2004 Warmwater Fisheries Survey of Hutchinson and Shiner Lakes, Adams County Washington

Hutchinson-Shiner Lake, Adams County, Washington was sampled between October 4-6, 2004, using a boat electrofisher, gill nets, and fyke nets. Five warmwater fish species were observed during sampling efforts: Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), pumpkinseed sunfish (L. gibbosus), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens).

Bluegill was the most abundant species collected and was second in terms of total biomass (31%). Bluegill have undergone a 72 percent decline in abundance since our 2001 survey. Bluegill ranged in age from 1 to 5 years and growth was below average for age 1 to 3 fish, yet above average for age 4 and 5 fish. Bluegill were in good condition with average relative weight above the national average (Wr = 100).

Largemouth bass was second in abundance yet provided the majority of biomass collected in our samples. Age ranged from 1 to 8 years; however, no age-seven fish were collected and the majority of fish (96%) were age 1 to 5. Relative weights for stock length and quality length largemouth bass were below the national average; whereas, relative weights for preferred length fish, and fish less than stock length were above the national average.

Yellow perch was the third most abundant species collected and biomass was slightly less than that of bluegill. Yellow perch ranged in age from 1 to 3 years and growth was well above the statewide average despite below-average relative weights. During a 2001 warmwater fisheries survey, very few yellow perch were collected; however, it appears that yellow perch have become well established and should provide angling opportunity.

Sampling indicated that predator/prey ratios are out of balance, based on biomass ratios, which indicate a large population of largemouth bass, and relatively few prey fish. Largemouth bass exploitation is likely low and predation by bass on panfish may be keeping panfish populations from growing to desired levels. Managers should encourage anglers to target and retain more largemouth bass in order to help control this population.