l:-=t MAR () 91SSO N296 ~ Y'"f S¢•2
ATE LIBRARY OF JOW DES MOINES, IOWA Iowa CONSERVATIONIST CONTENTS March 1990, Vol. 49, No.3
STAFF Ross Hamson •• Bureau Ch11 JuheSparb • Ed1tor Tammra K Pavlicek Mat~~~gmg Ed1tor Lowell Washburn .. •• ~\nter/Photographtr Larry Pool _ . ...• Graph1c Arhst Ron Johnson .•...• .. • Photographtr Ken Forman~k ... ••• •• Photographtr
NATURAL RESO URCE COMMISSION Douglas R Sm;llley Cha1rpason ..• . Dl'S Momt> Richard C Young, Vuy-Chalrptr.SOn Wattrloo John 0 F1dd. S«rctary Hamburg Manan K1effer .. Btlltt ut Barbara :-.:elson .•...... Rutht'tPI (Mrs.) ~tanon J Po1ttcr.on ...... Cedar Rap1ds Thurman Ga•kall Conollh
ENVIRONME TALPROTECI10N COMMISSION Charlotte Mohr, ChaarptrSOPI .•. ... Eldridge Clark A Yeager Vice-Chaa1JJt7SOII • ••.•• . ...••....•.. Ottumwa Nancylee A Sacbcnmann. Stcrttary .. . ••• • Cedar Rapids \ DIRECTOR Larry J Wibon 13 Earth Day 20 --Offerings For Iowa Teachers by Ross Hamson Environmental awareness was the focus 20 years ago with the first Earth Day. Today, that DEPUTY DIRECTOR awareness has evolved mto envrronmental achon- witnessed m Iowa classrooms Robert Fagerland DIVISION ADMINISTRATORS 14 It's Only Skin Deep bv Julie Sparks Stan Kuhn Admam;tralrl't' Sm>aces Because fish store many harmful contaminants in thetr fat depos1ts, fish tissue testmg has given james Combs ... Coord11~1IWP1 and Information Larry Bean .. EnaJ(II and Gtologlca/ Resourct; scientists a way to measure the health of Iowa s env1ronment as well as keep anglers and Allan Stokes •. . •. Entnrollmtnta/ Prot.xl1011 consumers safe from potential hazards Allen Fams ...... FISh and Wildlife Wtlham Fams ...... Forests al!d Forestry Mlchael Carraer 16 The Dollars and "Sense" of Fishing by Don Bonneau Parks, Recreat1on and Preserves Teresa 0 !lay How popular IS fishmg m Iowa? The amount anglers spend on fishing-related Waste Managemmt Authonty activities speaks for itself ti SPECIAL PHONE NUMBERS 26 Fish Iowa! by Barbara D. Cigar DNR Central Ofhcc 1-515/281·5145 Aquatic educahon IS catching on in Iowa's classrooms. From fish tdentificahon to spmcashng Emergency Spall R~ponse . 1-515/281-8694 Telecommun•cataon~ DeVlce techniques, students are learning first-hand the importance of Iowa's fishery resource for the Deaf 1-515/242·5967 Groundwater Hothne ..... 1-800/532-1114 Past and Present -- The Decorah Hatchery by Bruce Admr Tum an Poache,.., (TIP) 1-800/532-2020 28 After 50 years of use, the Decorah hatchery was showmg severe signs of wear, particularly m its water supply system Today, after two years and more than $2 million m renovation, the Iowa Con~ervahona~t !USPS 268-780) rs pub lashed montlaly by tile Iowa Dl'pllrtment of Natural hatchery is better than ever. Resources, Wallace State Office Bwldmg, Des Momes, Iowa 50319·0034 Second class postage paad m Des Momt,, II1Wil, and addalfoiiQ/ malli11g 30 Creel Surveys Tell It All by Leo Schlunz offices . Subscnption ra tes: $6 for one year or The next time a creel clerk questions you, be sure not to "bait" them with mismformahon. Creel SU for th ree years Include IIIQalmg label for renewals awf addrt· changes POSTMASTER surveys hold valuable information needed to manage Iowa's sport fishenes Send c/umges to lht Iowa Con~ervatiorust, De partmmt of Natural Rt-so:~rces , Wallace Stale Of· fict Bu1/dmg, Dl'S Momes, l111.toa 50319-0034 19 Warden's Diary. 23 Classroom Corner The Iowa Dq>Jrlmmt of Natural Resources offers 20 Conservation Update 24 County Conservation Board eq11al opportumty regardless of race, color, crud. national ongm, or drsaba/1ty. If you {tel you haue been dascrrmmattd agam;t, please contact us . COVER: Front-- Perch fishing on Iowa Great Lakes. Photo by Ron Johnson Back Bluegills. Photo by Ron Johnson. Prmted on recycled paper 2 Iowa ConSt>rvallontst/ March 1990 rs- Comments Average size in 1989 was 2.75 pounds! Low water levels may change preferred loca tions. Good winter fishing in southern portion of lake. Early spring and fall fishing will be best. Aeration plus good survival of young fish equals good fishing. Large number of smaller fish. Plenty of action. Length limit. Excellent fishing during past two years -- 11 + pounder in 1989! Spring (below obstructions). Fall (deep pools). Weed lines offer excellent opporhmity . .'\llarch 1990/ lowa Conservabo~t 3 Species Location, County Comments Yellow Perch East Okoboji, Dzckznson Weed beds are holdmg more ftsh 1989 harvest doubled 1988 catch Spirit Lake, Dzckznson Good number of 6- to 8-znch ftsh avazlable. West Okoboji, Dickinson Improvzng. Fzsh may be m deeper water during warm months. Bullhead Black Hawk, Sac 8- to 9-mch ftsh. Start at the znlet Center Lake, Dzckznson Large nwnber Good shore/me access Cornelia, Wrzght Best bet 111 north-central Iowa. 7 to 10 inches. Crawford Creek, Ida Lots of fish in the 9- to 11-mch range. Ingham Lake, Emmet May and June are best months Numbers down slzgh tly. Silver Lake, Dzckmson Conszstently good. Spirit Lake, Dzckmson Phenomenal m 1989. Don't forget mght fish mg. Channel Catfish Black Hawk, Sac Shad entrails are excellent bait. Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo Fzsh range from 3/4 pound to 1-1/2 pounds. Cornelia, Wright In creasmg m populanty. One to 1-1/2 pounds. East Okoboji, Dickm son Best bet for large fi~h. 2- to 6-pound fish common. ~ Storm Lake, Buena Vista Large fish. islands and submerged reef are !:l good locations. ~ Big Sioux River, Lyon & Sioux Fish generally average 1/2 pound to 2 pounds. .J Large numbers are common . .J ~ Boone River, Hamilton Summer months offer the best fislmzg. g Des Moines River, Kossuth & Water condit1ons - winter seventy - drought Hum bolt effects will tell the stan; for 1990 Contact ( fishen; biologist for current condztzons. ' Iowa River, Hardin Little Sioux River, Clay & Cherokee Muskellunge Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo Fish range from 30 to 40 mches. Rock reefs and pomts. East Okoboji, Dicki11son Good populatwn of sublegnl fish (less than 30 inches). b West Okoboji, Dickinson Most consistent producer. Late summer and fall . Bluegill Briggs Wood, Hamilton ActiOn . Fish range from 6 to 8 mches 4 Iowa Con~rvahOn~t / March 1990 White bass enthusiasts should Species look to Storm Lake (Buena Vista Location, County Comments County) and the Okobojis (Dickin son County). Fish will range from 10 to 16 inches and will be most Crystal Lake, Hancock Recent renovation has provided excellent active during spring and fall fishing. periods. A jig and minnow, or a Gustafson, Buena Vtsta Improving fishery. spinner, fished over a firm, prefera bly sand, bottom will provide Minnewashta, Dickinson Excellent fishing in 1989. Weed beds holding plenty of action. fish. The freshwater drum is available Pahoja, Lyon High density. Good size structure. in large numbers in West and East Okoboji. In fact, it is difficult to Swan Lake, Carroll Large number of 7- to 8-inch fish. fish a jig in these waters and not hook a "sheepshead" at some time. Upper Gar, Dickinson Good fishing. Again-- weed beds holding A piece of era wdad tail on the jig fish. virtually ensures success. These Upper Pine, Hardin 6- to 7-inch fish. Beautiful lake. fish are the fourth most commonly caught fish on the Mississippi West Okoboji, Dickinson Consistently excellent fishery. River. If flathead catfish is what you are Yell ow Smoke, Crawford Excellent size. Lots of action. looking for, try the Missou ri River in Woodbury and Monona coun Crappie ties, or,if the d rought doesn' t hurt Crystal Lake, Hancock Excellent population. Renovated in 1986. us too bad, try the Raccoon River in Sac, Carroll and Greene counties. Storm Lake, Buena Vista Real"slabs." 10 to 14 inches. Fish in the 30-pound class have been caught d uring the past few Swan Lake, Carroll Population estimate -- 35,000. All size years. Flathead fishing is a game of classes. patience. Most successful anglers Yellow Smoke, Crawford Fish range from 8 to 10 inches-- up to 14 use some type of live bait such as inches. chubs, goldfish or small carp. Fish large, deep, quiet pools which hold 1s. Northern Pike structure such as log jams or rocks. Spirit Lake, Dickmson Excellent. Spring. Fish developing weed beds. Traditional favorites and unique opportunities -- the decision West Okoboji, Dickinson Consistent. Fish developing weed beds. is yours! It may be paper mouthed crappies or snaggle Winnebago River, Cerro Gordo April and May. Especially near tile outlets toothed pike . . It may be "why and feeder streams. don' t-they-bite" walleyes or Smallmouth Bass "where-are-they-now" yellow unds. Boone River, Hamilton Fish rocky substrate in slack water or eddy perch. It may even be streakers areas. (yellow bass) or stripers (white Iowa River, Hardin Low runoff creating excellent water clarity. bass). With more than 75 lakes and hundreds of miles of streams to !ght Spirit Lake, Dickinson Shallow water rock structures. Practice catch choose from in northwest and ct and release. north-central Iowa, the decision is West Okoboji, Dickinson Quality and quantity. Catch and release simplicity itself-- just do it! fishing vert} popular. Winnebago River, Cerro Gordo Use crayfish imitating lures. Largemouth Bass Briggs Wood, Hamilton High density. Variety of size. Submerged timber. Dog Creek, O'Brien 1989 surveys revealed good number of 15-inch fish. Indian Lake, Hancock Most fish between 15 and 18 inches. Pahoja, Lyon Good numbers. Catch and release encouraged. Thomas W. Gengerke is the northwest district fisheries supervisor located at Spirit Lake West Okoboji, Dickinson Excellent year class strength. Spring is best. \>1arch I 990 Iowa Conserva horust 5 •?J- What IS m store for northeast Iowa anglers m 1990?' Has the drought caused senous damage to our fish population? Will our fishing be better, poorer, or about the same? Let us take a look at what the answers to these ques tions might be. The droughts of 1988 and 1989 have had an impact on fishenes resources and anghng recreahon -- m some ways good and in some ways harmful. The relatively few lake re sources in northeast Iowa have fared fairly well. With a few exceptions, our lakes have re mained full of water or with only minor losses in water levels. Also, due to the lack of runoff water, our lakes have remained fairly clear z 0 and the rate of siltation has been 0: almost mi. And th1s clarity has also resulted in good fishing conditions and, consequently good fishing Species success. Location, County Comments The situation with our streams I and rivers is much more variable. J The worst hit are the small warm n, teg:ll water tributary streams of the Greenbelt Lake, Black Hawk Fzsh up to 8 mches common in 8- to 10-feet larger nvers. Many of these have of water. dried up completely. The loss of Hartwick Lake (Lake Delhi), Best fislmzg m embayment areas of lake. these streams, although not desir Delaware \ able, has not had a major impact on the Iowa angler because these Lake Hendricks, Howard Fishing was good in 1989; many "gills" streams support primarily non between 6 and 7 inches. game species. These small "min Mississippi River Size and numbers very good, best at spawn now creeks" will quickly repopu Pools 9 through 14 ing thne. late as soon as stream flows return. The cold-water trout streams Sweet Marsh Segment B, Large mmzbers of bluegills 111 the 6-mch have lost much of their normal Bremer length range. flow, but they are still hanging in there. If our trout populations Sweet Marsh Segment A, Bluegills up to 10 inches were taken in 1989. were dependent on natural repro Bremer duction, some of them would be in Pr serious jeopardy. However, Volga Lake, Fayette Most fish around 6 inches, but a lot of stocking is conducted on nearly all action. s of Iowa's trout streams to maintain r"'l ~ n. 1 ,....., • r• , Ct trout populations. Again, trout fishing success has been quite good Cedar River, Black Hawk, Best populatron of catfish, rn the 3- to 8- the past two years due to minimal Bremer, Chickasaw & Floyd pound class. erosion resultmg in clear water iu conditions. Lake Hendricks, Howard Strong population resultant from cage Northeast Iowa's larger reanng. streams and rivers have fared Lake Meyer, Winneshiek Good population of cage-reared catfish. better than their smaller cousins. 