Bangs Lake Fish Report 2018

230 Woodlawn Avenue • Aurora, IL 60506 • Phone: (630) 897-8380 • Fax: (630) 897-5696

Project Number: 15005-01

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Prepared For:

Bangs Lake Advisory Committee Village of Wauconda 101 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084

Prepared By:

Leonard Dane, Fisheries Biologist Karen K. Clementi, Senior Biologist Matt Drabik, Biologist

July 2018

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This study was conducted for the Bangs Lake Advisory Committee to provide biological

data of the fish composition in Bangs Lake in Wauconda, Illinois. The entire shoreline

was electrofished and four locations were seined. The study yielded a total of 617

individual fish representing 9 families and 23 species. There was a total of 407 fish

collected during the electrofishing effort. The catch was dominated by Bluegill (25%),

Largemouth Bass (19%), Yellow Perch (14%), Common Carp (11%) and Lake

Chubsucker (6%). Bangs Lake has a diverse fish population with a mix of forage and

predator species. Most species were within management goals, indicating a healthy and

productive system. However, there are several species that are in need of some immediate

management attention. These species populations will be improved with adjustments to

the fish creel limits and the stocking program.

The Illinois State listed threatened and endangered fish known to inhabit Bangs Lake

were all collected. Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner and Iowa Darter were collected by

seining and Blackchin Shiner was collected by seining and electrofishing.

Recommendations to improve the fishing and maintain the water quality include:

• Continue the fish stocking program

• Fish creel limits

• Aquatic plant management

• Watershed management

• Exotic and invasive fish species management

• Future fish surveys

• Fish habitat enhancement

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.

1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 5

1.1 Purpose ...... 5

1.2 Sample Location Description ...... 5

2.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS ...... 6

2.1 Sampling Plan ...... 6

2.2 Gear Types ...... 6

2.2.1 Electrofishing ...... 6

2.2.2 Seining...... 7

3.0 RESULTS ...... 9

3.1 Assessment Metrics ...... 9

3.2 Largemouth Bass ...... 10

3.3 Bluegill ...... 12

3.4 Pumpkinseed ...... 13

3.5 Yellow Perch ...... 14

3.6 Black Crappie ...... 15

3.7 Bullhead ...... 16

3.8 Other Species ...... 17

3.9 Non-game Species ...... 21

4.0 DISCUSSION ...... 23

4.1 Fish ...... 23

4.2 Aquatic Plants ...... 23

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

4.3 Recommendations ...... 24

4.3.1 Continue Fish Stocking Program...... 24

4.3.2 Fish Creel Limits...... 25

4.3.3 Aquatic Plant Management...... 26

4.3.4 Watershed Management...... 27

4.3.5 Exotic and Invasive Fish Species Management ...... 27

4.3.6 Future Fish Surveys ...... 27

4.3.7 Continue Fish Habitat Enhancement Program ...... 28

5.0 REFERENCES ...... 29

FIGURES

Figure 1 – Seine Sampling Locations on Bangs Lake 2018

Figure 2 – Electrofishing Sampling Area on Bangs Lake 2018

Figure 3 – Length Distribution of Largemouth Bass Collected in 2018

Figure 4 – Length Distribution of Bluegill Collected in 2018

Figure 5 – Length Distribution of Pumpkinseed Collected in 2018

Figure 6 – Length Distribution of Yellow Perch Collected in 2018

Figure 7 – Length Distribution of Black Crappie Collected in 2018

Figure 8 – Length Distribution of Bullhead Collected in 2018

TABLES

Table 1 – Total Number and Percent Composition of Fish Species Collected in

2018

Table 2 – Bangs Lake Fish Stocking History

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

Deuchler Environmental, Inc. (Deuchler) was contracted by the Bangs Lake Advisory

Committee (BLAC) to provide current biological data of fish composition in Bangs Lake.

Deuchler conducted a survey in 2015 (Deuchler 2015) and the Illinois Department of

Natural Resources (IDNR) has conducted fish surveys of Bangs Lake in the past with the

most recent occurring in 2007 (Jakubicek 2008). In addition, EA Engineering, Science,

and Technology conducted a survey of the Illinois State listed threatened and endangered

fishes in 2009 (EA 2009). This report summarizes these current results from Deuchler’s

sampling and compares the results to the previous surveys.

