1998 Warmwater Fish Survey of Lake Limerick (Mason County): A Small Lake Intensively Managed to Control Aquatic Plants

The warmwater fish population was sampled at Limerick Lake during the fall of 1998,' subsequent to the start of a five-year, intensive aquatic plant management program designed to control the invasive macrophyte, Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). The fish community was found to be dominated by largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens). The reduction in fish habitat, brought on by the aquatic herbicide treatments, has caused an imbalance in the fish community, which will likely continue until a level of stability is reached in aquatic macrophyte production. Due to the presence of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and the possible importance of this watershed for their rearing, warmwater fish enhancement activities must be consistent with coho management objectives in Limerick Lake.