JTC Interview

with SCDNR Fisheries Biologist

 

Dan Rankin

 

 

Date: July 24, 2007

 

Attendees: Dan Rankin (DNR Fisheries Biologist), Ed Few, Bill Reid, Ken Sloan

 

The DNR Committee from the Jocassee Trout Club (JTC) interviewed Dan Rankin, the SCDNR Fisheries Biologist, to determine how the JTC can assist DNR towards the increase of the quality and quantity of Trout in Lake Jocassee. Following are the discussion questions and responses.

 

1.                    Many of the JTC members have witnessed large numbers of stockers being taken from the lake immediately after stocking.  Would the following help to prevent this:

 

a.                   Close the entire lake for Trout fishing immediately after stocking.

This is almost impossible and not feasible. First, it has to be approved and passed by the state Legislature. Second, it would be difficult for DNR to confidently determine if an angler was fishing for Trout, Bass, Perch, or Catfish. This will not happen.

 

b.                  Close the remote boat ramp and cove for Trout fishing after stocking.

Dan is all for this, but it is not within his jurisdiction. We need to talk to the park. Apparently the park was not receptive to the idea last year which is why there were never any barricades put up.

 

Club Action Item: Talk to park to determine what their concerns are.

 

Place informative signs at all of the ramps. Include DNR and club logo. Briefly describe the process of brooding, the cost of stocking and the cost of the fine. Include size and quantity limits.  Include general information on why/when fish are stocked and how to effectively catch and release sub-legal fish.  We should also discourage fishing in “pods” of recently stocked fish.

 

Same as above, but use informative brochures that can be made available on the club site via download, JOC, park office and at the park check-in locations.

 

Dan indicated that DNR may be able to subsidize the costs of the above.

 

c.                   Policing the ramp for illegal fishing after stocking. What can the JTC do to help with this?

 

Dan notifies DNR Law Enforcement every year prior to stocking. However, this is a busy time of year for DNR due to hunting seasons. Dan suggested that the club speak to Larry Holbrooks about this action item.

 

Club Action Item: Call Larry Holbrooks to discuss this task.

 

Oconee County has 4 DNR officers and Pickens has 5. Pickens and Oconee share resources.

 

d.                  Other ideas.

 

Dan suggested that we assist with remote lake stocking. This would require a pontoon boat with a special type of tank. The typical live wells or bait tanks will not work. JOC is willing to donate an old pontoon, but it requires a motor.

 

Club Action Item: Decide whether or not it makes sense to purchase a motor and stock tank to assist in this endeavor.

 

If we choose to police the area ourselves, then the extent of our capabilities is to inform the angler of their activity, provide them with of our informative brochures and, if the they continue to fish, then call the 1-800 hotline and report them to DNR.

 

FYI: Dan said that half of the Trout are stocked at the ramp and half are distributed. The larger, healthier fish are stocked at the ramp because they experience the worst trauma in transit from the hatchery to the lake.

 

2.                    Does the lake need additional stocking, more stock fish or both?

 

Last year, DNR stocked approximately 49,000 Trout (27,000 Brown and 22,000 Rainbow). This is less than years past for a variety of strategic reasons. First, research based on historic data proves that Lake Jocassee has extremely low bait concentrations. Dan showed us several statistics and graphs that were built based on Fall hydro acoustic data collected by Duke Energy and DNR biologists over the past several years. Since 1989, the lake has had an average of approximately 4 million shad (includes blue back herring and threadfin shad). In 1999 there were over 11 million. In 2005 there were less than 2 million – the worst since 1993.Currently, DNR is looking at indications from the fish (ex. condition of the fish and growth), along with shad population estimates to determine stocking rates.  DNR has a research biologist working to establish bioenergetics-based data models in place that will help them understand the optimum number of how many fish can be stocked based on that type of data, among other factors (i.e., drought). As bait increases, stocking should increase. Over stocking has been observed and typically results in less quality in recent years (lower condition and growth of Trout after stocking) – this is supported through measurement data collected over the years which proves that long fish caught in low bait periods weighed much less than the same size and same age fish that were caught when bait populations were higher.

 

We discussed the possibility of having a privately owned hatchery, but this really does not make much sense given the factors as stated above. However, if we wanted to pursue a private entity, then DNR would need to have access and final approval of any fish that we stocked into the lake.

 

3.                    Can the Fishing Log be simplified?  The JTC intends to more actively promote this reporting method but when a stranger first looks at the log with all its blanks and instructions, it frightens them away.  How can we make it appear simpler?  Is it possible to have the information furnished by internet?