1.2 Sample Location Description

Bangs Lake is a 306-acre lake located in the Village of Wauconda, Illinois. A map

depicting the four seine locations is included as Figure 1. These sites were chosen based

on the survey conducted by EA Engineering, Science, and Technology in 2009. The

objective of the seining was to confirm the presence of the Illinois State listed threatened

and endangered fish that have been known to exist in Bangs Lake. These fish are the state

threatened Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, and Iowa Darter and the state endangered

Blacknose Shiner. In addition to the seining, the entire shoreline of Bangs Lake was

electrofished (Figure 2). The channels were not included in the electrofishing effort.

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

2.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.1 Sampling Plan

Deuchler boat electrofished the shoreline of Bangs Lake as well as sampled four

locations using a seine to emphasize the collection of small fish and the threatened and

endangered fish species present in Bangs Lake. All game fish collected during the

electrofishing were identified, measured and weighed. All minnow species collected

during electrofishing and all fish collected during seining were identified and counted.

All fish were released back into Bangs Lake except for three Common Carp that were

disposed of in a dumpster. Sampling was conducted on May 24, 2018.

2.2 Gear Types

The fish sampling was conducted using two standard sampling gears: electrofishing and

shoreline seining. To minimize the bias created from electrofishing, increase species

diversity, and sample for the state listed fishes, shoreline seining was also conducted.

2.2.1 Electrofishing

Electrofishing is a standard gear type for sampling lakes and rivers used by

various government research agencies, including the Illinois Department of

Natural Resources and Illinois Natural History Survey. Electrofishing is a shallow

water gear that targets all sizes and species of fish, though it is somewhat biased

towards collecting larger individuals.

A 16’ Alumacraft boat equipped with a Smith-Root 5.0 Generator Powered

Pulsator (GPP) electrofisher system was used to sample the perimeter of Bangs

Lake (Photo 1). The electrode array consisted of the aluminum boat hull as the

cathode and 6 droppers suspended from two retractable booms as the anode. Each

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

anode dropper is 3/8” woven steel cable that has a length of three feet. The booms

extend eight feet in front of the bow of the boat. The electrofishing sampling crew

consisted of a boat operator and a crew member responsible for netting the

stunned fish. Electrofishing was conducted in a clockwise direction around the

lake with a total pedal time of 175 minutes. A concerted effort was made to net

every stunned fish. The electrofishing boat maneuvered along the shoreline out to

the aquatic plant edge. The catch was placed into a 75 gallon stock tank that was

aerated with oxygen. After 50 to 60 minutes of electrofishing, the fish were

measured to the nearest millimeter, weighed to the nearest gram, and analyzed for

anomalies before being released back into Bangs Lake.

Photo 1. Boat Electrofishing

2.2.2 Seining

A straight seine was used to conduct the shoreline seining. The seine was 25 feet

in length and four feet tall with 3/16 inch mesh. The seine was attached to two

wooden handles. Three to four seine hauls were conducted at each site comprising

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

a total distance of approximately 75 feet (Photo 2). All fish collected were

identified, counted, and released back into Bangs Lake. In 2018, Deuchler

sampled the same four locations as in 2015.

Photo 2. Shoreline Seining

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

3.0 RESULTS

Abundance of fish species provides an overview of the total number of each species

present in the survey area. The study yielded a total of 617 individual fish representing 9

families and 23 species (Table 1).

The seining was conducted at the four sites previously sampled in the 2009 and 2015

study. There was a total of 210 fish collected during the seining effort. Location 1 had the

highest catch with 194 fish collected from 8 species. There were 28 Banded Killifish, 13

Blacknose Shiner, 97 Blackchin Shiner, and one Iowa Darter. The Blackchin Shiner,

Banded Killifish, and Iowa Darter are listed as threatened in Illinois and the Blacknose

Shiner is listed as endangered in Illinois. Other species captured at Location 1 include

Bluegill, Bluntnose Minnow, Largemouth Bass, and Spotfin Shiner. There were no fish

collected at location 2 due to the lack of aquatic plant growth in that area at the time of

sampling. Location 3 had one state threatened Iowa Darter. Location 4 had one Banded

Killifish and one Bluntnose Minnow. Schools of topminnows were observed near shore

at location 4. It was likely these were Banded Killifish.

There was a total of 407 fish collected during the electrofishing effort. The catch was

dominated by Bluegill (25%), Largemouth Bass (19%), Yellow Perch (14%), Common

Carp (11%) and Lake Chubsucker (6%).

