Background Information for the Development of a Fisheries Management Plan in Fisheries Management Zone 4 June 2010 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS ...............................................................................................................................1 LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................................................3 LIST OF TABLES .........................................................................................................................................5 LIST OF TABLES .........................................................................................................................................5 1.0 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................6 2.0 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................7 2.1 Surficial Geology and Soils ............................................................................................................8 2.2 Water ............................................................................................................................................10 2.3 Climate .........................................................................................................................................13 2.4 Access ..........................................................................................................................................17 3.0 BIOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................21 3.1 Fish Communities.........................................................................................................................21 3.1.1 Cool Water Species...................................................................................................................21 3.1.2 Coldwater Species ....................................................................................................................23 3.2 Productive capacity ......................................................................................................................24 3.3 Biological Status...........................................................................................................................27 3.3.1 Walleye .................................................................................................................................................30 3.3.2 Northern Pike........................................................................................................................................32 3.3.3 Muskellunge..........................................................................................................................................34 3.3.4 Yellow Perch and Smallmouth Bass .....................................................................................................35 3.3.5 Lake Trout.............................................................................................................................................35 3.3.6 Lake Whitefish ......................................................................................................................................37 3.4 Species at Risk (SAR)..................................................................................................................38 3.4.1 Lake Sturgeon ......................................................................................................................................38 3.4.2 Shortjaw Cisco......................................................................................................................................42 3.5 Invasive and Introduced aquatic species .....................................................................................43 3.5.1 Invasive Species in Zone 4 ...................................................................................................................45 3.5.2 Introduced Species in Zone 4 ...............................................................................................................48 3.5.2.1 Walleye ..............................................................................................................................................50 3.5.2.2 Smallmouth Bass ...............................................................................................................................51 3.5.2.3 Black Crappie.....................................................................................................................................52 3.5.2.4 Lake Trout..........................................................................................................................................53 3.5.2.5 Rainbow Trout....................................................................................................................................53 3.5.2.6 Brook Trout ........................................................................................................................................54 3.5.2.7 Splake................................................................................................................................................54 4.0 HABITAT STATUS.................................................................................................................................54 4.1 Natural Disturbances....................................................................................................................56 4.2 Climate Change............................................................................................................................58 4.3 Development ................................................................................................................................64 4.4 Mining Exploration, Extraction and Rehabilitation........................................................................64 4.5 Forest Management Activities ......................................................................................................66 4.5.1 Mercury.................................................................................................................................................67 4.5.2 Nutrient Input ........................................................................................................................................67 4.5.3 Runoff and Sedimentation ....................................................................................................................68 4.5.4 Loss of Riparian and Littoral Vegetation ...............................................................................................68 4.5.5 Logging Roads......................................................................................................................................69 4.5.6 Forest Harvesting in FMZ 4 ..................................................................................................................69 4.5 Roads and Water Crossings ........................................................................................................70 4.6 Waterpower and Water Control Structures ..................................................................................73 5.0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DESCRIPTION ..........................................................................................................77 5.1 Recreational Sportfishing .............................................................................................................77 5.1.1 Ontario Resident Anglers......................................................................................................................78 5.1.1 Canadian Resident Anglers ..................................................................................................................79 5.1.3 Non-resident Anglers and the Tourism Industry....................................................................................80 Background Information Document: Fisheries Management Plan for FMZ 4 1 5.2 First Nations .................................................................................................................................81 5.3 Commercial Fishing......................................................................................................................83 5.4 Baitfish..........................................................................................................................................84 6.0 CURRENT FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ACTIONS.......................................................................................86 6.1 Catch and Possession Limits, and Seasons ................................................................................89 6.2 Exceptions....................................................................................................................................91 6.2.1 Specially Designated Waters ................................................................................................................92 6.2.2 Fish Sanctuaries ...................................................................................................................................92 6.2 Exceptions....................................................................................................................................92