Lake Francis

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What aquatic invasive species are found in Lake Francis?

A standard survey (summer gill netting and trap netting) was conducted at Francis Lake in 2015, to evaluate the fish population. Northern pike, bluegill, and largemouth bass were primary management species, while black crappie and walleye were listed as secondary management species in the lake management plan. In 2015, water clarity was good.

Gill nets sampled low numbers (5) of walleye for a catch rate of 0.6/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake and the second lowest catch rate ever measured at Francis. The 2010 catch rate was 3.4/net. Past catch rates, from 1974 to 2015, were mostly low, ranging from 0.4 to 6.1/net with an average of 2.8/net. In 2015, gill netted walleye were 17.6 to 20.5 inches long with an average of 19.0/net. Gill netted walleye were 5 and 8 years old with 2 year-classes present. Age-5 fish (3) and age-8 fish (2) both corresponded to years when fall fingerlings were stocked, likely indicating inadequate natural reproduction at Francis. Growth was moderate. The latest walleye fingerling stocking regime (871 pounds - one-out-of-three years) began in 2001. Gill net catch rates during this time period (2005, 2010, and 2015) ranged from 0.6/net to 3.4/net with an average of 2.0/net. High numbers of predators (northern pike and largemouth bass) were likely limiting the success of the walleye fingerling stocking regime at Francis Lake.

Gill nets sampled high numbers of northern pike (137) for a catch rate of 15.2/net, which was above the normal range for this type of lake. The 2010 catch rate was similar at 15.5/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were mostly high, ranging from 6.9 to 30.3/net with an average of 15.4. Approximately, 82% of Francis's gill net catch rates were above 10.0/net, indicating that high numbers were typical. In 2015, gill netted northern pike were 9.5 inches to 32.5 inches long with an average of 16.2 inches. Only 1 fish was over 24 inches in length, indicating a poor size structure. Northern pike were 1 to 7 years old with six year-classes present. Age-2 and age-3 fish accounted for 67% and 23% of the gill net catch, respectively. When compared to other lakes in the Hutchinson Fisheries management area the growth rate was slow. High numbers of small fish and slow growth indicated that the population was stunted. A state-wide three zone regulation/bag limit proposal, to correct this type of problem, was initiated in 2015 and if approved could begin as early as 2017. In the meantime, northern pike anglers can expect plenty of action from smaller sized fish.

Spring night-time electrofishing sampled 61 largemouth bass for a catch rate of 30.5/hr. The catch rate in 2010 was similar at 25.0/hr. Catch rates from 1996 to 2015 were variable ranging from 5.0 to 43.0/hr, with an average of 23.7/hr. Largemouth bass were 5.9 inches to 16.6 inches long with an average of 12.3 inches. Approximately 61% of the catch was 12 inches or longer, while 13% were 15 inches or longer, indicating a quality population. Gill nets sampled high numbers (55) of largemouth bass for a catch rate of 6.1/net, which was well above the normal range for this type of lake. The maximum length of gill netted largemouth bass was 17.4 inches. Largemouth bass, that were aged, were 2 to 7 years old with 6 year-classes present. Age-4, age-5, age-6, and age-7 fish were well represented, accounting for 90% of the electrofishing sample. This indicated that recruitment was good during most years at Francis Lake. Growth was typical for Francis Lake largemouth bass. The population appears to be in good condition, except for the lack of trophy sized individuals. Habitat (clear water and abundant aquatic vegetation) was ideal for largemouth bass at Francis. Largemouth bass anglers should expect plenty of action from medium sized fish at Francis.

Gill nets sampled no yellow perch, as was the case in the previous three assessments (2010, 2005, and 2002). Catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were all low, ranging from 0.0/net to 0.5/net with an average of 0.1/net. High numbers of northern pike were likely limiting the yellow perch population at Francis.

Gill nets sampled low numbers (15) of black crappie for a catch rate of 1.7/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake. The 2010 catch rate was 4.0/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were mostly low, ranging from 1.0/net to 5.0/net with an average of 3.0/net. In 2015, gill netted black crappie were 3.8 inches to 9.7 inches long with an average of 7.5 inches. Trap nets sampled 8 black crappies, for a catch rate of 0.7/net, which was below the normal range and the second lowest catch rate ever measured at Francis. The 2010 trap net catch rate was also low (2.0/net). Historic trap net catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were mostly low, ranging from 0.3/net to 5.1/net with an average of 1.9/net. Trap netted black crappie were 7.2 inches to 10.6 inches long with an average of 8.5 inches. Black crappie were often difficult to sample during the summer months, and net catches may not reflect the quality black crappie population present at Francis. Anecdotal reports indicated good catches of black crappie, most winters, at Francis Lake.

Trap nets sampled moderate numbers (125) of bluegill, for a catch rate of 11.4/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake, but was the lowest ever measured at Francis. The 2010 catch rate was 19.0/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were mostly moderate, ranging from 11.4/net to 66.0/net with an average of 39.8/net. Bluegill were 2.6 inches to 7.8 inches long with an average of 5.2 inches. Gill nets sampled bluegill up to 8.2 inches in length. Approximately 11% of the trap net catch was 7 inches or longer, indicating a fair size structure. Ideal habitat (clear water and abundant submergent vegetation extending into deep water) was present at Francis Lake, in 2015. Anglers may have to fish deeper water, during certain times of the year, to find the bigger bluegill.

Gill nets failed to sample common carp in 2015. Historic catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were all low, ranging from 0.0/net to 0.3/net. Trap nets also failed to sample common carp in 2015. Historic trap net catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were mostly low, ranging from 0.0/net to 1.0/net with an average of 0.5/net. Common carp numbers have likely been held in check at Francis because of the bluegill population. Bluegill were suspected of being efficient predators on common carp eggs.

Gill nets sampled 261 yellow bullhead, for a catch rate of 29.0/net, which was above the normal range for this type of lake. Yellow bullhead were the most abundant fish sampled in gill nets. The 2010 catch rate was 17.2/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were variable ranging from 4.6/net to 56.6/net with an average of 23.9/net. In 2015, gill netted yellow bullhead were 7.3 inches to 13.4 inches long with an average of 11.0 inches. Approximately 52% of the gill net catch was 11 inches or longer, indicating a size structure that should appeal to yellow bullhead anglers. The yellow bullhead to black bullhead ratio, from gill nets, was 65:1, which reflects the lake's good water clarity and abundant submergent vegetation.

Gill nets sampled low numbers (4) of black bullhead for a catch rate of 0.4/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake. The catch rate in 2010 was 0.0/net. Historic catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were all low ranging from 0.0/net to 1.4/net with an average of 0.8/net. Gill netted black bullhead were 11.4 inches to 13.4 inches long, with an average of 12.5 inches. Trap nets also sampled low numbers (0.2/net) of black bullhead in 2015.

What is the average air temp for Lake Francis?