Siseebakwet Lake

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Siseebakwet, also known as Sugar Lake, is a 1,306 acre lake with 292 littoral acres (22%) and a maximum depth of 105 feet. The 5.8 mile shoreline is heavily developed, but interspersed with quality stands of bulrush. There are two inlets, Sugar Brook from the west connecting Little Siseebakwet and Spring Lake(s) and a channel connecting South Sugar Lake from the southwest. The outlet, Sugar Brook, ultimately connects to Pokegama Lake to the east. However, a low head dam at the outlet of Siseebakwet likely limits fish immigration. There is a small county owned public access on the north shore with limited parking available. Walleye had various stocking rates and frequencies in the past, but have been stocked at a rate of 2 pounds per littoral acre (584 pounds) every other year since 2007. Rusty crayfish, an invasive species, has been documented at various abundances in past assessments.

Walleye were the most numerous species sampled in gill nets, at a rate of 22.4/net, exceeding the range for lakes similar to Siseebakwet, and exceeding the management goal (>15/net). The 2012 catch was down slightly from the 2006 catch rate of 23.6/net, however netting effort was less in 2012. Netting effort was decreased from the standard 12 nets to 8 due to the increasingly high catch, which was similar to what was observed in the 2006 assessment when netting effort was decreased from 12 to 11 nets. Size structure was moderate to favorable, but down slightly from the previous assessment. Lengths ranged from 8.2 to 26.8 inches with an average length of 12.9 inches.

Age analysis identified eight year classes of fish from age 1-15. The adjusted stocking rate from 1 pound/littoral acre to 2 pounds/littoral in 2007 appears to be favorable. Ages 1, 3, and 5 were well represented, corresponding to the 2011, 2009, and 2007 fish stockings. Natural reproduction was also evident because ages 2 and 4 comprised 24% of the aged fish since 2007. Past assessments have indicated similar results as limited natural reproduction was evident, while stocking appears to be very successful. Mean back-calculated length-at-age determined growth was similar to the statewide average. Walleye averaged 16.4 inches by age-5.

Northern pike were sampled at a rate of 1.0/net, below the expected range and the same as the previous assessment. Past catches have typically been from 1.0-8.0/net. Lengths ranged from 13.9 to 25.0 inches with an average length of 20.1 inches. The sample size was too small to accurately assess size structure, but past assessments suggest a quality fishery exists. Scale and bone analysis identified ages 1-4 present in the sample, but the small sample could not accurately assess recruitment. The lack of spawning habitat likely limits the pike population, which is conducive to quality size structure. Mean back-calculated length-at-age determined growth was similar to the statewide average. Northern pike averaged 23.9 inches by age-4.

Yellow perch were sampled at a rate of 13.6/gill net, within the expected range, yet down from the previous assessment (24.1/net). Past catch rates have ranged from 4.8 - 86.7/net. Lengths ranged from 5.9 to 12.1 inches with an average length of 7.9 inches. Size structure was favorable and likely an interest to anglers. This was the first survey to assess age and growth. Scale and otolith analysis identified ages 2 thru 7 in the gill net sample, with relatively consistent recruitment. Growth was similar to the statewide average. Yellow perch averaged 10.5 inches by age-6.

Black crappie were sampled at a rate of 2.8/trap net, exceeding the expected range. This was the first assessment to sample crappie since 1994. Crappie have rarely been sampled and typically in low abundance when sampled (0.1/trap net in 1994 to 2.0/trap net in 1951). Size structure was favorable with lengths from 5.9 to 11.3 inches and an average length of 9.5 inches. Scale analysis identified ages 1-5 with consistent recruitment and year class strength. Growth was similar to the statewide average. Black crappie averaged 9.7 inches by age-5.

Bluegill were sampled at a rate of 8.5/trap net, within the expected range and higher than the previous assessments (4.8/net). Catch rates have typically been low, less than 6.3/net, except for 1991 (19.2/net). A quality size structure exists with lengths from 3.7 to 9.1 inches and an average length of 7.3 inches. Scale analysis identified ages 2 to 10 in the sample suggesting relatively consistent recruitment. However, some year classes were stronger than others. Age-6 comprised 33% of the sample. Growth was similar to the lake class 22 average. Bluegill averaged 7.2 inches by age-7.

Tullibee tend to have variable catch rates due to their pelagic, schooling nature. Catches have varied from 0 to 11.8/gill net. Only one tullibee was sampled in 2012 with a length of 16.9 inches.

Other species sampled included burbot, largemouth bass, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, and white sucker.

As part of IBI (Index of Biotic Integrity) near shore sampling, Iowa darter, Johnny darter, central mudminnow, mimic shiner, sand shiner, spottail shiner, and yellow perch were sampled in six 15 foot seine hauls, while Iowa darter, Johnny darter, banded killifish, black crappie, blacknose shiner, bluntnose minnow, largemouth bass, mimic shiner, sand shiner, spottail shiner, tadpole madtom, walleye, and yellow perch were sampled in nine 50 foot seine hauls. Backpack electrofishing sampled Iowa darter, Johnny darter, banded killifish, blacknose shiner, bluntnose minnow, largemouth bass, mimic shiner, mottled shiner, northern pike, rock bass, sand shiner, and yellow perch at 15 stations.

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