Lake Erskine

How big is Lake Erskine?

How deep is Lake Erskine?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Erskine?

Are there boat launches on Lake Erskine?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Erskine?

Erskine Lake is a small designated stream trout lake, primarily managed for Rainbow Trout and Splake. The 2009 management plan goals were to provide a Rainbow Trout catch of at least 0.2/trap net and a Splake catch of at least 1.0/trap net with 25% of the fish larger than 16 inches. To help attain these goals, 2,000 Arlee strain yearling Rainbows were spring stocked in odd years since 2001 and 2,000 fingerling Splake were fall stocked in even years since 2002. The 2018 survey was one of three conducted to assess the alternate stocking strategy since the stocking plan changed. Net locations and effort were similar to the previous survey.

The Splake trap net catch was comparable to catches from surveys since 2003, surpassing management goals. The majority of Splake caught were within a relatively narrow range of lengths, 11.8 to 15.7 inches, similar to previous surveys. These fish were age 2 and from the fall 2016 stocking. One fish was 21.1 inches, age 4 and from the 2014 stocking. Length frequency was below the management goal. The gill net catch was similar to previous surveys, as well as length frequency. The stocking rotation appears to give Splake an advantage. Being stocked as fall fingerlings, they are essentially the same size as yearling Rainbows that are stocked the following spring. They had the benefit of acclimation for approximately seven months during the winter prior to spring stocking. These fish are then better suited in the spring with an added advantage of approximately 17 months of a prior fallow period with no stocking. This extended period likely allows invertebrates to repopulate to a greater level, improving prey availability.

Rainbow Trout catches have typically been low. Trap nets captured three trout, with lengths from 14.2 to 15.5 inches. These fish were age 2 but originating from the 2017 spring stocking. Rainbow Trout should make up a higher proportion of the stream trout catch. It is likely angler harvest is resulting in the lower than expected catches. Arlee strain tends to be fast growing and aggressive but not long lived. Their aggressive behavior is attractive to anglers, which ultimately limits how long these fish persist. Erskine Lake is popular a fishery and angler harvest is assumed to be high at times.

Golden Shiner were the most numerous species captured in trap nets. The catch was within the range of past surveys. Lengths were mostly between 3.5 to 6.5 inches, though a couple of 8 inch individuals were caught. Brook Stickleback, Fathead Minnow and Northern Redbelly Dace were the only other species sampled.

What is the average air temp for Lake Erskine?

Are there any state parks near Lake Erskine?