6 Iowa Conservahon~>t / March 1990 Species Location, County Comments Maquoketa River, Delaware, Many "cats" in the 1- to 3-pound range with Jones & Jackson some up to 8 pounds. Meyers Lake, Black Hawk Fish up to 8 pounds were caught in 1989. Mississippi River A very strong population that has been Pools 9 through 15 increasing in recent years. Turkey River, Clayton Most fish between 1-1/2 and 2 pounds; best below Elkader. Upper Iowa River, Allamakee A strong population downstream of Lower Dam; fish up to 6 pounds. Volga Lake, Fayette Popular catfishing lake, fish up to 6 pounds. Wapsipinicon River, Buchanan Fish below Independence; a very strong catfish population. largemouth Bass Casey Lake, Tama Several fish just below the 18-inch size Limit. George Wyth Lake, Black Hawk A few bass in 7- to 8-pound range caught every year. Greenbelt Lake, Black Hawk Good population of bass with best success during late May and early June. Lake Hendricks, Howard Good numbers between 2 and 3-1/2 pounds, success has been good. - Lake Meyer, Winneshiek Good numbers of bass just under the 15-inch length limit. Mississippi River Largest population in the state; few fish more Pools 9 through 14 thanr 4 pounds. Sweets Marsh Segment B, Large number of bass exceeding the 15-inch feet Bremer size limit. Volga Lake, Fayette Lots of bass just under the 15-inch length limit. Northern Pike I Cedar River, Black Hawk & Moderate population size, good average size wn· Bremer with a few large lunkers. Wapsipinicon River and Large population of small northerns, most Tributaries, Buchanan, under 5 pounds. Black Hawk & Bremer Mississippi River 1989. Very strong populations with many fish 5 to 8 Pools 9, 10 and 11 pounds. Srnallrnouth Bass Cedar River, Mitchell & Floyd Probably the best stream smallmouth fishery in the state; excellent sized fish. Maquoketa River, Delaware Catch-and-release fishery below Delhi Dam, I· excellent bass habitat. Turkey River, Fayette Bass fishing was very good in 1989, particu- larly above Elgin. ~ Upper Iowa River, Howard, Success has been very good the past two years, ~ Winneshiek & Allamakee particularly below Decorah. ~ 0 0 March 1990/ lowa Conservaborust 7 Granted, all of these streams have Species had greatly reduced flows; how ever, impacts on their fish popula Comments Location, County tions have not been major. There have been some decreases in these Volga River, Fayette Pretty stream with good populatzon of bass; interior river sport fish populations tough to float m low wa ter due to the decrease in underwater Wapsipimcon River, Buchanan Best bass fishing below Independence, numer hab1tat and a reduction in food ous northern pike and wallet;e also. production, but these decreases Yellow River, Allamakee Canoeable only below Volney but has good have been relatively minor. Again, bass populatwn. these populations will regain any Trout losses quickly as soon as normal water flows resume. French Creek, Allamakee Stocked with catchable rainbows and browns from April through Novernber. The Mighty Mississippi, be Stocked only with catchable browns; walk-in cause of its much larger size and Little Turkey River, Delaware more stable water levels, has fared area. the best during the drought. The North and South Bear, Stocked wzth catchable rambows and browns frorn Apnl through November. impacts on its fish populations due Winn eshiek to the drought are probably nil. And again, not surprisingly, Sny Magill, Clayton Stocked wzth catchable rambows and browns from April through Novenzber. angling success on the interior rivers and the Mississippi the past Spring Branch, Delaware Fourteen-inch minimum on browns, artificial lure only, excellen t msecf hatches. two years has been well above average due primarily to the Trout Run, Winneshiek Stocked with catchables April through October, visit the reconstructed hatchery. improved water clarity. Overall, the drought to this Upper Swiss Valley, Dubuque Ca tch-and-release fislmzg for brown trou t; artzfzciallures only. point has not had a serious rmpact on our sport fish populahons, and Walle)C has, from the anglers' standpoint, Cedar River, Black Ha wk, Bremer, Best angling below dams in the spring; fish actually resulted in above average Chickasaw & Floyd up to 10 pounds not uncommon. fishing success. So what is in store for 1990? No one can predict Mississippi River Tailwaters Good from November through April, best for whether the drought is over or will Pools 9 through 15 lunkers just after zce-out. continue. We all hope it ends soon for the overall benefit of all aquatic Mississippi River Wing Dams Best from May through October at low flows. resources. However, if it does not, Pools 9 through 15 anglers should not become overly alarmed. Unless the drought gets Shell Rock River, Butler, Number of fish from 1 to 2 pounds has significantly worse, northeast Iowa t Bremer & Floyd increased from fingerling stockings the last anglers can expect to have contin ,, three years. ued good fishing success in the Wapsipinicon River, Buchanan Expanding population from wallet;e finger corning year. Good luck to each of ling stockings, many fish 1 to 2 pounds. you. West Fork Cedar River, Butler Fish are caught in large pools near confluence wzth Shell Rock River in swnrner and fall . Wiper'5 Mississippi River A new hybrid stocked in recent years, fish up Pools 13 through 15 to 8 pounds. Crappie Mississippi River Large numbers in 9- to 11 -inch range, May Pools 9 through 15 and October best. Hartwich Lake (Lake Delhi), Large population of 8- to 10-inch crappies. Delaware Saugcr Mississippi River Best in dam tailwaters from October through David Moeller is the northeast district Pools 9 through 15 April, excellent eating. fisheries supervisor Located at Manch ester. 8 Iowa Coru.crvattorust/:\iarch 19'10 ,._ ula- Species Location, County Comments tese tions Bluegill ~ter Red Haw, Lucas Legenday fishery for quality bluegill. s Between the locks and dams 5am, that assist the movement of com Mississippi River See narrative. ny mercial barge traffic on the Missis al sippi River, lies an exciting and Odessa, Louisa Average harvest size 7 to 8 inches. exceptional angling resource. Largemouth bass, panfish, catfish, Farm Ponds throughout Exceptional angling -- best chance for a ld white bass, walleye, and sauger are Southeast Iowa trophy. ired the more popular sport fish sought 'he by this river's anglers. Pleasant Creek, Linn Average harvest size 6 to 8 inches. due The Mississippi River's 12-inch I. mmimum size limit on largemouth Geode , Henry Average harvest size 7 inches. bass has meant a greater number and larger size of bass to interest Miami, Monroe Average harvest size 6 to 7 inches. past the angler Fall electrofishing surveys at the Big Timber Area Hannen, Brenton Average harvest size 6 to 7 inches. showed excellent numbers of 12- to 14-mch fish. Other top producing Channel Catfish .s areas in Pool 17 included Cleveland Mississippi River See narrative. pact Slough, Hidden Acres and Bogus and Island. Huron Island and lower Inland Rivers See narrative. lint, Burnt Pocket backwaters in Pool 18, rage Burlington Island, riprap shore Rathbun, Appanoose Exceptional fishery -- All sizes available. store lines, and stream mouths in Pool 19 are also favorite hot-spots of bass Coralville, Johnson Exceptional fishery-- A variety of sizes. anglers. Radio tagging studies have r will shown backwater bass love struc soon Otter Creek, Tama A lots of 2- to 7-pound fish. ture. Therefore, fish on top of luatic brush, logs and stumps for great ; not. Iowa, Iowa Average harvest size 11 to 13 inches. bass action. erlv ' Crapp1e and bluegill angling on Kent, John son Average harvest size 11 to 13 inches. gets the Mississippi River for quality Iowa size fish will be good in the same Miami, Monroe Good variety of sizes. ,tin "bass" backwaters. Fish tight to te stumps, logs and brush. In areas Macbride, Johnson Average harvest size 15 inches. .Ch of where deep holes exist (Big Tim ber), crappie can be caught sus Darling, Washington Good variety of sizes. pended in open water during the z 0 II)z :X: 0 -z 0 ~ __....