3.1 Assessment Metrics

Various metrics are utilized to determine the health of a fishery. Catch per unit effort

(CPUE, fish collected/hour) illustrates fish abundance. The electrofishing zones were

dominated by Bluegill with a CPUE of 35 fish per hour followed by Largemouth Bass

(26 fish/hour) and Yellow Perch (20 fish/hour).

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

A proportional stock density (PSD) value is used to evaluate the condition of the fishery.

The index compares the number of fish longer than a species specific quality size to the

number of fish longer than a species specific stock size (Murphy 1996). The PSD value

generated can be used to compare samples among different years and different lakes.

The PSD value also represents the percent of sexually mature fish in the sample and the

sample is assumed to be representative of the population. A balanced population has a

PSD value between 40% and 60%. A relative stock density (RSD) value is used to show

the proportion of mature fish over a certain size (Murphy 1996).

The relative weight (Wr) is an index used to determine the body condition of fish

(Murphy 1996). The Wr is calculated by dividing the weight of the individual by the

expected weight for a fish of the same species at the same length. The mean Wr should be

between 90 and 100.

3.2 Largemouth Bass

The PSD for Largemouth Bass uses a stock size of eight inches and a quality size of 12

inches. The Largemouth Bass PSD value was calculated to be 45 and is near the lower

end of the recommended management goal. The RSD-14 value for Largemouth Bass

greater 14 inches was 9 (goal 20-40) and the RSD-15 value for Largemouth Bass greater

than 15 inches was 4 (goal 10-20). These RSD values are below the management goals

for Largemouth Bass. There were five Largemouth Bass collected over 14 inches with the

largest being 16.6 inches (Photo 2). These numbers show the mature Largemouth Bass

population in Bangs Lake is dominated by fish less than 14 inches. This value is a

decrease in larger Largemouth Bass from the previous Deuchler sampling when the PSD

value was 65 with an RSD-14 value of 25 and the RSD-15 value of 11 (Deuchler 2015).

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

During the 2007 survey by the IDNR, the PSD was 57 with the RSD-14 = 5, and the

RSD-15 = 3 (Jakubicek 2008). Comparing the PSD values shows that the Largemouth

Bass population is currently comprised of smaller mature fish than in 2015. Figure 3 is

the length distribution of Largemouth Bass collected in 2018 and illustrates all age

classes of Largemouth Bass are present, meaning natural reproduction is sustaining the

population.

The mean Wr for Largemouth Bass in Bangs Lake was 91.1 indicating they are in good

condition and proportional in length and weight. The CPUE management goal for

Largemouth Bass 1.0 fish per minute. During Deuchler’s survey, Largemouth Bass were

collected at a rate of 0.44 fish per minute. This is also a decrease from 2015 when the

CPUE was 0.53 fish per minute. Overall, the Largemouth Bass in Bangs Lake have a

good size distribution and body condition. However, they are below the recommended

abundance and there were low numbers of Largemouth Bass greater than 14 inches.

Photo 3. Largemouth Bass

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

3.3 Bluegill

The PSD for Bluegill uses a stock size of three inches and a quality size of six inches.

The 2018 PSD value was calculated to be 36 which was slightly below the management

goal of 40 to 60. The PSD value has increased from the 2015 the PSD value of 19

indicting more mature individuals currently in the population. There were a good number

of fish in the three to five inch range and a significant reduction in number once fish

reach the six inch size (Figure 4). This reduction could be an indication of angler harvest

as the minimum size limit on Bluegills is 6 inches. Eight percent of the Bluegill catch

was made up of fish larger than eight inches, with the largest being 8.5 inches (Photo 4).

Photo 4. Bluegill

The mean Wr of 125.9 for Bluegill showed they were in very good condition and stunting

is not a problem. There were areas of abundant vegetation around Bangs Lake which

provide refuge sites for the smaller fish like Bluegill to escape predators.

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

3.4 Pumpkinseed

The PSD for Pumpkinseed uses a stock size of three inches and a quality size of six

inches. The PSD value increased from the 2015 value of 59 to 86 in 2018 which means a

greater number of the Pumpkinseed collected were mature individuals. The Pumpkinseed

collected were large (Photo 5). They averaged 7.0 inches and ranged in size from 4.0 to

8.5 inches (Figure 5). Fourteen percent of the Pumpkinseed collected were greater than

eight inches.

