Douglas Trap Netting 2007
Due to the major rain deficit in 2007 and subsequent low water levels, trap nets were only able to be set from Point 13 down to Flat Creek. Catch rates were well below average for both adult and newly spawed young-of-the-year (YOY) crappie. Keep in mind that low water levels may have seriously effected the catch.
Only 143 crappie were collected in 60 trap net sets. There were 128 black, 4 blacknose, and 11 white crappie netted. Over 80% of the crappie were between 8 and 11-inches which is similar to what was seen in 2006. Fifty-nine percent of the crappie were over the 10-inch minimum size limit which should be really good for anglers during the next few months. The condition of both white and black crappie was good as determined by relative weight analysis. One 16-inch black crappie was collected!
The catch rate of YOY crappie was down again as it was in 2006. Low water levels hampered the ability to sample the sites where YOY crappie are normally captured so this low catch may not be reflected of a poor spawn. Hopefully more of the 2007 year class will show up in the 2008 sample.
Trap Netting Demonstration Video
Black crappie length frequency in 2007
White crappie length frequency in 2007
Catch rate of young-of-the-year crappie from 1989 to 2007
Black crappie relative weights in 2007
White crappie relative weights in 2007