-- z 0 r;stncl II)z :X: ftlllch' .....0 z 0 ____... c.: March 1990/ lowa ConservatiOnist 9 summer months and ice-anglers Species report fine catches during the winter months. Location, County Comments Perhaps the Mississippi River is the best catfish hole of all. This is reflected in the generous catch Rathbun, Appanoose Average harvest size 8 to 9 inches; trophy fish limits-- all you can carry. Mr. available. Whiskers can be caught in nearly Mississippi River See narratzve. all parts of the river, but best bets are above and below wing dams Coralville, Johnson Average harvest size 8 to 9 inches. and rip-rapped heads of islands where there is a current; stump Odessa, Louisa Average harvest size 8 to 10 inches. fields and riprapped shorelines are hot spots during the spawning Geode, Henry Average harvest size 8 to 9 inches. period. Fantastic walleye and sauger Iowa, Iowa Average harvest szze 8 to 9 znches. angling also exist on the Big River. The navigation lock and dam Darling, Washzngton Average harvest szze 8 inches; trophy fish habitat produces great catches in available. late winter, early spring and late Miami, Monroe Average harvest size 8 inches. fall. Wing dam fishing during summer and early fall will also Hawthorn, Mahaska Average harvest size 8 inches. produce stimulating action. Try backtrolling crankbaits or three way nightcrawler rigs on the T l cr ~ I 1" 'R ass upstream side of wing dams or Mississippi River See narrative. slow trolling on the bottom in the tailwaters with bright-colored jigs Farm Ponds throughout Best chance for a trophy. tipped with minnows or three-way SE Iowa minnow rigs. Jigging sonars below the navigation dams is an effective Odessa, Louisa Variety of sizes. technique late fall through early spring. White bass anglers should Mami, Monroe High popula tion numbers. look to the same walleye-sauger habitats to catch this numerous and Pleasant Creek, Linn Known for its bigger fish. spirited fish. Rivers in southeast Iowa are Iowa, Iowa Slot size limit of 12 to 16 znches. great places to catch catfish. The Wapsi, Skunk, Cedar, Des Moines Hawthron, Mahaska Slot size limit of 12 to 16 inches; bigger fish and Iowa rivers all produce excel available. lent numbers and a variety of sizes Darling, Wash ington Variety. of sizes. of catfish. Float fishing from one access to another, checking brush \Va ll ~ y( piles, lower end of sand bars, and Mississippi River See narrative. rocky riffles will produce lots of fish and lots of fun. Although low Rathbun, Appanoose Boat angling late spring- summer. water levels in recent years have made access to the favorite hot spot Macbride, Johnson Average harvest size of 14 to 18 inches. more difficult, the prudent angler will realize these water conditions Des Moines, Wapello Hot action below Ottumwa hydropower dam . have concentrated fish and can improve angling success. \'\"' h ~ tc Ba Mississippi River See narrative. Rathbun, Appanoose A lot of 12- to 13-inch fish. Coralville, Johnson A lot of 11 - to 12-inch fish. Stephen J. Waters is the southeast Macbride, Johnson Average harvest size 14 to 15 inches. district fisheries supervisor located at Brigh ton. Des Moines, Wa pello Hot action below Ottumwa hydropower dam. 10 Iowa Con~ervahomst / \ Species Location, County Comments ine Eagles, Decatur Good numbers of small fish, an occasional large fish. Rock Creek, Jasper Good number of 2- to 4-pounders. Twelve Mile, Unwn Tough fishing, excellent for 10- to 15-inch fish. Walleye/ Saugeye Big Creek, Polk Four-pounders common. Des Moines River, Polk & Boone Frsh below flood control dam s, low-head dams and gravel nffles. Icaria, Adams Frsh are up to 10 pounds. Little River, Decatur Average fish are 13 inches . Saylorville, Polk Fish sandy points. z 0 Twelve Mile, Union Frsh artificial reefs. Cl) z J: 0 Bullheads -. Little River, Decatur Nice fish, big catches. Prairie Rose, Shelby Fish are small. Remember fisheries biologists are here to assist you. If you have any Rock Creek, Jasper Fish have finally reached deeper-size. questions call the office in your area. Three Fires, Taylor 6- to 9-inch fish, will have to sort. Northwest District Office - Twelve Mile, Union Nice fish, big catches. Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360 Channe1 Catfish 712/336-1840 Big Creek, Polk Fish north end of west arm in summer. Northeast District Office - Man chester Fish Hatchery Easter Lake, Polk Ven; good. Man chester, Iowa 52057 319/927-3276 Icaria, Adams All sizes up to 5 pounds, occasional 15 pounds. Southeast District Office - Little River, Decatur Fish small bays in mid-summer. Lake Darling Station Route 1 Littlefield, Audubon Fish north shore on strong south wind. Brighton, Iowa 52540 319/694-2430 Mormon Trail, Adair Good numbers. ' Southwest District Office- Southwest Rivers Catfish are abundant in all of rivers. Cold Springs State Park Lewis, Iowa 51544 Twelve Mile, Union Cats up to 10 pounds, good early. 712/769-2587 Des Moines, Polk & Boone Most often caught below Say/orville in April and May. September can be good in the Northern Pike reservo1r. Desoto Bend, Harrison Survey showed northern pike up to 10 foe Schwartz is the southwest district pounds are abundant. fisheries supervisor located at Lewis. 12 Iowa Conservahomst/ March 1990 Earth Day 20 Offerings for Iowa Teachers by Ross Harrison Hopefully the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, on more information, write Trees for Kids, DNR, Wallace April22, will have an even greater impact on the Building., Des Moines, IA 50319-0034. future of our planet than did Earth Day 1 in 1970. It seems that environmental awareness was the focus 20 Satellite Downlink years ago, while today, it is environmental action, "Earthday 1990- Just Say YEA!" (Youth for En because of that awareness, that should give us hope. vironmental Action): This novel approach to envi There is no better place to witness such action ronmental education is sponsored by Iowa State than in Iowa classrooms where successful environ University Extension, with financial assistance from mental education programs take students through the the DNR and Iowa Conservation Education Council. learning cycle and into implementation of environ On April6 from 9- 10 a.m., a satellite-delivered mental lessons in their own personal lives. Student program will be originated from ISU for teams of development of their own, positive "environmental students and teachers in grades 7 through 12, ethic," or "sus- downlinked to tainable life receiving dishes style" may be the all over the single most im state. The portant prospect program will for a bright envi include a ronmental student skit, rre future. That is and discussions any why, for this of environ 20th anniversary mental issues of Earth Day, (recycling, educators groundwater, throughout the habitats) with state are being questions and offered an answers. To abundance of sign up, write special programs Jim Pease, for their class 103 Science rooms. All of Hall II, ISU, these programs Ames, lA are free of 50011. charge. Earth Day Trees for Kids Every Day The Depart The Iowa ment of Natural chapter of the Resources, in cooperation with the Iowa Nursery National Wildlife Federation is circulating the man's Association, is offering an Iowa forestry "wildli.fe week" teacher kits in April instead of the education module to 6th-grade teachers. Included in traditional March period, just for the Earth Day edu the kit are two wall posters, one on global forestry cation programs. In cooperation with the DNR and issues and one featuring the changes in Iowa's forests some other groups, a special peregrine falcon teach since settlement; a short video of Iowa forests; and a ing kit will also be available through Area Education booklet for teacher backgrounding and classroom ac Agencies. Educators should contact their AEA for tivities. One of the activities is a tree planting effort more information. for the entire class. Local retail nurserymen are offered discounted prices for Trees for Kids, and the Ross Harrison is the chief of the information and education DNR is working on additional local sponsors to help bureau of the DNR in Des Moines. teachers acquire trees at no cost to the school. For March 1990/Iowa Conservatiorust 13 general public of potential health 'Tests confirm D.lVl. f , threats related to such contamina tions. Therefore, fish tissue testing, or monitoring, exists. Fish tissue tainted by chlordane monitoring is conducted in Iowa to ------=::::;:::::::;:_ supplement other envtronmental ~S MOlliE morutoring programs and protect the health of people consurrung fish e Tracey Sim from Iowa waters. --.a ...... u ~" Each year, smce 1980, the DNR, m cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the University of Iowa Hygi enic Laboratory, conducts monitor ing at approximately 15 locations on Iowa rivers and lakes. The channel catfish is the pnmary spectes sampled for contaminants, although carp is sometimes sampled as well. Both are bottom • feeders or scavengers and are Just as I was about to dig into relatively "fatty" fish. Organic the mouth-watering grilled salmon, chemicals such as PCBs (polychlori freshly caught only yesterday from nated biphenyls), dioxin and chlor Lake Michigan, my friend stopped dane, tend to build up m their fat 0 me. deposits, making them good "Scrape off that fat," he said. indicators of "troubles" in Iowa ''What fat?" I asked, "Fish waters. don't have fat." Currently, Iowa's fish tissue "Oh yes they do," he re testing studies look at 85 contami sponded, "That gray matter nants including pesticides, toxic around the edge." organic compounds and metals. "But why?" I questioned. Results of annual tests are corn "That's where they store all the pared to "action" levels set by the contaminants." U.S. Food and Drug Admmistra "Contaminants?" tion (FDA). These levels are the t's Needless to say it was not a same used by. the FDA for commer very appetizing way to get your cially sold fish. If mihal tests point first taste of a grilled Chinook to potential problems, more intense salmon steak. sampling is conducted to verify high levels of contamination. If n This precaution may or may these follow-up tests indicate the not have been necessary, but it is a fish exceed FDA's standards, an routine some follow when eating advisory is issued by the D R in • fish taken from certain waters in cooperation with the Department this country. of Public Health. The D R does 1n Fish, as well as other animals, not issue fish consumption adviso store in their fatty tissue many ries without follow-up monitoring. organic chemi cals they ingest. This prevents advisories based on Fortunately, but unfortunately for insufficient data. Eating contami the fish, this gives scientists a way nated fish does not pose an imme of measuring the health of a lake or diate or acute health risk. Action ee stream. Fish are useful indicators levels are established based on of contaminants that exist in the exposure to the contaminant over a environment at levels too low to lifetime. detect through routine water The primary problem contami quality monitoring. nants in Iowa seem to be chlordane The Iowa Department of and PCBs. Use of chlordane was I I ,,, Natural Resources is responsible banned in Iowa in 1989 and for for preventing the contamination of more than 10 years prior had been waters and aquatic life in the state restricted to use in termite control. and is responsible for notifying the The chemical, however, is long- 14 Iowa Con.,cn.allon•st I :I-f arch 1990 .th lived and can remain in the envi levels of contaminants than sippi has exceeded the levels for na- ronment for many years. PCBs, be samples from rivers and streams. PCBs, and Cedar Lake has ex ,ting. cause of their insulating and non The fact that lakes have smaller ceeded the levels for both. ue flammable properties, have been watersheds relative to rivers and Other than in these three areas, widely used as coolants and lubri- , streams may account for this trend. DNR officials feel anglers should cants in transformers, capacitors With a