Pike Improvement Project 2021Report

The Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Association Pike Improvement Project 2021 began January 1st and drew to a close on October 1st. Anglers who harvested small Northern Pike, generally less than 24”, received a raffle ticket for each pike kept. 

The goal of the project is to reduce the number of voracious small northern pike in the lake to provide more forage for all other species and more favorable conditions for musky reproduction. Twenty businesses promoted the project and almost 4000 small pike were harvested. Initial indicators show the efforts may be having the intended positive effects. The April Lake survey by the WDNR recorded a slight increase in the legal-size walleye population compared to 2 years ago. The WDNR Fall survey of young-of -the-year fish included 3 naturally occurring muskies. Capturing young of the year muskies is a very rare event. Additionally, the WDNR captured several PIT (passive integrated transponder) tagged extended growth muskies that were released in Lake Chippewa after the 1st Pike Improvement Project in 2019. Their survival and growth from 10-11” averages to mid to upper 20” now are also good indicators a positive outcome. In 2022 the WDNR will conduct Creel Surveys to identify angler preferences and experiences. Hopefully we will succeed in another goal – continued increased harvest of small northern pike by anglers.

Over $2600 in prizes were offered by the Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Association members, the Chippewa Flowage Area Property Owners Association, Muskies, Inc. – Hayward Chapter, and Fishing Hall of Fame. When an angler caught their limit of 5 in a day, they were awarded a limited-edition lapel pin.

Drawings were held at the Annual Fall Meeting of the Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Association on October 14th. Top prize winners were:

CFAPOA 1st Prize $500 Jay Girard Eagan MN

CFAPOA 2nd Prize $300 Marilyn DeBerry Morris IL

CFAPOA 3rd Prize $200 Adam Pfassman Washington IL

CFAPOA Member 1st Prize $150 Terry Herder Couderay WI

CFAPOA Member 2nd Prize $100 Jim Wilson Hayward WI

Fishing Hall of Fame $500 David Snortheim Stratford WI

Muskies Inc. – Hayward $500 Nick Raseta Lake Village IN

Additional names were drawn for numerous prizes offered by LCFRA and their members. In 2019 WDNR volunteers cleaned fish at tournaments so they could be made into fish patties that were donated to food shelves and senior centers. It is hoped that we can include that important aspect in future Pike Improvement Project events.

Barb Czarnecki

LCFRA Volunteer

715-699-0509

9138 W Johnson Rd

Hayward WI 54843

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