Senator Pam Roach, R-Auburn, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife promised a biological study of LakeTapps at a community meeting in September. They delivered last week,with a “standardized warm water fish community” survey – the first of its kind performed at the lake since 1997.
“We worked hard for many years to make Lake Tapps a year-round lake, and now that it is, it needs to be managed,” said Roach. “I felt it was important that we have a new fish count. The last one was 15 years ago, before the lake was year-round and before the tiger muskie was introduced. I also wanted local students to be a part this unique opportunity.”
The analysis was a routine exercise designed to gather data pertaining to the biology of Lake Tapps. Three different techniques were used. Electrofishing puts an electrical charge into the water which stuns the fish so they can be scooped out with a net for identification and measurement. Gill nets and trap nets were also used. The techniques are designed to preserve life. Most fish were returned to the water unharmed, although as mall mortality rate does exist with the use of gill nets.
“The important thing to us is getting a representative sample so we can decide if there should be changes in regulations or fish stocking strategies,” said Bruce Bolding of the Department of Fish and Wildlife(WDFW).
It may take some time for specific numbers to be available, said Bolding, but the preliminary consensus is in. The presence of tiger muskies came as no surprise because of the WDFW stocking protocol but other fish found to be productive in Lake Tapps are the Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch. Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass and Common Carp were also found during the analysis.
“The bass and panfish are sustained by natural production in the lake and they seem to be doing well enough to provide good sport fishing opportunities,” said Bolding.
Bonney Lake and White River High School both sent groups of biology students to assist and observe. Roach said she was excited for the prospect of local youth to take part in the survey as a learning experience. The students met with biologists to discuss the survey, fish biology and sampling technique.
“(My students and I) had a great time learning about capture and sampling techniques … We also had the opportunity to dissect some casualties that will further increase the knowledge of my students in the area of fisheries biology,” said Katie Fulkerson, Bonney Lake High School science teacher.
Now that evidence of the lake’s biology has been gathered, Roach said the next step is to figure out what changes the fishing community wishes to see, if any. Recreational fishing on Lake Tapps has evolved greatly over the last several decades and there are many eager to see what possible changes the lake could face in the future.