The mean Wr for Pumpkinseed was 110.7, indicating the fish collected were of good

body proportion. Since Pumpkinseed feed on mollusks, they are likely beneficial to

reduce invasive Zebra Mussel populations.

Photo 5. Pumpkinseed

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

3.5 Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch have a stock size of five inches and a quality size of eight inches. The PSD

value was 20 showing a low number of mature individuals were collected. Yellow Perch

made up 14.3% of the electrofishing catch (Photo 6). They ranged in size from 3.1 inches

to 10.4 inches (Figure 6). Yellow Perch are part of the BLAC’s fish stocking program.

Since 2015, there have been 800 five to nine inch Yellow Perch put into Bangs Lake

(Table 2). These fish are stocked at are harvestable size which explains why 66% of the

Yellow Perch collected were above the six-inch minimum size limit.

Photo 6. Yellow Perch

The mean Wr for Yellow Perch was 90.2, meaning the fish collected were of good body

proportion. Like with Bluegill, the abundant aquatic vegetation provides a refuge area for

the Yellow Perch to escape predation and they are reaching a desired harvestable size.

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

3.6 Black Crappie

Black Crappie are also part of the BLAC’s stocking program and are stocked at five to

seven inches in length. Since 2015, 1,000 Black Crappie have been stocked into Bangs

Lake. There were no juvenile Crappie were collected during the last two surveys

conducted by Deuchler, indicating the population is being maintained by the stocking

program. The 2018 sampling yielded 22 Black Crappie (Photo 7) that averaged 9.5

inches and ranged in size from 5.9 to 11.9 inches (Figure 7). The PSD for Crappie uses

five inches for stock size and eight inches for quality size. The PSD value was calculated

to be 86, designating a large portion of the fish collected were greater than quality size.

Photo 7. Black Crappie

The mean Wr for Crappie was 90.6, which means the fish collected were of good body

proportion. The current regulation for crappie is a minimum size of 10 inches with a daily

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

creel limit of eight fish. Since 41% of the fish collected in the survey were of harvestable

size it is concluded that the stocking program for Black Crappie has been successful.

3.7 Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead (Photo 8) and Brown Bullhead (Photo 9) were collected ranging in size

from 6.9 to 14.3 inches with an average size of 12.0 inches (Figure 8). The PSD for

Bullhead uses six inches as the stock size and nine inches for quality size. The PSD value

was calculated to be 86 indicating there are quality size Bullhead to be harvested.

Photo 8. Yellow Bullhead

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Photo 9. Brown Bullhead

3.8 Other Species

Other species collected include Redear Sunfish, Warmouth, Green Sunfish, Northern

Pike, Grass Pickerel, Bowfin, and Longnose Gar (Photos 10-15). None of these species

were collected in large numbers but were present in the lake and add to the diversity.

Redear Sunfish and Northern Pike are also part of BLAC’s stocking program. There have

been 450 Redear Sunfish stocked since 2011 and 1,771 Northern Pike stocked since

2000. There were two Redear Sunfish collected averaging 5.2 inches in length and likely

from the stocking done in 2017. Redear also feed on zebra mussels so are a beneficial

fish species for Bangs Lake. The Northern Pike collected was 26.0 inches and likely from

the 2012 stocking. Channel Catfish, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass are also part of the

BLAC’s stocking program. There have been 8,608 Channel Catfish, 13,622 Walleye, and

1,050 Smallmouth Bass stocked in Bangs Lake since 2000. However, none of these

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

species were collected during the 2018 sampling. These species were likely in deeper

water habitat and not susceptible to the electrofishing.

Both male (Photo 13) and female (Photo 14) Bowfin were collected. The males have an

eyespot near their caudal fin. Bowfin prefer clear, well-vegetated aquatic habitats. Their

distribution in Illinois is decreasing due urban development and the loss of habitat (Smith

1979). The presence of Bowfin indicates good water quality in Bangs Lake.

One Longnose Gar was collected during Deuchler’s 2018 sampling. They have been

collected in previous IDNR surveys dating back to 1992. They are in low abundance in

Bangs Lake.