smaller watershed, smaller not be concerned with eating fish and other electrical equipment. amounts of contaminants can be taken from Iowa waters. Fish is an Manufacturing of PCBs was halted delivered. Also, discharge of excellent protein source, low in fat in the U.S. in 1977 because of wastewater from industry and mu and cholesterol, and an important )NR, evidence they accumulated in the nicipalities into Iowa lakes is pro part of a healthy diet. Most game environment and becuse of their hibited. fish do not carry contaminants the ncy suspected carcinogenic properties. Lakes with shoreline areas de way the more fatty catfish and carp gt· Although manufacturing stopped, veloped for residential and indus do. Older fish will have accumu titor many old transformers and capaci trial uses may have fish with lated more fat and therefore more lns tors exist containing fluid that slightly elevated levels of contami chemical residues, but proper contains PCBs. The useful lifetime nants compared to other state preparation can eliminate chances of this electrical equipment can be owned lakes in Iowa. of ingesting contaminants from nts, 30 years or more. The Iowa DNR presently has most any fish (see preparation tips). Other contaminants detected in consumption advisories at only The Iowa DNR monitors the ·om recent studies include heptachlor three locations in the state- Cedar health of Iowa's aquatic environ epoxide, dieldrin, DDT and DOE, Lake in Cedar Rapids, Pool 15 of ment each year through the fish mercury, lead and gamma-BHC. the Mississippi River near Daven tissue testing program. Guided by hlori Levels of these contaminants port and the Des Moines River results of these tests and other en hlor detected in Iowa's fish were well between the Saylorville dam and vironmental monitoring, the DNR below the FDA "action" levels, the Red Rock dam. The Des can take corrective measures fat however, lead and gamma-BHC do Moines River has exceeded federal necessary to improve the quality of not have FDA standards. levels for chlordane, the Missis- our water resources. Although Iowa certainly does not have the problems with fish te contamination more populated, .nu industrialized states have, fish ic tissue testing has indicated some Preparation Tips s. trends in Iowa. As in previous I· years, last year's testing indicated Intake of contaminants can be reduced by properly preparing fish. the fish taken from southern Iowa tend ra· to have higher levels and more Trim off fatty areas (shown in black in the diagram). These include 1e types of organochlorine pesticides the belly fat, lateral line fatty areas and the flesh along the top of the uner· than fish from northern Iowa. back. )Oint Understanding the nature of tense organochlorine pesticides may help ' explain this trend. These pesticides Dorsal Fat '{f tend to attach to soil particles and :he because of the higher rates of soil ill erosion in southern Iowa, are easily .in carried into rivers and streams in ent the area. Although organochlorine Lateral Fatty Tissue )es pesticides have not been used in tviso Iowa agriculture for at least 10 Jring· years, they are resistant to break l on down in the environment and Fat Belly Tissue UJU• sediments in streams serve as a une· source for these contaminants. jon Winters in northern Iowa are l too severe to allow termites to Remove and discard the skin, entrails and liver. These organs are '"era survive year to year. Because often high in contaminants. Iowa's use of chlordane has been taiJU• primarily to treat termites, chlor Cook the fish so the fat drains away. Broiling or grilling on a rack rdane dane contamination problems tend are the best methods. Discard the drippings and do not use them as in .,.as to be restricted to the southern gredients in other foods. Poaching is acceptable if the liquid is dis If portion of the state. carded. Although pan frying will not reduce contaminant levels, deep been Samples of fish from publicly frying may be helpful - if the oil is discarded after cooking. 1trol. owned lakes tend to have lower g· March 1990/ lowa Conservahorust 15 e 0 ars an • 0 IS In by Don Bonneau 0 "'z< 0 Ill_, > 4 "' 4 ....Ill"' { ,- 2 ::;) < "'z 0 a) z 0 0 16 Iowa Con,t'rvahonht/ March 1990 1989 Fish A-wards New state records are highlighted. \-\'EIGHT WHERE CAUGHT/COUNTY DATE NAME/ADDRESS BASS, l ARGEMOUTH (Minimum -7lbs. or 22") 9 lbs. 3 o7s. Farm Pond, Manon 05/20/B9 Tyson Bauc.-r, Milo Bibs. 12 ozs. 1/31/89 Jeff Prox, Ottumwa B lbs. 11-1 /2 ozs. Farm Pond, Madison Dean D Frazier, Des Moines Bibs. 6-1 /2 ozs. Black Hawk Lake, Sac 4/20/B9 Rusty Wheeler, I ake City Bibs. 2 ozs. Farm Pond, Jefferson 9/10/B9 Ron Carter, Fa1rfield 81bs. Pleasant Creek Lake, Benton 7/23/B9 Thomds D Flemmg, Cedar Rapids Bibs. Camp Neyati Lake, Pottawattamie 11 /12/B9 hd Murray, Council Bluffs Bibs. Farm Pond, Montgomery 5/1/B9 Kevm Kennon, Stanton 7 lbs. 14 ozs. Scharnberg Park, Clay 4/30/89 Ronald Creswell, Spencer 7lbs. 6 ozs. Round Prairie Park, Jefferson 8/9/89 Jeff Long, Fairfield Released Farm Pond, Dubuque Glen R. Sear~, Waterloo Released Farm Pond, Cherokee 8/2/89 Da\e S1tzmann, Eldridge Released Big Creek, Polk 6/30/89 Clms Maland, Des Moines Released Farm Pond, Montgomery 7/30/89 Steve Phliby, Red Oak Released Farm Pond, Montgomery 7/30/89 SU>ve Philby, Red Oak Released Farm Pond, Montgomery 6/11/89 Steve Philby, Red Oak Released Farm Pond, Van Buren 4/ll/89 Paul "Buck" Fami, Jr., Durango BASS, OCEAN-STRIPED (Minimum -- Sibs.) No Entries BASS, ROCK (Minimum -llb.) NoEntnes BASS, SMALLMOUTH (Minimum-4lbs. or 20") 5 lbs. 8 O.lS. Spirit Lake, Dickinson 10/30/89 Ken Hample, Spirit Lake Sibs. 2 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickinson 9/23/89 D1ck Sporleder, Norfolk, NE 5lbs. West Okoboji, Dickinson 9/15/89 Mike Crancv, Bellevue, NE 4 lbs. 14 ozs. Mississippi River Dam #10, Clayton 4/29/89 Mike Hertges, Waterloo 4lbs. 14 ozs. West Lake Okoboji, Dickinson 10/21/89 Richard Gray, D1ckens 4 lbs. 10 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickinson 4/22/89 Dwanc Krogman, Lismore, MN 4 lbs. 10 ozs. Cedar River, Floyd 6/2/89 Mike Schermer, Charles Cit)! 4 lbs. 10 ozs. Spirit Lake, Dickinson 9/29/89 Ken Hample, Spirit Lake 4lbs. 9 ozs. Big Spirit, Dickinson 7/4/89 Mike Rounds, Peterson 4 lbs. 8 ozs. West Lake Okoboji, Dickinson 10/22/89 Heath Gray, Dickens 4lbs. 8 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickmson 9/16 89 Randy Blake, Omaha, NE 4lbs. 8 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickinson C)/16/89 Randy Blake, Omaha, NF Released West Okoboji, Dickmson 6/26 89 Ed Thelen, Sp1rit Lake Released West Okoboji, Dickinson 5/15/89 Ed Thelen, Spirit Lake Released West Okoboji, Dickinson 8/13/89 Ed Thelen, Spirit Lake BASS, WHITE (Minimum- 21/2 lbs.) 3 lbs. 7 ozs. B1g Spirit, Dickinson 5/3/89 Hen!'} W1lliam~, Spirit Lake 2 lbs. 13 oz~. Red Rock Lake, Marion 8/17/89 Arhe \ ander Hoek, Pella 21bs. 12 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickinson 9/21/89 Robert Fitzgerald, Milford 2 lbs. 9 o7.s. Mississippi River, Dubuque 4/17/89 G E. MatL, Dubuque 2 lbs. 8 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickinson 4/24/89 Barn Anderson, Arnolds Park BASS, WIPER (Minimum·· 4 lbs.) 12lbs. II llZs. DL's Moines River, Boone 4/28,89 Aaron [ l ·rook, Roont> 11 lbs. 4 ozs. Saylorville Lake, Polk 10/24/89 Bill Obermeier, Polk Clty 7 lbs. 4 ozs. Saylorville Lake, Polk 6/4/89 Kerrev Joe Johnson, Ankeny 5 lbs. c:; ozs. Des Moines River, Polk 8/14/89 Don Smothers, Jr., Des Momes 4 lbs Des Moines River, Manon 4/18/89 Rick Whitaker, Jr., Pella BASS, YELLOW (Minimum-3/4lb.) No Entries BLUEGILL (Minimum -- llb.) 1 lb. 13 ozs. Viking Lake, Montgomery 5/6/89 Barbara j. McDann~l. Villisca 1 lb. 12 ozs. Farm Pond, Appanoose 6/3/89 John Baty, ~1ora\'ia 1 lb. 12 07.!o. Farm Pond, Lucas 5/13/89 Larry Weber, Dunkerton 1lb. 10 07$. Farm Pond, Montgomery 8/14/89 Carol Spicer, Emerson llb. 8 ozs. Farm Pond, Audubon 6/5/BCJ Wes ~1ackrill, Adair lib. 8 ozs. Farm Pond, Cherokee 1/25/89 Dave SitLmann, Eldridge 1989 Fish Award~/lowa Conservahonist 1 1 lb. S oz~. Fickters, Fremont h/11 /89 Scott Carne~, Thurman llb.7-1/2o7 .... Farm Pond, Jcttcr...on 7/20/89 Ron Carter, Fairfield I lb. 5-1/2 Ol..S Farm 1\md, i\lonon.1 8/27/89 Raymond Sherlock, Merrill 1 lb. ::; 0~. Farm Pond, Da\'1" h/7/89 Larry Scott, Dr.1kewille BOWFIN BUFFALO C\tinimum-20 lbs.l -!5 lb.... Lost Island Lakl~, P.1lo Alto 5/16/89 0-oel Ch1afos, Perry 23lbs. 2 OL<.,. Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo 5/12/89 Kevin Kedmg, :-..ta-.on City 21 lb.... 10 ozs. Cedar River, ~tu ... catlnc 5/20/89 Tom :VIurphy, DJ\·cnport BULLHEAD (Minimum -21/2lbs.) 2lbs. 8 oz<>. Lake Anita, Ca<>.., -l /29/89 Rodger Christen<>en, A nita CARP CATFISH, BLUE (l\tinimum-20 lbs.) ;tO lb:- Mi ... -.0uri R1vcr Hamson o/21/89 John DeLongJr ~i ..,oun \ .11ley ' 38 lbs. 4 OZ'>. :'\li<>-.ouri Ri\W, Milt-. o/17/84 Roger A. Jungfcrman, Council Bluffs CATFISH, CH 1\NNEl (Mmimum 15lbs.l 32Jbs. Jo-.,a R1wr, Marshall 10/ 1-l 89 Kurt E. Carson, Mar:-h,1llttHVn 23 Jbs. 9 ozs. Quarry, V\'cbStl'l' 6/21 89 Brct Knut<>on Duncomhe 1\.fatt Wildman, Ankl'll\ 20 lbs. Pleasant Creek, l.mn 7/22/89 J 20 Ibs. Pl~?asant Crt>ck, I inn-131.'ntion 7/21/89 Shannon \\',wne) l.'islcy, <;pringville 1!:lib<> . .t oz.<.. Pm·atc Pond, I lumboldt 8/2-l/89 Don L. ~ lcGrath, E.•gle Grove 19 lb<>. 4 oz.s. \\'est Okoboj1, D•ckin-stlll :;/lt'/89 Robert B. Gee, E ... thcrville 18 lbs. 12 o.t.'S. Farm Pond, Jasper 7/2/S4 Robert Kreager, :'\Jcwton 17 lbs . .t oz-.. West OkoboJi, D1ckin.,on 1/10/89 Jim Meverdirk, ~lilford 17lbs. 3 ozs. Gravel Pit, \\'l.'bstt•r 4/1/89 John \kGrath, Eagle Grove I Sibs. 6 oz.s. Rutland Gravel Pit, llumboldt 7/2-l/89 David C Cros-.. Eaglt! Gro\'e Released Des Moines River, Emmet 7/22/89 Cia) Gee, .\me~ CATFISH, FLATHEAD CRAPPIE (Minimum-2lbs.l 4lbs Farm Pond, Clay 6/7/89 E\'erett Steffen, Spencer Jibs. 8 ozs. Rushing Pond, Fayt>tll' 6/11/89 ~ott E. Demp-.l'y, Fairb,1nk 3lbs. Farm Pond, Fremont S/B/89 Don Travb, SiLint!\' 2 Jbs. 11 OLS. Sand Pit, I\1uscatine S/16/89 "-im Tompkins, Fruitland 2lbs. 9 ozs. Farm Pond, Mc1di50ll 8/14 89 Dean Fraz1er, De-. :VIoine-. 2 lbs. 5 O.lS Farm Pond, Benton 5/29189 Leo Bushnell \11 Auburn 2lbs. 5 ozs Farm Pond, Luc,h 5/16/89 Paul F. McKmley, ChilTiton 2lbs. 4 ozs. Savlorvilll' I ake, Polk 5/10/89 Martha Holzworth, Des Momes 2lbs 4 o~s Gravel Pit, Plvmouth 10/26/89 Jerrod Hennch, At.. ron 2lbs. 3 ozs Farm Pond, Mad1o.,on CJj17/89 Michael P Holzworth, Des Moines 2lbs. 3 ozs. \ Vlutebreao;t Creek. Marion 5/13 89 Roger DeMoss. "-no'\ \'illl' 2Jbs. 3 OZ<.. Des Moine<. l~i\'er Boonc 5/89 Cia\ Gee, Esthcn Hie DRUM,FRESHWATER(Minimum-15lbs.