Warmwater Fish Survey of Bennington Lake, Walla Walla County

Bennington Lake was surveyed by a three person investigation team September 22 - 24, 1999. Fish were captured using boat electrofishing, gill netting, and fyke netting. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and northern pike-minnow (Ptychocheilus oregonensis) were collected from the lake. This data revealed a fishery dominated by small (less than stock length) fish, which appear to offer less than quality recreational fishing opportunity. Although the primary management emphasis for the lake is directed at a �"put-and-take” rainbow trout fishery, the warmwater fishery could be improved to supplement the trout fishery, especially during the summer and fall. Few fish of any species greater than preferred length were captured. In order to improve the quality of fishing for warmwater fish species in Bennington Lake we propose: 1) remove all current fish populations from the lake by drawing down the water and/or using chemical methods; 2) stocking the lake with largemouth bass and black crappie; 3) imposing the states 12-17" slot-limit on largemouth bass; 4) installing artificial structures to provide cover for juvenile fish; 5) monitoring spawning success and year-class strength of black crappie and supplement the population when necessary; and 6) conducting a creel survey. It is our opinion that the rainbow trout stocking program should be continued as the primary emphasis because of its popularity, despite competition with naturally reproducing fish in the lake.