Photo 10. Warmouth

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Photo 11. Northern Pike

Photo 12. Grass Pickerel

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Photo 13. Male Bowfin

Photo 14. Female Bowfin

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Photo 15. Longnose Gar

3.9 Nongame Species

Nongame species collected include Common Carp, Spotfin Shiner, Golden Shiner,

Bluntnose Minnow, Blacknose Shiner, Blackchin Shiner, Banded Killifish, Iowa Darter,

and Lake Chubsucker (Photo 16). A total of three Common Carp were collected and

removed from the lake. There were 40 Common Carp that were observed during the

electrofishing effort. There were approximately 25 Common Carp congregated near the

dam outlet. These fish were counted but not netted because there was no way to dispose

of them. Common Carp disrupt the bottom sediments creating turbid water and re-

suspending nutrients that can lead to algae blooms.

Lake Chubsucker (Photo 16) occurs in clear, well vegetated natural lakes and serve as a

forage fish for Largemouth Bass (Smith 1979). The Blackchin Shiner and Blacknose

Shiner are known in well vegetated glacial lakes (Becker 1983). It is believed that the

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

range has never been out of Lake or Cook Counties in Illinois (Smith 1979). The Iowa

Darter and Banded Killifish also prefer clear, well vegetated lakes (Smith 1979).

Photo 16. Lake Chubsucker

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

4.0 DISCUSSION

4.1 Fish

Bangs Lake has a diverse fish population with a mix of forage and predator species.

Many of the fish species were within the recommended management goals, implying a

healthy and productive system. Although Largemouth Bass population is currently

comprised of smaller mature fish than in 2015, there is a good size distribution of

Largemouth Bass with sufficient numbers of immature and mature individuals.

The Illinois State listed threatened and endangered fish known to inhabit Bangs Lake

were all collected. Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner and Iowa Darter were collected by

seining and Blackchin Shiner was collected by seining and electrofishing. All the

threatened and endangered fish species as well as the Lake Chubsucker prefer lakes such

as Bangs Lake. These species require clear, well vegetated lakes with good water quality.

Their presence over many years indicates that Bangs Lake is maintaining good lake

health.

4.2 Aquatic Plants

Aquatic plants are necessary habitat for fish. Plants provide an area for forage fish to feed

and seek refuge as well as an area for predator fish to hide and ambush their prey. The

plants provide a substrate for fish to lay eggs and for macroinvertebrates and algae to

inhabit. These macroinvertebrates and algae become food for small fish. Bangs Lake has

a diverse aquatic plant population. According to the Lake County Health Department

Ecological Services’ 2008 report, Bangs Lake had 18 species of aquatic plants (LCHD

2008). Water clarity and depth are the major limiting factors in determining the

maximum depth at which aquatic plants will grow in a lake. When the light level in the

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

water column falls below 1% of the surface light level, plants can no longer grow. The

1% light level is generally twice the secchi depth. The secchi depth recorded was 15.5

feet, so plants could grow in depths down to approximately 31 feet. The maximum depth

of Bangs Lake is 32 feet, so plants could grow over most of the lake bottom. Native

aquatic plants should be encouraged. However, Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curlyleaf

Pondweed, both are exotic and can be invasive, were observed during the fish survey.

Proper management of these species is important to prevent them from becoming

dominant in Bangs Lake. Bangs Lake currently has an aquatic plant management plan

that uses chemicals and mechanical harvesting.

4.3 Recommendations

To maintain the diversity and health of Bangs Lake, Deuchler has the following

recommendations.

4.3.1 Continue Fish Stocking Program

There has been fish stocked annually in Bangs Lake since 2000 (Table 2). The

Largemouth Bass population is healthy with a good size distribution of immature

and mature individuals and should not be stocked in Bangs Lake. Walleye and

Smallmouth Bass are primarily a riverine species (Smith 1979). With the low

numbers stocked since 2012 and the fact that they prefer moving water, it is not

surprising that they were not found. Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike

and Channel Catfish are a desired fish of anglers. Stocking of these species can

continue as it increases the predator fish population and provides opportunities for

fishermen. However, they will most likely not become self-sustaining populations

and will need to be stocked frequently to maintain their presence. Stocking should

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

concentrate on the game species as well as supplemental stocking of other

desirable species that are currently in low numbers such as: Yellow Perch, Black

Crappie and Redear Sunfish.

