2000 Warmwater Fish Survey of Ohop Lake, Pierce County

Ohop Lake was surveyed by a three-person crew from May 9-10, 2000. Multiple gear types (electrofishing, gill nets, and trap nets) were utilized to reduce any sampling bias associated with each sampling method. A total of 565 fish, representing ten species and the family Cottidae were sampled at Spanaway Lake. Of those, largescale sucker (Catostomus macrocheilus) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were the two most abundant by number, respectively. Largescale sucker and and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were the two most abundant by biomass, respectively. Other species sampled included: rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), cutthroat trout (O. clarki), sculpin (family Cottidae), lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus). Sample sizes for most species were too low to draw firm conclusions about the balance of the fish community as a whole. Largemouth bass and black crappie are two of the more important warmwater species in Ohop Lake, though neither were abundant in our sample. Growth of largemouth bass was high, and many age classes were present. This species probably provides most of the warmwater angling opportunity. Recommendations for Ohop Lake include: 1.) an angler creel survey to estimate angler preference, effort, and harvest; 2.) continued fish community surveys during both spring and fall season; and 3.) an assessment of secondary productivity.