> 15lbs. 12 ozs. Missis~ippi River, Allamakee 6/18/SQ Bob Hansen, Cedar F.11Js GAR(Minimum-lOibs.) No Entries MUSKELLUNGE (Minimum -15lbs. or40") 31 lbs. 1 oz Big Creek. l'on 5/ I /89 james L. Kara•do'i De., Mmnes 30 lbs. West Okoboji, Dickinson 4/30/89 Larn' kreckO\\, Red\\ ood F.1lls, MN 28 lbs. 14 OLS \\.'est Okoboji, Dickino.,on 5/29/89 'vhke '\helson, Storm L1kc 2 Iowa Consen·atiom~t/ I 489 Fish Awarsds 28 lbs. 8 ozs. West Okoboji, Dtckinson 9/30/89 F. Edward Stivers, Lincoln 26 Jbs. I 0 ozs. Big Creek, Polk 4/25/89 Larry Moore, Des Moines 25 lbs. 6 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickinson 9/ 24 / 89 Jeff VerSteeg, Estherville 24 lbs. 3 07.s. East Okoboji, Dickinson 8/ 17/89 Kevin Seely, Dec; Momes 24 lbs. 1 oz. East Okoboji, Dickinson 8/17/89 Kevin Seely. Des Moines 21 lbs. 12 ozs. West Okoboji; Dickinson 5/ 7/89 Robert I. Roger.,, Moville I8lbs. 12 ozs. Storm Lake, Bueva Vista 5!16/ 89 Sheridan Shannon, Alta Released West Okoboji, Dickinson 10/ 29/ 89 Jeff L. VerSteeg, Estherville MUSKELLUNGE, TIGER (Minimum - 15lbs. or40") 27 lbs. 2 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickinson 8/19/ 89 Shannon Green, Spencer 24 lbs. 10 ozs. Big Creek, Polk 1989 Bill Obermeier, Polk City 17lbs. 8 ozs. Lake Anita, Cass 7/22/89 Rick Stanley, Anita I S ibs. 2 ozs. Lake lcaria, Adams 4/15/89 David Hauge, Omaha, NE NORTHERN PIKE (Minimum - 10 lbs. or 34") 15 lbs. 6 ozs. Mississippi River, Dubuque 4/26/89 Amy L. Matz, Dubuque 14 lbs. I 1 ozs. Mississippi River, Clayton 12/4/89 Richard B Hyde, Elkader 14 lbs. 10 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickinson 2/12/89 Jim Meyerdirk, Royal 14 lbs. 10 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickinson l/15/89 Jim Guthrie, Milford 13 lbs. 6 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickinson 1/14/89 Mark Aeilts, Sioux City 13 lbs. 6 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickinson 8/26/ 89 Tom Crawford, Sioux City 12lbs. 8 ozs. Farm Pond, Emmett 4/ 30/ 89 David Pelzer, Estherville 12 lbs. 3 ozs. Blue Lake, Monona 4/ 16 / 89 Scott Grosse, Norfolk, NE 12lbs. 2 ozs. West Okobojt, Dickinson 9/ 10/ 89 Allan Osborn. Sioux City 12 lbs. Mississippi River, Jackson 7/ lC:. / 89 Rodney Schnoor, Maquoketa Released West Okoboji, Dickinson I I Jli / 89 Sidney A. Logan, Rock Rapids Released DeSoto Bend, Harrison 5/ 6/ 89 John L. McDonald, Council Bluffs PADDLEFISH (Minimum- 25lbs.) 76 lbs. 2 ozs. Mississippi River Pool13, Jackson 3/ 14/89 Clark Moen. Ames 49 lbs. Mississippi Ri\·er, Jackson 3/23/ 89 Gary Schlapio, Maquoketa 46 lbs. Mississippi River, Jackson 1/4/89 AI Bieber Center Point 46 lbs. MlsSISSlppi River, Jackson 1/4/89 David R Kircher Center Point 38 1bs. Mlssissippi River, Jackson 1/-l/89 David R. Kircher, Center Point 38 lbs. Miss1ssippi River, Jackson 1/9/89 Alibon B1ebcr, Center Point 30 lbs. Mississippi River, Jackson 1/9/89 AI Bieber, Center Point PERCH (Minimum - llb.) lib. 9 ozs. Farm Pond, Buena Vista 3/11/89 Todd Malaise, Spencer 11b. 8 ozs. Gravel Pit, Cass 11/6/89 Norman E Hoeck, Atlantic l ib. 6 ozs. Mississippi River, Clinton 1/2/89 Jim Weispfennmg, Chnton lib. 4 ozs. Spirit Lake, Dickinson 1/29/89 David Marra, Sanborn 1 lb. 3 ozs. West Okoboji, Dickinson 1/24/ 89 Irv Schnell, Milford 1 lb. 2 ozs. Mississippi River, Allamakee 2/ 27/ 89 Kenn \ ogeler, Central City 1 lb. 2 07.5. Spirit Lake, Dickinson 7/12/ 89 Irene Manogue, Spirit Lake lib. 2 ozs. Spirit Lake, Dickinson 4/15/ 89 Pat Stra1t, Hartley l ib. 1 oz. Big Spirit Dickinson 4/ 24/ 89 Mike Salzman, Granville 1 lb. 1 oz. Big Spirit Lake, Dickinson 6/ 15/ 89 Darrell Kruger, Spirit Lake 1 lb. 1 oz. Spmt Lake, Dickinson 4/ 15/ 89 Bruce Raveling, Meh·in lib. 1 oz. Big Spirit, Dickinson 6/27/ 89 Randall Hartsock, Rockford, IL SAUGER (Minimum-- 2-1/2 lbs. or 18") 5 lbs. 4 ozs. Mississippi River, Clayton 1/19/89 Ir" m Muen< h, Guttenberg 5 lbs. 2 ozs. Mississtppi River, Scott 1/30/89 Ron Fenchel. LeClaire 4lbs. 12 ozs. Mississippi River, Dubuque 3/31/89 Richard A Kotz, Dubuque 4 lbs. 8 ozs. Mississippi River, Clayton 10/28/89 Joe Carpenter, Cedar Raptds 4 lbs. 3 o2s. Mississippi Ri ver, Clayton 10/28/89 Merwin C'ook, Manchester 4lbs. 1 0 1 . Mississippi River, Jackson 4/5/89 Les Roem1g, Amana 4lbs. Mississippi River, Jackson 11/8/89 Richard A. 0' Leary, Clinton 3 lbs. 15 ozs. Mississippi River, Clayton 4/16/89 Randall N Greenwell, C.edar Rapids 3 lbs. 14 ozs. MisstSsippi River, Allamakee 7/21/89 Terry Lee Krousie, Cedar Rapids 3 1bs. 10 ozs. Mississippi River, Clayton 1 I /19/89 Greg Buckendahl, Manchester Released Mississippi River, Clayton 8/26/89 Bob Dupont, Dubuque Released Missouri River, Woodbury 10/22/89 Jeffery A Kunkel, Bronson Released Des Momes River, Wapello 12/17/89 Kirk Daily, Ottumwa SUCKER (Minimum - 4lbs.) 8 lbs. 5 ozs. Missouri River, Woodbury 5/27/89 Larrv- Carter, Sioux Citv. SUNFISH, RED EAR (Minimum -lib.) 1 lbs. 5 oz.s. Udderback.s Pond, Monona 7/28/ 89 Lee L. Kirkpatrick, Jr., Onawa 1 lbs. 4 ozs. Farm Pond, Dallas 5/ 30/ 89 Lester Smith, Des Moines 1989 Fish Awards/ Iowa Consen·ationist 3 TROUT, BROOK (Minimum -lib. or 13") llbs. 12 ozs. Pine Creek, \Vinn~.,hick 5/29/89 John R. Grinna, Decorah TROUT, BROWN (Minimum-3lbs. or 18") 8 lbs. 15 ozs. Little Paint\ ellow Riwr, Allamakee 1/25/89 Nick Mauer, Waterloo 8 lbs. 2 ozs. Turkey River (.layton 7/29/89 Mary Brunner, Cedar Falls Rlbs. Bankston, Dubuque 1/24/89 Carl F. Lux, Dubuque 7 lbs. 7 ozs. Trout Run Winne~hiek 6/30/89 Curtis Vick, Decorah 7lbs. 5 ozs. Swtsc; Valley, Dubuque 5/10/89 Wayne T Becker, Dubuque 7lbs. 5 ozs. Sw1ss Valley, Dubuque 6/1/89 Gary L. Philipp. Dubuque 7lbs. 4 ozs. little Mtll, Jackson 4/8/89 Geoff Soltau, Davenport 6lbs. -1 ozs Swiss Valley, Dubuque 5/9/89 George Meyer, Dubuque 4 lbs. 12 ozs. Sm Magill, Clayton 5/22/89 J. E. Arthur, \'\'aterloo -! lbs. Grannis Creek, Fayette -!/21/89 Jene Kirchhoff, Tripoli Released Waterloo Creek, Allamakce 5/22/89 TimJ. Bohl, Lake Mills TROUT, RAINBOW (Minimum -3lbs. or 18") 13 lbs. 9 ozs. Trout Rtver \1\ mnc.,hiek 4/7 89 Francts Hentges. New Hampton 12lbs. 14 ozs. Turkey Rt\'er ( l;wton• 4/16/89 Jeff Schneckloth, Da\ en port 11 lbs. 12 ozs. Otter Cred Fayt.>ttc 5/2-! 89 Kenneth D Powers, Oelwein 11 lbs. Trout Riwr, \Vinne..,hiek S/13/89 Tim Clark, Charles City 10 lbs 13-1/2 ozs. ]O\ Spring, Clayton b/2/89 Johnny Levendusky, Waterloo 10 lbs. 13 ozs. Trout Run, Winneshiek 5/19/89 Larry Dungy, Marshalltown 10 lbs. 9 ozs. Turkev River, Clavton 5/14/89 Jennifer Campbell, Cedar Rapids ' . 10 lbs. 2-1 2 ozs. South Bear, Winneshick 4/7/89 J Paul Buren, Mason City 10 lbs. 2 ozs. Ltttle Mill, Jacl,son 5/26/89 Betty J. Schneider, LeClaire 10 lbs. Swiss Valley, Dubuque 5/20/89 Rtchard Heinisch, Dubuque WALLEYE (Minimum -8lbs. or28") lllbs. 11-1 /2 ozs. Misstsstppt RJ\ cr, Allamakee 1/29/89 Tom Rima, Decorah lllbs 10 ozs. Rrtthbun Lake A.ppanoose o/24/89 Rich Fogle, Ottumwa 11 lbs 3 ozs. Spirit L1kc, Dickinson 5/3/89 Ken Hample, Spirit Lake 11 lbs 2 ozs. Storm Lake, Buena \'i.;ta 10/20/89 Tim Dean, Storm Lake 10 lbs. 12 ozs Storm Lake, Buena Vi WHITEAMUR (Minimum-25lbs.) 37lbs. Nodaway Lake, Adair 5/10/89 Sha'Arn Eslinger, Greenfield 33lbs. 2 ozs. Railroad Lake, Scott 5/21/89 Colin Keith Breber, Davenport 27 lbs. 6 ozs Private Pond, Linn 10/10/89 Matthew Ray, Mt. Vernon 25 lbs. 8 ozs. Private Pond, Lmn 10/10/89 Nathan Day, Mt. Vernon Iowa Department of Natural Resources r-~~7\ Wallace State Office Building \ _ on Recycled Paper. -===~(_~D~e::s Moines, Iowa 50319-0034 ~~ ~ Printed 4 Iowa Consen•ationist/1989 Fish A1Nards • z 0 Illz :I: 0 z- 0 "' Ill~ ~ 0 -z 0 "' Fishing, Iowa's most popular participant sport, contributes to an important portion of the state's economy and to the enjoyment and relaxation of nearly a million Iowans. It is not difficult to under stand why angling is so popular. The sport can be mastered by all individuals and is enjoyed by young and old, alike. The purpose of the fishing trip may be to land a trophy, secure fish for a neigh borhood cookout, teach a novice or just relax. Whatever your reason for fishing, feel assured, you have a lot of company. March 1990/lowa Conservatlonast 17 Obviously a sport as popular as fishmg has a very the fishery. Prior to th1s work, Swan Lake hosted 5,000 significant impact on individuals other than the angler fishing tnps annually; however, after renovation, the Fish and wildlife agencies are involved m maintaining lake supported a whopping 30,000 happy, successful and improving fish populations. This is accomplished anglers, and the number continues to increase each with funds obtained from the fishing license fees and year. The opposite, however, occurs when the quality an excise tax paid on some fishing tackle The tackle of a ftshery declines. Contamination of fish with toxic manufactures are interested in suppling the quantity pollutants, siltation of lakes and streams, and fish kills and types of gear destred by the angler, and restau from hazardous sptlls, all act to reduce angler use of, rants, motels and servtce stations have an obvious and mterest in, a particular fishery. interest in fishing activity in their area. How do anglers spend theu money in pursuit of To get a handle on the importance of angling to the the1r recreation? Not surpnsmgly, the greatest ex various states' economies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife penses of the angler are related to travel (56 percent). These expenses include food, gas, lodging, equipment Service, in cooperation with the Bureau of Census, D rental and boat fuel. The second area of expense is surveys individuals in each state to determine impor 9 tant facts and fishing trends. These surveys are con special auxiliary equtpment purchased primarily for fishing but used for other activities (29 percent). These \' ducted at five-year intervals and help dtrect federal and ~ 0 mclude such items as boats, tents and campers. Twelve state fisheries programs. The most recent survey \ indicated 771,000 Iowans fished m 1985 These indi percent of the angler's expendttures goes toward B viduals took 14.5 mtllion fishing trips and spent $255 fishmg equipment-- rods, reels and line. Licenses, tags million. These results are similar to other studies that and permits required for the privilege of fishing totaled show anglers spend between $12 and $40 per trip. three percent of the angler's expenditures. According to the survey, the number of Iowa It is obvious anglmg is very popular among Iowans ... anglers increased by 125,000 from 1980 to 1985. More and expenditures of anglers in pursuit of their recrea recent figures indicate the popularity of fishing contm tion is important to Iowa's economy and management ues to increase, and experience shows the number of of a valuable and renewable resource Angling popu trips taken by anglers to a particular lake or stream lanty w1ll continue to grow in Iowa if the quality of the depends primarily on the quality of fishing the area of resource is maintained and improved. fers. An example of the relationship between the quality of a fishery and the number of anglers attracted Don Bonneau IS the fisherzes research superv1sor for the is Swan Lake in Carroll County. Recently, money was department in Des Moines. re~ spent to improve the water quality of Swan Lake and p· u a 1985 le \ Expenditures of aJ ~l Iowa Anglers • ($255 Million Total) 56% 12% Fishing Equipment 29% rods, reels, line and other tac nc If ba Tf on Auxillary Fishing Equip I " rni boats, tents, etc. co 18 Iowa Conservahorust/ \.larch 1990 WARDEN'S DIARY The Invisible Line by Chuck Humeston Time after time, I prove to myself to never say, "Now, I've seen everything!" When you think you've seen all the tricks, someone comes up with a new wrinkle. So it was, one hot summer day south of Emmetsburg. While walking the bank of the Des Moines River, I came upon three gentlemen enjoying the day. :r u Two were obviously fishing, with ~ :::1 pole and line, off a sandbar. The co third person was sitting, on top of a z ' cooler, near the water sipping on a ~ UJ z • I ~ can of the brew. > ' v = oJ After making some small talk, I z - - asked to see their fishing licenses. 