BLAC should stock the following fish annually to maintain the species:

• 500 to 1,000 6-inch Walleye ($1,125-$2,250)

• 250-500 4-inch Black Crappie ($400-$800, until the population

shows signs of becoming self-sustaining)

• 250-500 6-inch Yellow Perch ($350-$700, until the population

shows signs of becoming self-sustaining)

• 250-500 Redear Sunfish ($500-$1,000)

BLAC should stock the following every three years to maintain the species:

• 250-500 10-inch Channel Catfish ($200-$400)

• 250-500 11-inch Northern Pike ($2,000-$4,000)

These stocking recommendations would cost approximately $2,400-$4,750

annually with an additional $2,200-$4,400 every third year. These prices are

based on the 2017 fish price list from Richmond Fisheries in Richmond, Illinois.

Prices may vary between fish sources.

4.3.2 Fish Creel Limits

Bangs Lake has a regulation on Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass that is catch

and release only. This regulation seems to be working for Largemouth Bass as the

population has a diverse size distribution.

Panfish (Bluegill, Sunfish, Perch) have a regulation of 25 per day with a

minimum length of six inches. The Bluegill were abundant up to the six inch size

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

limit where the numbers dropped off sharply. This indicates that once they reach

harvestable size they are removed by anglers. Pumpkinseed were found in good

numbers even above the six inch size limit. This indicates that Pumpkinseed are

doing well in Bangs Lake and may not be as desirable to anglers. Yellow Perch

averaged 6.4 inches with several in the 8 to 10 inch range. Yellow Perch are

considered quality at eight inches and preferred at 10 inches. Adjusting the

minimum size limit of Yellow Perch to eight inches and a daily limit of 10 will

increase the number of mature fish and the natural reproduction in Bangs Lake.

Black Crappie have a minimum size limit of 10 inches with a daily creel limit of

eight fish. Since 41% of the Black Crappie collected in the survey were of

harvestable size it is concluded that the stocking program for Black Crappie has

been successful. There were no juvenile Black Crappie collected, which indicates

there is limited spawning success and the population is being maintained by the

stocking program at this time.

4.3.3 Aquatic Plant Management

The fish population in Bangs Lake is diverse and healthy and part of this is due to

the presence of a diverse aquatic plant population. It is recommended to maintain

a quality native aquatic plant population within the lake and control the exotic

plants such as Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curlyleaf Pondweed, both of which

were observed during the survey. These plants should be managed to ensure that

these invasive species don’t become over abundant. BLAC’s current aquatic

management plan uses chemical treatment and mechanical harvesting. This

program should continue and be adjusted as needed to control Curlyleaf

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Pondweed and Eurasian Watermilfoil. Signs should be posted at all access points

to ensure lake users cooperation in controlling these species.

4.3.4 Watershed Management

Stormwater brings detrimental nutrients such as phosphorus and chloride into the

lake. Creating buffer strips, limiting lawn fertilizer containing phosphorus, and

using chloride alternatives for winter de-icing will help maintain the quality of

Bangs Lake. Nutrients will lead to algae blooms and abundant aquatic plants.

With the recently completed dredging, it is important to minimize any new

sediment from entering the lake. To the extent possible, steps should be taken to

reduce the impacts caused by run-off from the watershed. It is recommended to

promote the use of best management practices to reduce run-off and promote

infiltration.

4.3.5 Exotic Fish Species Management

Common Carp disrupt the bottom sediments causing the lake to become turbid,

which also suspends nutrients in the water column and increase algal growth. All

Common Carp caught should be removed. Many Common Carp were seen in the

shallow area around the dam outlet during the survey. When Common Carp are

congregated in the shallow areas, it is a good opportunity to have them removed

by electrofishing and disposed of in a dumpster. Signs should be posted at all

access points to ensure lake users cooperate in controlling these species.

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

4.3.6 Future Fish Surveys

A comprehensive fish electrofishing survey should be completed in three to five

years to evaluate the stocking program and ensure the fish population is

continuing to meet the expectations of BLAC and the homeowners. Targeted fish

stocking will allow BLAC to allocate funds appropriately.

4.3.7 Fish Habitat Enhancement

Bangs Lake has a diverse aquatic plant community that provides valuable habitat

for fish. Other fish habitat structures such as coarse woody habitat, brush bundles,

Christmas trees, and fish cribs could be installed in water depths out to 15 feet

deep. Care needs to be taken with the installation of these types of habitat so they

don’t become navigational hazards for recreational boaters and the mechanical

weed harvester.

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

5.0 REFERENCES

Becker, G. C. 1983. Fishes of Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin Press, Madison.

