2.4. The long term average is 2.2. Sauger numbers remained good at 5.8 per net compared to a long term average of 4.0. Strong year classes from 1995, 1997 and 1998 were present. The average sauger length was 10.7 inches but good numbers of sauger between 12 and 14 inches were present in the nets. Northern pike numbers were near the long term average of 2.1 per net. Pike lengths ranged from 18 to 36 inches with an average of 24.6 inches. In 1999, Kabetogama anglers caught and kept more pike per hour than they have since the mid 1980's. Yellow perch numbers decreased from a record high recorded in 1998 to 5.9 per net. The long term average is 5.6 per net. Strong 1995 and 1997 year classes are present with good numbers of perch between 5.5 and 9.5 inches. The 1999 investigation found a record high number of smallmouth bass in the nets. The number of bass per net was exceptionally high for all lakes similar to Kabetogama. Fall electrofishing also captured high numbers of bass in 1999. Preliminary results of the 1999 angler creel survey found increased angling pressure over that of 1998. Pressure was still well below the long term average for Kabetogama.
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