0 • i= () '. The two with rod and reel in hand < ., --- .,~ reached for their wallets and ;:J ~ ..I produced the licenses. Well, the ..I third man never got up from the - cooler nor even appeared to be the cooler, moved it to one side, least bit interested in me (you get reached down and picked up a used to that after a while). There clear monofilament line reeling it in Maybe it was just my was no fishing rod to be seen by hand! One end was tied to a anywhere. So I asked him, "Sir, are stick driven in the sandbar on top natural nosiness as a you fishing today?" He answered, of which sat the cooler. He reeled warden; I don't know. I "No, I just came along to watch." in the line, checked the bait on the I hear that answer a lot, but this hook, tossed the line back in the found a tree to hide be time I really had no reason to river and replaced the cooler on top dispute it. So, I bid them a nice day of the stick hind on the bank above and continued up the river; how Ingenious! I almost stood on them and watched. The ever, it just didn' t seem right for that line while I talked with him some reason -- walk all that way on earlier. I never saw it! After two continued to fish, a hot day just to watch? I reached climbing down the bank, I walked and the one continued my car, drove a couple of miles up to them and said, "Hello, down the road, parked and started again." sitting with the suds. hiking through a field back to I reached down, picked up the where the three were fishing. line and asked, "Are you fishing or Maybe it was just my natural just watching?" He simply said, "I nosiness as a warden; I don't know. don' t have a license." I had to I found a tree to hide behind on the compliment him on his idea; we bank above them and watched. talked while I wrote the citation. The two continued to fish, and the I've checked a lot of people one continued sitting with the suds. fishing on the riverbank since then. I was beginning to think my time Folks, I don' t walk around those might be better used finding an air coolers three times because I' m conditioner. disoriented or waiting for music to I was just standing up to hike stop so I can sit down - I just keep back when the man stood up from looking for that elusive invisible the cooler. He picked up the line. March 1990/ low3 Con,ervataorust 19 CONSERVATION UPDATE Compact Fluorescent Lighting electricity, thus reduang that are on for at least the burden on the envi four hours a day. Shorter by Kristine Maggard, ronment. Lighting alone periods of use only wear energy information intern accounts for 25 percent of on the bulb, considerably all the electricity used in weakening its lifespan. this country and burning Energy efficient bulbs Imagine walking into your local hardware fossil fuels to produce are of different sizes and or department store to pick up a light bulb. electricity is the leading shapes than standard You look around and decide to try one of cause of smog, acid rain bulbs, so check the shade and carbon-dioxide or fixture being replaced those new high efficiency bulbs, one that saves butld-up. Swikhmg to a to make sure it was de energy and money. You take it to the counter, new fluorescent bulb can stgned to accomodate then glance at the price tag: $20! save 300 pounds of coal one. If it is not, the bulb over the bulb's life. will emit less light than Is efficient lighting worth the money? Ia Light quality and anticipated, even though ra Yes, but consumers should not be in the dark intensity vary, but you the bare bulbs give off of when they make the move to energy-saving may be surprised at how the same amount of light. th closely new fluorescents Many incandescent substitutes. resemble the warm glow fixtures are too small for of incandescent lighting. compact fluorescents, Replacing a 75-watt which are larger and incandescent with an 18- heavier than traditional watt compact fluorescent bulbs. This also makes still provides the same them unsuitable for some amount and quality of standing lamps or illumination. Fluores hanging fixtures. cents simply work on a If a light is currently different principle. on a dimmer switch, even fewer energy-saving co Unlike the incandes ro cent bulb in which 90 retrofits can be used. In percent of the energy general, dimming rules produced is given off as out compact fluorescents, wasted heat, compact though a few exceptions z fluorescents contain are appearing on the kn da ~ photons in the coating of market and are likely to ~ the bulb that begin to become more common in 1 bu z0 glow when an electrical the future. do ~ current passes through Temperature condi the gases contained tions can also limit use. Fluorescent liglzt bulbs Compact fluorescent inside the bulb. Once the Most compact fluores can last up to 13 times lightbulbs represent the current is established, cents do not work well, longer than standard latest marvel in the only a small amount of or at all, in the cold and incandescent bulbs and rapidly changing lighting electricity is needed to at least one warns not to use considerably less industry. Lasting nearly maintain it. Many use in temperatures electricity. However, 13 times longer than an business and industries above 95 degrees F or in cons1.4mers must carefully incandescent bulb, com are already putting humid conditions. follow manufacturer's pact fluorescents can save theory into practice and Compact fluorescent I• guidelines to achieve the up to nine times the cost saving money through floodlights are not ..g optimum results. of traditional lighting. effi cient lighting, but waterproof and must be lll\ Ltfe expectancy homeowners need to mounted under cover if fu ranges from 9,000 to weigh several options used outdoors. Always Su 12,000 hours for these before attempting to look on the package or 586 new bulbs, compared to a retrofit their homes. inquire about any restric Co! traditional bulb's 900- to For example, com tions. 1 000-hour life. And, pact fluorescent bulbs Compact fluorescents ~~ switching to a new will pay for themselves are genera111y guaranteed Se\ fluorescent bulb saves only if used in fixtures by their manufacturers Fa ton I 20 Iowa Conseruhon"t/\1arch 1990 because they are larger, longer investments. Iowa All-Time Record Fish Warranty periods typi Weight Length Where Caught County Date Angler Town cally range from 90 days to two years, but keep in Bass, Largemouth mind that a 10,000-hour 10 lbs. 12 ozs. 23-1/2" Lake Fisher Davis 5-84 Patnaa Zaerr Davenport bulb may use only 500 of Bass, Ocean-Striped 9 lbs. 4 ozs. 29" Lake Rathbun A ppanoose 7-83 Richard Pauley Mystic its hours in 90 days. A Bass, Rock new fluorescent bulb will lib. 8 ozs. 10-1/2" MISSISSippi River Dubuque 6-73 Jrm Dnscoll Dubuque probably pay for itself Bass, Smallmouth twice over its 10,000-hour 6lbs. 8 ozs. 21-3/8" SpmtLake Dickinson 5-79 Rick Pentland Estherville Bass, White lifetime, but beware of 3 lbz. 14 ozs. 20' West Okoboji Dickinson 5-72 Bill Born Miliord suspicious life expec Bass, Wiper tancy claims and lumen •12 lbs. 11 ozs De:, Momes River Boone 4-89 Aaron E Crook Boone ratings of which some Bass, Yellow off-brands boast. Regard lib. 8 ozs. 13-1/2" Cedar River Black Hawk 9-86 Timothy Dolan Waterloo Bluegill the claims of even large, 3 lbz. 2 ozs 12-7/8" Farm Pond Madison 7-86 Phil Algreen Earlham respected manufacturers Bowfin (Dogfish) with a wary eye. Do not 10 lbs. 2 ozs. 30-1 /2'' Mississippi River Allamakee 5-87 Joel Morgan Dike be misled by overstated Bullhead Slbs. 8 ozs 22'' Farm Pond Hamilton 1986 Michael Hurd Elsworth claims on energy-saving Buffalo products. When examin Sl lbs. 45" East OkobOJI Dickinson 4-86 JeffDws ing a package, put fait'h Carp in solid facts like the 50 lbs. 44" Glenwood Lake Mills 5-69 Fred Houghland Glenwood power rating, the lumen Catfish, Blue •40 lbs. Missoun River Harrison 6-89 John DeLong, Jr. Missouri Valley output and the lifetime. Catfish, Channel Unfortunately, 31 lbs. 37" Gravel P1t Cedar 6-86 Kyle Gettschalk Lowden compact fluorescents are Catfish, flathead not available at most 62lbs. 46" Iowa River johnson 7-65 Roger Fauchlld Coralville local hardware and Crappie 4 lbs. 9 ozs. 21-1/4" Green Castle Lake Marshall 5-81 Ted Trowbridge Marshalltown department stores. Freshwater Drum Because few homeowners 46 lbs. 38-1 /2" Spirit Lake Dickinson 10-62 R. F Farra Clanon know about non-stan Muskellunge dard choices, they do not 38 lbs. 5 ozs. 48' West OkoboJI D1ckinson 12-86 Dan Dickinson Spmtlake Muskellunge, Tiger buy them, so most stores ~7 lbs. 2 ozs 46-1/2'' West OkoboJI Dickinson 8-89 Shannon Green Spencer do not stock them. In Northern Pike turn, absence of the bulbs 25 Lbs. 5 ozs 45" West Okoboji Dickinson 2-77 Allen Forsberg Albert City from store shelves keeps Paddlefish 107 lbs. 69-1 /2" Missoun R1ver Monona 3-81 Robert Pranschke Onawa consumers from learning Perch, Yellow about them. lib. lSozs. 