Shad gone, but so are walleyes

Based on preliminary sampling, the effort to eliminate gizzard shad from Lake Sugema, one of southeast Iowa's most popular lakes, appears to have worked.

Last November, the Department of Natural Resources lowered the lake level and fisheries staff applied the fish toxicant, Rotenone, at 3 percent of the normal dosage in a slow, deliberate manner to create a drawn out fish kill targeting gizzard shad and sparing as many game fish as possible.

Unfortunately, it appears that it may have also have killed many walleyes, a prized species in the 574-acre lake.

“We would much prefer to have left this outstanding resource as it were, supporting high-quality fishing for all species present; however, the misguided and illegal introduction of gizzard shad to this system sealed the fate of these fish,” said local fisheries biologist Mark Flammang.

“Had we not moved to eliminate gizzard shad, we would have eventually lost the entire fishery. If we find that we successfully eliminated shad then our mission was accomplished. The negative impacts to the walleye population are unfortunate collateral damage of an illegal act,” Flammang said.

Spring sampling of the lake has found no trace of gizzard shad. The lake will be declared shad free if continued shad sampling proves negative during the remainder of the year.

Flammang has requested 10-inch walleye fingerlings that will be stocked in the lake in October, if the lake remains shad free.

Sugema continues to host excellent populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, according to Flammang.

Iowa law forbids possession of live gizzard shad. It is also illegal to stock fish in any public water of the state, including game fish. The public is asked to report any such illegal activity to the local conservation officer or by calling the Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) hotline 1-800-532-2020. Callers can remain anonymous.