New DOW survey shows Boyd Lake fishing on upswing

Walleye fishing in Boyd Lake this year should be "the best in the past decade," according to an updated survey by Division of Wildlife biologist Ben Swigle.

 

Based on a gillnet survey conducted Sept. 9, walleye abundance has more than tripled since 2006, driven by the excellent survival rate among the 40,000 walleye finglerlings stocked in June 2009.

The number of yellow perch in the lake has also increased, Swigle found. The walleye abundance is driven by the excellent survival of the 40,000 walleye fingerlings stocked in June 2009. Additional walleye will be stocked in 2012. The number of yellow perch in Boyd Lake has substantially increased. 

 

The DOW also surveyed Carter Lake, where the walleye fishery has declined in recent years, with encouraging results. In the first survey since anglers were allowed to keep more fish, walleye abundance has decreased while trout abundance has risen. Also, the average walleye length increased from 15.4 inches (2010 survey) to 19.0 inches (2011). 

Swigle's reports also acknowledged the Loveland Fishing Club's role in creating spawning plots at Lonetree and Long Habler. While the gillnet surveys did not show substantial increase in fish abundance, the projects need 3 to 4 years to be fully evaluated.
You can read the full survey reports on these and other lakes including Loveland, Lonetree by visiting this website: this website.