A Comparison of Fish Distributions in Simple and Complex Lake Basins

Abstract

ABSTRACT Gill nets were used to determine the spatial and seasonal distributions of fishes in Lake Kampeska (simple morphometry) and at Lake Enemy Swim (complex morphometry), South Dakota. Each season (spring, summer, and autumn) gill nets were randomly placed at littoral and limnetic sites and fished for approximately 24 h. Gill nets were allowed to fish for approximately 24 h. At Lake Kampeska, 811 fishes were collected representing 16 species; statistical analyses were completed for five species. A total of 2,881 fishes was collected at Lake Enemy Swim with analyses completed for seven species. Significant (P <0.05) differences between littoral and limnetic gill net catch rates were identified during the spring at Lake Kampeska for walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni). At Lake Enemy Swim, significant differences between littoral and limnetic sites occurred for yellow perch (spring and autumn) and rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) (summer). Differences between median lengths of littoral and limnetic caught fishes were identified for white sucker at Lake Kampeska and yellow perch and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) at Lake Enemy Swim. Significant seasonal differences in gill net catch rates and median lengths were identified at both lakes.