Once considered among the finest fisheries in the west, Pelican Lake has been overrun with carp, leaving the bluegill population struggling. According to the Division of Wildlife Resources, bluegill in Pelican Lake have decreased significantly in size over the past 10 years. An influx in 2008 and 2009 of large numbers of common carp triggered the rapid decline. “I’ve heard of no instances where bluegill have outcompeted carp in a fishery,” shares Trina Hedrick, DWR regional aquatics manager. “Everything I’ve read says just the opposite: carp do well and bluegill struggle to survive.” Unfortunately, the only way to completely eradicate the carp is by treating the lake with rotenone in order to start over. The “reset” button for the lake is scheduled for fall 2017 but will ultimately depend on water levels. If the water is too high, the treatment will be too expensive. If the treatment is not complete in 2017 then it will be rescheduled for 2018. Hedrick says the wait will be worth it. In the meantime, the DWR has liberalized bag limits on Pelican Lake. Call
435-781-9453
with any questions.
