Yellow Perch Fisheries in Joker Lake

Joker Lake, near Red Earth Creek, was once a very popular fishery that was well-known for its high abundance of large yellow perch. However, AEP gillnet data from 2017 suggests that Joker Lake has low abundances of yellow perch and northern pike. Winterkill is believed to be the likely cause of the poor catches. ACA, in collaboration with AEP, intended to transfer perch from Mink Lake to aid in the recovery of the fishery in Joker Lake. However, upon ACA and AEP setting gillnets in Joker Lake to establish baseline abundances of yellow perch and northern pike, we were able to demonstrate a high abundance of healthy northern pike and yellow perch (39 perch and 29 pike), suggesting the fishery is recovering on its own and does not require a yellow perch transfer to improve the quality of the fishery in Joker Lake.

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Alberta Environment and Parks

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