14-3/4" Sp•rit Lake D1ckinson 9-74 John Walz Estherville The best source for Sauger homeowners are still 6lbs. 8 ozs. 25" Missoun River Woodbury 10-76 Mrs. William Buser Sloan mail-order firms. Cost Sturgeon (Shovelnose) 12lbs. 33" Des Moines River Van Buren 4-74 RandyHemm Douds for a single bulb ranges Suckers (Misc.) from $17 to more than 15 lbz. 1 oz. 32-1/4" Missouri River Monona 9-83 Glen E. Dittman Onawa $20, but high efficiency Sunfish (Misc.) lighting is a sound llb. 13 ozs. 10-1/4" Lake Geode Henry 9-67 Dale Cornick Burlington Trout, Brook investment for a bright 2lbs. 14 ozs 17" Canoe Creek Winneshiek 3-81 Lyle Brown, Jr Decorah future. Write: Rising Trout, Brown Sun Enterprises, Inc., Box 15 lbs. 4 ozs. 31" French Creek Allamakee 7-84 Fred Daugs Mmneapohs, MN 586, Old Snowmass, Trout, Rainbow Colorado 81654; Real 19lbs. 8 ozs. 35" French Creek Allamakee 7-84 Jack Renner Waterloo Walleye Goods, 966 Mazzoni St., 14lbs. 8 ozs 30-1 /2" Des Momes River Polk 9-86 Gloria EoriattJ Ankeny Ukiah, California 95482; White Amur Seventh Generation, 10 Sllbs. Viking Lake Montgomery 9-88 Leon Allen Omaha, NE :l Farrell St., South Burling ton, Vermont 05403. •New state record Marcn1990/lowa Conscrvataonisl 21 Majority of TIP an Upcoming NRC, Cases Deer-Related EPC and Take a Friend Fishing Preserves Board Nearly 60 percent of Meetings cases investigated under Free Fishing Days Iowa's Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) program in 1989 (All Iowa Residents) The dates and were deer-related, June 8, 9 and 10, 1990 locations have been according to Department set for the following of atural Resources' meetings of the officials. Celebrate National Fishing Week Natural Resource A total of 527 calls June 4-10, 1990 Commission, Envi resulted in 85 citations ronmental Protection being issued in 42 cases. Commhsion and the Deer-related calls totalled State Preserves 300 with 53 citations ers, endangered species received reports last Advisory Board of issued in 23 cases. The or other more severe December of an injured the Iowa Department citations were issued for cases. All TIP informa swan on the Cedar River of Natural Resources. illegal taking and posses tion is confidential and near Waterloo, Iowa. Agendas for sion of deer; falsifying anyone reporting a Department of Natural these meetings are deer license; shooting poaching incident is Resources staff at set approximately 10 shotgun slugs from guaranteed anonymity. George Wyth State Park days prior to the roadway in deer hunting Persons witnessing or observed a pair of scheduled date of the zones one, two and 10; having knowledge of vio trumpeter swans on meeting. illegal sale of deer meat; lations against fish and Dec. 4, and one of the For additional and use of citizen-band wildlife can call the toll birds had suffered a information, write or radios and vehicles to free TIP hotline number minor wing injury. The call the Iowa Depart pursue deer. 1-800-532-2020. The TIP pair was captured by ment of Natural Other citations issued number is monitored 24 humane society and Resources, Wallace included shooting of hen hours a day. park personnel and State Office Building, pheasants; hunting after According to DNR taken to the society's Des Moines, Iowa hours; illegal possession officials, all funds used to care facilities. Wing tag 50319-0034, (515)281- of furbearers; taking of pay rewards are raised by and leg band numbers 5384. fish u nder minimum the TIP of Iowa organiza enabled Torn Colvin, length limits; and exceed tion, a group composed director of the Black Natural Resource ing possession limits for of sporting clubs, corpo Hawk County Humane Commission: fish. rate members and Society, to trace the --April 5, Ames A total of $4,150 was individuals. For informa swans' origins to Minne --May 2-3, Davenport approved for reward tion on becomjng a sota. --June 7, Creston payment during 1989. supporting member of The Minnesota DNR Environmental Since Iowa's TIP TIP, contact Craig Karr, has been conducting a Protection program began in 1985, Box 872, Waterloo, Iowa trumpeter swan release Commission: more than 3,500 tele 50704. program. A technician --April 16-17, Des phone calls have resulted with the program re Moines in more than 850 arrests vealed the pair of swans --May 21-22, Des and more than $44,400 wintered in Des Moines Fis Moines Trumpeter Swans has been approved in Return To Iowa in 1988 and returned to A\'; --June 18-19, Des rewards. Minnesota the following Moines A minimum of $100 spring and nested but on State Preserves is paid as a reward for At least two of the did not produce cyg Advisory Board: nets. Trumpeter swans acr information leading to an trumpeter swans that (Sis --March 13, Des mate for life, and actual arrest. Payments wintered in the Des 1 Moines Moines area in 1988 have officials with the Minne eta of up to $1,000 have been reto --June 12, Des returned to Iowa. sota DNR were pleased made to anonymous TIP eac Moines The Black Hawk to discover the pair had callers on cases dealing lllg with commercial poach- County Humane Society returned to Iowa for Ap~ 22 Iowa Con,~rvJtlon"t/\O~ pa~ pue amJUoJ.Aes uaaM.laq JaArn saU10Y'J sao March 1990/lowa Cons~rvataomst 23 COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD FEATURE Outdoor Classrooms by Todd Von Ehwegen • : ( ~ z .0 < > The first-grade students watch : and listen impatiently as the e z naturalist explains how to plant a • 0 available and the goals of the B· ~ development committee, an out- UJ 0 Cl) door classroom can have an excit- \y z 0 ing variety of stimulating educa- i= hi < tional features. Some areas provide > 1\i LU arboretums, groundwater and VI"' z weather monitoring stations, or 0u animal tracking plots and soil ac ~ cross-sections. Other outdoor ;::,z a, 0 classrooms contain archaeological u II\ ..J dig sites, outdoor amphitheaters, ..J 01 0 erosion control demonstrations and "' s~ 6"' interpretive trails. Still other sites dE 24 Iowa ConservatlOrust/March 1990 "Environmental education research has shown that 0 students' self ~ 0 concept is CQ z enhanced, peer 0 socilization and ~ > racial integration w "' :J~ relationships are 8 improved through ,..J ,..J shared outdoor education ~ experiences." include reconstructed marshes and doors through the seasons to help priorities for the area are ironed ponds, rock piles for geological them increase their understanding out, and a master plan and time studies, and even Native American of ecological concepts. schedule are drawn up. Publicity is sites complete with teepees, fire Additionally, special prepara necessary to drum up interest and pits and Indian com plantings. tions required for field trips, such support within the community, and Every school has potential for as transportation, can be elimi resources to supply labor and an outdoor classroom. School nated. But more importantly, materials need to be developed. grounds often contain areas that students are able to get involved in Finally, and most importantly, are too hilly or too wet or other the development stages of an the best outdoor classrooms are wise undesirable for development. outdoor classroom, providing them based on involvement. Parents, These areas often make ideal with a sense of pride and accom administrators, teachers, outdoor classroom sites. And plishment and the realization that groundskeepers, resource people, many schools mow vast expanses their efforts do make a difference. and especially students can all of grass for playgrounds and Community involvement is work together to create exciting athletic fields, when, in fact, much also a big plus in the development outdoor classrooms. of this ground could easily be of outdoor classrooms. Garden Environmental education developed into an outdoor class clubs and other groups are usually research has shown that students' room. very willing to participate- and self-concept is enhanced, peer Depending on the resources very valuable - in the development socialization and racial integration available, the size of the outdoor and planning process. And these are facilitated, and student-teacher . classroom can range from several same community members will Ielationships are improved through •• acres in size to only a few square have a nearby area for their own shared outdoor education experi feet in size. Obviously, a school in use in enjoying and learning about ences. Attitudes are shaped early the middle of a large city will have the outdoors. in life, and outdoor classrooms give a very different outdoor classroom With wildlife habitat becoming children the sensory and learning situation than one in rural Iowa. a vanishing commodity, an outdoor experiences they need to develop But even a few square feet of classroom can be an oasis in a responsible and positive attitudes undisturbed earth can be loaded desert of mowed grass and plowed towards our environment. with exciting discoveries to en fields. From field mice to white Do any schools in your com hance a child's understanding of tailed deer, wildlife of all shapes munity have outdoor classrooms? , natural environment. and sizes will use the area as a Maybe it is time to plant the seed. . An outdoor classroom located refuge. Contact your local county conser on school grounds has many Of course, an outdoor class vation board for more information. advantages. It is continuously room does not develop overnight. available and convenient, provid The most successful sites have ing year-round and long-term thoughtful and careful planning Todd Von Ehwegen is a naturalist opportunities for educational behind them. A committee is with the Sac County Conseroation studies and investigations. Stu formed to make development Board. i dents can easily explore the out- decisions. Educational goals and MiliCh 1990/lowa Conservaborust 25 The Aquatic Education Program • --r~ 1._I _,I I • -) I by Barbara D. Gigar z 0 What is aquatic education? fish identification, regulations and The elementary 26 Iowa Conservallorust/March 1990 At fishing clinics, participants learn about tackle, casting, fish identification, regulations and safety. Since 1982, more than 20,000 Iowans have attended Department of Natural Resources' fishing clinics. tion agencies. They are designed for use with the WILD materials and will cover the following topics: Iowa's Waters, Aquatic Plants and Animals; Water Fun (recreation and safety); Life in a Pond (the aquatic ecosystem); and People, Land and Water (addresses our dependency on water and the impacts our actions can have on the resource). e The fishing module for secon dary schools is a somewhat new concept. Few people associate c fishing with school, but the initial response to the program indicates "Fish Iowa!" may soon be a part of z 0 the physical education curriculum r.ll in many Iowa schools. Teachers r ~ will be trained in the presentation ...... 