 

Dan gave me the data that he needs and it is simple. For the most part, he needs your name, telephone number (optional but desirable), length, girth, weight (optional but desirable) and whether or not the bottom adipose fin (top fleshy, fatty tissue fin behind the dorsal fin) is clipped.  We will provide a drawing showing this fin.  Brown Trout exhibiting this clip were all stocked in the Fall of 2006.  Current length and weight on these fish let’s Dan know how the fish are growing and over time will provide information on longevity.  Data needs to be specific (i.e., instead of 5 lbs and 21 inches, he would prefer to see more exact data such as 11.87 lbs and 20.75 inches). He also wants a report even if you do not catch anything.  I will develop a form based on his suggestions. Dan also suggested that we limit this form to our serious anglers. If we put together a form, DNR will pay to have it printed in on water proof paper and create an angler diary book for serious anglers (fish more than 6 days per year to keep in their boat). We need to figure out how to get this data back to Dan effectively. Data is the most important thing we can do for Dan at this time.

 

Club Action Item: Determine how to get data back to Dan. Should we put lock boxes at the ramps so you can simply drop it in the box as you leave the lake; send email directly to Dan with data…

 

Bill Reid is going to develop a picture of a Trout with an indicator pointing to the fin that might be clipped.

 

Fin clipping was done to the stockers in the Fall of 2006. We are currently catching Trout on Jocassee with fins clipped that show impressive growth and weight. Based on data that has been sent to Dan this year, the Trout are growing at an average of almost one inch per month and are weighing 3 – 4 pounds.

 

4.                    Would it be beneficial to establish a Trout fishing season where the lake would be closed for Trout fishing for several weeks or months each year?

 

This is similar to question to question 1a.

 

Dan suggested that the best time of year to limit Trout fishing on the lake would be summer if the goal is to reduce exploitation (angling mortality).  Summer is a time when Trout are concentrated because of the water quality “squeeze” making them more vulnerable to angling/harvest.  Summer is also a time when catch and release mortality is likely much higher.  

 

Tracking the year classes of stocked Brown Trout will help Dan determine growth and mortality rates.  This will help DNR model different regulation scenarios based on the expectations of anglers. He does not believe closing the Trout season in the Fall or Winter would provide any appreciable benefit.

 

5.                    Would there be any benefit to changing the size or creel limit for Trout?

 

The size limit use to be 12 inches. However, data has proven that too many fish were harvested which resulted in less quantity and quality fish. Ultimately, the size of harvested fish can be determined by the size limit. If you want more fish as opposed to large trophy fish, then reducing the size limit would help meet this goal. If you prefer larger trophy fish, then the size limit should be increased. Dan suggested that the club could help gather angler preference data on this matter.

 

Club Action Item: Decide what are goals are and respond to Dan.

 

Dan does support creel limits. There are night fishermen who are catching limit catches of Trout with 6 – 10 people on board. That equates to 30 – 50 fish on one boat. Dan is opposed to this type of harvest is concerned this level of harvest by individual parties may raise angling exploitation to levels that limit the quality of the fishery for individual anglers. Possibly look at 3 per person and a maximum of 10 per boat. DNR has some regulating authority that allows them to enforce certain changes without going through the state legislature. Changing the creel limit could be one of them.  Dan will present possible regulation scenarios after the growth and modeling studies are complete. 

 

Club Action Item: We need to discuss creel limits and provide input back to Dan.

 

6.                    Some club members seem to think there is so much bait in Jocassee that we need to introduce another Trout species to help control the amount of bait and thereby improve fishing.  Others think there is not enough bait to support the present fish population.  Please comment.

 

See question #2.

 

Bait populations fluctuate from year to year. Right now, there quite simply is not enough bait in Jocassee to support more than 50,000 stockers.

 

Club Action Item: discuss with Dan how we can help increase populations of bait.

 

The issue with stocking Lake Trout is getting the eggs. Dan also stated that there are always political issues when you introduce new species (especially exotic) into a lake.  Studies which have just been initiated in Tennessee where two story lakes should tell us more about the success of Lake Trout in systems similar to Jocassee.

 

7.                    Does Lake Jocassee and the SCDNR receive cooperation from N.C. DNR in enforcing the size and creel limits?  Some JTC members reported seeing fishermen walk from the N.C. end of the lake and remove large numbers of small Trout.

