2001 Warmwater Fisheries Survey of Hutchinson and Shiner Lakes, Adams County, Washington

Hutchinson and Shiner lakes, Adams County, Washington were sampled between October 15-24, 2001, using a boat electofisher, gill nets, and fyke nets. Six fish species were observed during sampling efforts. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and pumpkinseed sunfish (L. gibbosus) were found in both lakes. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were found in Hutchinson Lake only, while rainbow trout (Onchorhyncus mykiss) were found only in Shiner Lake. Warmwater gamefish comprised 100% of the fish collected in Hutchinson Lake and 99.9% of the fish captured in Shiner Lake. Bluegill was the most abundant species captured in both Hutchinson (75.5%) and Shiner (78.8%) lakes. Bluegill also comprised the majority of the total biomass collected in both Hutchinson (63.4%) and Shiner (65.8%) lakes.

Bluegill age ranged from one to four years in Hutchinson Lake, with the majority being age two. Bluegill in Shiner Lake ranged from 1 to 5 years, however only one age 5 fish was sampled. The majority of bluegill in Shiner Lake were age 2. Bluegill were in good condition in both lakes, with most fish being at or above the national average in relative weight.

Largemouth bass was second in abundance in both lakes. Largemouth bass ranged in age from 1 to 7 years in Hutchinson Lake. The majority of bass were age 1 and 2. Largemouth bass in Shiner Lake ranged from 1 to 4 years of age. As with Hutchinson Lake, the majority of bass were age 1 and 2. Age 2 largemouth bass had relative weights slightly below the national average, but fish younger and older than age 2 had relative weights greater than the national average.

Both Hutchinson and Shiner lakes are managed for panfish fishing. Sampling indicated that predator/prey ratios are in proper proportions for quality panfish fishing (Swingle 1950). We recommend monitoring these lakes every three to four years in order to assure that fish populations do not become unbalanced. In addition, we would encourage that a creel survey be conducted in order to assess exploitation on this fishery.