EA Engineering, Science, & Technology. 2009. Survey of State-Listed Fishes from Bangs Lake, Lake County, Illinois. EA. Deerfield, IL.

Lake County Health Department, Environmental Services, Lakes Management Unit. 2008. Summary Report of Bangs Lake, Lake County, Illinois. Lake County Health Department, Waukegan, IL.

Jakubicek, F. 2008. Bangs Lake Supplemental Survey 5-19-2007. Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries, Region II Office of Resource Conservation, Spring Grove, IL.

Smith, P. W. 1979. The Fishes of Illinois. University of Illinois Press, Urbana, IL.

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

FIGURES

.! Site 4

.! Site 3

.! Site 1

Site 2 .!

Figure 1

Bangs Lake -Source: Village Esri, DigitalGlobe, of Wauconda GeoEye, i-cubed, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN,5 IGP, Seine Samplingswisstopo, and theLocations GIS User Community Figure 2

Bangs Lake -Source: Village Esri, DigitalGlobe, of Wauconda GeoEye, i-cubed, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN,5 IGP, Electrofishingswisstopo, Sampling and the GIS User CommunityArea Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Figure 3. Length Distribution of Largemouth Bass Collected in 2018

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Figure 4. Length Distribution of Bluegill Collected in 2018

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Figure 5. Length Distribution of Pumpkinseed Collected in 2018

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Figure 6. Length Distribution of Yellow Perch Collected in 2018

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Figure 7. Length Distribution of Black Crappie Collected in 2018

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Figure 8. Length Distribution of Bullhead Collected in 2018

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

TABLES

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Table 1. Total Number and Percent Composition of Fish Species Collected in 2018

Family Common Name Scientific Name Total % Amiidae Bowfin Amia calva 7 1.1% Catostomidae Lake Chubsucker Erimyzon sucetta 25 4.1% Centrarchidae Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus 22 3.6% Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus 101 16.4% Green Sunfish Lepomis cyanellus 1 0.2% Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides 77 12.5% Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus 21 3.4% Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus 2 0.3% Warmouth Lepomis gulosus 21 3.4% Cyprinidae Blackchin Shiner+ Notropis heterodon 101 16.4% Blacknose Shiner*^ Notropis heterolepis 13 2.1% Bluntnose Minnow Pimephales notatus 41 6.6% Common Carp Cyprinus carpio 43 7.0% Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas 2 0.3% Spotfin Shiner^ Cyprinella spiloptera 22 3.6% Esocidae Grass Pickerel Esox americanus vermiculatus 1 0.2% Northern Pike Esox lucius 1 0.2% Fundulidae Banded Killifish+^ Fundulus diaphanus 35 5.7% Ictaluridae Brown Bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus 14 2.3% Yellow Bullhead Ameiurus natalis 6 1.0% Lepisosteidae Longnose Gar Lepisosteus osseus 1 0.2% Percidae Iowa Darter+^ Etheostoma nigrum 2 0.3% Yellow Perch Perca flavescens 58 9.4% Total 617 100.0%

+ State Threatened * State Endangered ^ collected seining only

Bangs Lake Fish Community Assessment 2018

Table 2. Bangs Lake Fish Stocking History

Year Species Largemouth Smallmouth Northern Black Channel Redear Yellow Walleye Cost Bass Bass Pike Crappie Catfish Sunfish Perch 2017 0 2 0 200 750 200 300 200 $ 3,860.00 2016 No Fish were stocked 2015 400 0 0 0 250 25 0 600 $ 2,160.00 2014 0 0 500 0 0 0 0 $ 2,500.00 2013 100 0 350 0 325 0 0 $ 2,207.00 2012 680 100 200 205 700 0 0 $ 4,135.00 2011 180 0 0 75 200 0 150 $ 1,530.00 2010 No Fish were stocked 2009 0 0 0 0 0 1300 0 $ 1,040.00 2008 2500 4 0 0 0 0 0 $ 7,000.00 2007 No Fish were stocked 2006 No records found 2005 No records found 2004 1760 300 0 0 0 0 0 $ 4,450.00 2003 0 0 0 491 0 5833 0 $ 4,800.00 2002 4555 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 4,900.00 2001 0 0 0 800 0 0 0 $ 3,979.00 2000 3447 740 0 0 0 1250 0 $ 5,500.00 Totals 13622 1146 1050 1771 2225 8608 450 800 $ 48,061.00