 

The only enforcement that Dan is aware of is during the holidays. Other than that, NC DNR has higher priorities than protecting water that does not financially support their organization. Apparently there is some grief regarding non-reciprocation of licensing. SC DNR does not want to share the revenue because they do not think it would be fair to SC residents to trade fishing privileges on 7,400 acres of Jocassee and only gain 100 acres of new water.  NC would have to offer something additional to the 100 acres of Jocassee to make this an equitable reciprocation.  Data shows that over approximately 50% of all licenses sold to Jocassee anglers are from out of state and the large majority of those are from NC. Further, NC will does not assist in stocking so the burden of cost and management lies in the hands of SC DNR.  The non-resident fees also contribute to Oconee and Pickens County Game and Fish funds which are administered by SCDNR and are spent by approval of the counties’ legislative delegations.  In the past, these funds have funded things like upgrading the Jocassee boat ramps and docks, etc.  Many legislators have in the past opposed reciprocal license agreements because a revenue source would be lost to these county funds.  The bulk of the surface acreage (99+%) of Jocassee lies in SC.  It does not make sense to have a reciprocal license (where NC anglers pay the same as SC anglers) when SC license holders pay essentially 100% of Lake Jocassee management efforts.  

 

Club Action Item: Call NC DNR and discuss with them.

 

8.                    How do the stocking policies, size and creel limits at Jocassee compare to other southeastern Trout lakes?

 

Dan is unaware of any SE lakes that are being intensively managed for a Trout stocking program. Most states are focused on stream/river Trout stocking. He did suggest that Virginia has a good program (Lake Moomaw).  Other states like Tennessee and North Carolina are just beginning to focus management efforts on managing Trout in lakes.  Lakes like Bull Shoals in Arkansas, Laurel River Lake in Kentucky, Lake Lanier in Georgia, and Lake Russell, GA and SC are no longer managed for Trout.

 

9.                    Would it assist DNR if fishermen tagged fish prior to releasing them?

 

No. Per Dan, what is the objective of this? They have already collected all the movement data they need.  Clipping is the program that they endorse and we can certainly help with that. Dan will give us ample notice before the next clipping so that we can make plans to support them. Individuals tagging fish also adds to the handling stress and likely increases catch and release mortality.

 

10.                What is status of the hatchery Stamp Proposal?  We believe we can help with this.

 

Dead. There was a period of time when the DNR budget was threatened and cut significantly. Apparently, this is not the case today. DNR does not have a huge budget, but they can sustain what they have.

 

Sen. Thomas Alexander has indicated a desire to help DNR get their original funding back which he helped secure for Walhalla Hatchery. Dan suggested that the club reach out to the senator if they think this is a good idea. Dan suggested that it is better to write individual letters as opposed to one club letter signed by all.

 

Club Action Item: Form a committee to research DNR budget cuts and develop a plan of attack for approaching the senator.

 

11.                How can we help to make Lake Jocassee a more productive Trout fishery?

 

DATA!!!  Dan wants data. If the club is going to get involved with DNR and support Dan’s efforts and begin pursing our goal of increasing the quality and quantity of Trout on Lake Jocassee, then we need to start sending Dan data. He has been asking for this for the past 2 years, but he is not getting overwhelmed by our support.

 

Fin clipping. He will let us know when the next clipping will occur. Can’t do weekend due to DNR staffing.

 

12.                Other concerns.

 

Dan asked what our expectations are. In other words, given our goals and ambitions, what do we really want to accomplish. Be specific.  Example – What would club members prefer to catch on an average trip to Jocassee?:

a.       Limit of Trout in the 1 – 3 pound range

b.      Two Trout in the 4 – 5 pound range

c.       One trophy Trout in the 6+ pounds range

 

Club Action Item: We need to regroup, revisit and better define our expectations.

 

Misc. Notes:

 

1.                    Carp are bad. Carp are not our friends. Kill them. If you catch them – kill them. Do not put them back in the lake. They eat fish eggs and stockers and they compete for food. The population of carp in Lake Jocassee has actually declined, but the ones that are there are old and big.

2.                    Dan has a wealth of data and graphs. Bill is going to collaborate with Dan in an effort to gather as much data as possible and publish on the JTC web site. Bill will work with Sam on coordination of this task.

3.                    Cast nets and other non-game fishing devices are illegal on Lake Jocassee because of the lack of baitfish and the possible susceptibility of recently stocked Trout to non-game devices. Allowing cast nets will promote commercial baiting and there is little DNR could do to stop this and they think this would be bad for the recreational fishery.