2004 Warmwater Fisheries Survey of Bear Lake, Spokane County, Washington

Bear Lake (Spokane County) was surveyed by a 3-person investigation team June 8-9, 2004. Fish were sampled by boat electrofishing, gill netting, and fyke netting. Five fish species were collected. Excluding young-of-the-year, green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) (n=82) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) (n=74) were the most abundant species sampled during collection activities. A total of 1,325 young-of-the-year yellow perch were observed during the survey. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) contributed the highest (71%) proportion of the biomass. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were also collected. Although a few larger size green sunfish and yellow perch were observed in Bear Lake, most are too small to provide much angling value. Largemouth bass up to 18 inches were observed in Bear Lake. However, most were sampled in areas inaccessible to shoreline anglers. Rainbow trout observed in Bear Lake were in poor condition, which is likely due to competition with the numerous green sunfish, yellow perch, and small largemouth bass in the lake. Considering the importance to the local angling public, trout stocking, or stocking a combination of trout and channel catfish, should continue. In addition, providing disabled and juvenile anglers with paved trails and fishing piers would enhance access to shoreline areas currently covered with emergent vegetation.