0 of a module in one-day workshops where they will receive a five-unit instructor's manual and other information materials. Three state. The program will be piloted tures and fees from the sale of Iowa teaching videos that focus on spin this spring with workshops being fishing licenses. casting skills, caring for the catch, conducted statewide during the I fish identification, aquatic habitats 1990-91 school year. and general fishing information "Fish Iowa!" is funded under will be available to schools through the Federal Aid in Sportfish Resto Barbara D. Cigar is the aquatic ) education coordinator for the DNR at area education agencies and spin ration Program utilizing grant casting rigs may be borrowed from funds from excise taxes on tackle the Springbrook Conservation Educa distribution centers around the and other fishing-related expendi- tion Center near Guthrze Center. March 1990/lowa Coru.ervahOmst 27 Located at the headwaters of Trout Run, JUSt a couple miles south of the busy town of Decorah in Winnesh1ek County, is the Decorah State Trout Hatchery - a must-see for visitors to this scenic region of Iowa. The facility has its roots in the 1930s, and the picturesque lime Past and Present stone office and residence buildings are dead giveaways. These struc tures are typical of the efforts of Civilian Conservation Corps engineers and workers from that e ecora era. The tract was originally known as the Siewers Spring Bass Hatch ( ery, constructed on a 17-acre plot of land purchased from the John ate er Hjelle family in 1931 for $7,500. As the name suggest, the original emphasis was in the culture of by Bruce Adair bass, specifically smallmouth, taking advantage of the dependable supply of water from Siewers Spring. Expenditures for the initial construction of buildings, ponds and raceways totalled approxi mately $25,000. For more than half a century the Decorah hatchery was a mainstay of our state's hatchery system. It was relied upon primar ily for the rearing of rainbow and brown trout, but at times was used .for some cool-water and warm water species as well. By the rnid-1980s, although the stone buildings stood as solid as ever, it was becommg obvious other problems were hampering the use of the facility. The most im portant item in any hatchery Though the Decorah Hatchery has recently gone through massive system is its water supply. At renov.ation, the stone office and residence buildings, built in the 1930s, Decorah, problems not only with rematn. an antiquated water supply system but problems with the water itself were becoming evident. Taking advantage of monies \' available from an expansion of the fi • Dingell-Johnson Act, commonly \I known as Wallop-Breaux, the ~ fjsheries bureau of the Iowa De 11 partment of Natural Resources b decided to renovate the existing hatchery facility at Decorah with a state-of-the-art system. Although the quantity of the water from Siewers Spring, during most years, • has been adequate, its quality suf fered at times. High nitrate levels; low, fluctuating, dissolved oxygen 28 Iowa Co~rvaho rust/ March 1990 levels; and periods of turbidity were severely hampering the use of the hatchery as a dependable trout producer. Approximately $2.4 million was spent to upgrade the system to what it is today. The "new' hatchery is an extraordinary facility with the capability of removing the unwanted nitrates, reducing the silt load and even injecting oxygen into the water. Changes in land-use practices, the basis of many groundwater problems in Iowa today, could also be blamed for some of the difficulties encountered f at the old facility. Marginal land- for generations, relegated to pasture in this dairy region -- was now being plowed and placed into row crop production. Along with row crops came additional silt • runoff and increased nitrogen entering the groundwater from fertilizers. The improvements completed in 1989 appear to be adequate to control these problems; however, they are no match for the whims of Iowa weather. Currently, the Decorah hatchery is operating on a marginal water supply due to recent drought conditions. Siewers Spring typically offers 3,000 to 5,000 gallons of water per minute Siewers Spring but was flowing at a rate of less (above) supplies the than 1,000 gallons of water per water used to run minute during most of 1989. Only the Decorah State by supersaturating the water with Trout Hatchery. oxygen has the hatchery been able Twenty-four new to stay in operation, but with a little concrete raceways cooperation from the weather this (left) and three lined problem should improve. earthen ponds will Basically, all that remains to hold between 100 complete the renovation project is and 300 thousand some additional landscape work. rainbow and brown Visitors by the thousands have trout, providing viewed the new operation and the many opportunities fish. Twenty-four concrete race to anglers visiting ways and three lined, earthen Iowa's trout ponds will typically contain from countnj. 100 to 300 thousand rainbow and brown trout. The next 50 years look bright for the Decorah State Trout Hatch ery as well as for the anglers of northeast Iowa's trout streams. Bruce Adair is the Decorah Hatchery manager. biologist in many ways. It may be used to evaluate an annual stocking program, a one-time stockmg ...... urve s program, or long-term effects of a particular management program. Sometimes these surveys are used to track the development of a fishery or mdicate the cyclic harvest of a species. Survey results are also used to measure the use of by Leo Schlun z fishing access, fishing jetties and fish attractors- information that will help determine if additional structures are needed. Since 1981, Lake Miam1 has been stocked yearly with rather expensive six- to eight-inch channel catfish. A creel survey was con ducted during the summer of 1987 to evaluate the benefit of these r stockmgs to the angler Also, { during 1987, a study was com t pleted to determme the number of s catchable-size channel catfish m the lake. The study determmed the lake contained 19 nice sized catfish per surface acre and the creel survey revealed 45 percent of these fish were harvested by anglers. This amounted to more than 1,100 fish, weighing a total of 1,200 0 ~ pounds. Yes, the creel survey ~ showed anglers were catching ~)o channel catfish from Lake Miami ~ and the stocking program was well loll ~ worth the money it cost. A good. example of using catch "Hey Karen, get out your fishing A manager can alter the species surveys to measure long-term license. Here comes the game warden." composition through stocking. The effects of a particular management "That's just the creel clerk, foe. He harvest of a particular species can program was at Lake Red Haw. wants to look at our fish and ask how be restn cted by imposing catch and The lake was denuded of vegeta r. long we have been fishing." size limits, or increased by im tion in 1974, one year after the .. proved fishing access as well as introduction of grass carp (white h While making my rounds as a adding fish attractors. But before amur). The lake remains nearly \1 creel survey clerk, I have often using any of these practices the void of vegetation today. Many a v wondered if such remarks are not manager has to know what is being shore angler had cursed the weeds n being made as I watched one angler caught and what people would like along the shoreline, but when the 0. fumble with a billfold, while another to catch. The best tool for obtain weeds were gone, the boat angler u reaches for the stringer. I also ing this information is a creel complained the fish were no longer u wondered if people like Joe and survey. Through this information, attracted to the edge of the weed b Karen know why fisheries biologists the biologist knows the type, beds. Did the removal of weeds g need this information. number and size of fish being help or h-inder fishing? Test netting d The reason for having creel harvested. Combining this infor showed a good population of fish. n surveys is to obtain valuable infor mation with data collected through Had catch success really fallen? A p mation needed to manage the sport test netting, the health of the sport creel survey in 1971, while the a fishery in a lake or stream. And the fishery is known. This information lakeshore was choked with weeds, reason for managing a sport fishery helps predict the quality of future showed an overall success rate of is to provide plenty of fish to catch fi shing and determines what kind one fish per hour. In 1974, the year and a chance for people to enjoy of changes are needed in future of stocking grass carp, the catch catching them. To achieve these management practices. rate was 1 73. It went up to 1.89 goals the fisheries manager has a Information gleaned from a the next year and then fell back to whole bag of tricks. creel survey may be used by the .97 in 1976. The next creel survey 30 Iowa ConscrvabolU5t / March 1990 in 1979 showed the highest success as what kind of fish do the anglers bluegill or that "wall-hanger" rate recorded at Lake Red Haw -- prefer and what kinds are actually walleye may be partly due to the 1.98 fish per hour. A creel survey caught. Another common question results of a creel survey you in 1986 revealed a catch rate of 1.36 asked during many surveys is the participated in. fish per hour. These creel surveys distance the angler traveled to fish. showed the removal of vegetation Answers to these and other ques at Lake Red Haw had little effect tions aid in planning the location of on fishing success, but did improve new lakes and additional facilities the shore angler's access to the lake at existing lakes. during summer months. The next time a creel clerk talks Creel surveys at Rathbun ~ake to you, please do not "bait" them have been used to track the devel with misinformation or "stringer" opment of the fishery. In all, there them along, instead "cast a straight have been 12 annual angler surveys line." The management biologist Leo Schlunz is a fisheries research at Rathbun Lake revealing several uses your information to provide biologist for the department located in important facts. The most obvious you with good fishing in the future. Chariton. is crappies are the most-caught In fact, your next stringer of fish. This scrappy, good-tasting panfish makes up to 90 percent of the fish caught at the lake. Consecutive surveys from 1972 to 1978 and from 1981 to 1987 demonstrated a link between number of crappie harvested and use of the lake by anglers. Because of the cyclic nature of crappie populations the angler can expect on-again off-again crappie fishing over the years. If erappie fishing is poor one year, do not despair, within two or three years it will be excellent. Catch rates at Rathbun have ranged from a low of .37 fish per hour to a high of 1.72 in 1987 when anglers har vested nearly half a million fish - 410,000 of them crappies. This information is very useful to fisheries biologists, camp ground operators, bait dealers and other local merchants when Vl~ predicting lake use by ~ anglers. 2. Besides gathering ~ catch statistics, the creel clerk may also ask several other Creel surveys provide vital information for managing fisheries. questions. Usually the Combined with data co llected from nettings, creel survey information questions relate can help predict the quality of future fishing and determine what kind of directly to fishing, such changes are necessary to meet the demands of anglers. March 1990/lowa Conserva tiorust 31