Fish limits have been increased on Pelican Lake in preparation for a rotenone treatment scheduled for this fall. According to DWR Regional Aquatics Manager Trina Hedrick, in 2008 and 2009 an influx of carp moved into the lake and have taken over the fishery. “We have seen a resulting decrease in water clarity…and everyone has noticed,” shares Hedrick. “You used to be able to see 6 feet down in that water column and now you can see less than a foot.” This presents serious feeding problems to the native fish in the lake including bluegill that are sight feeders and the murky water is causing starvation among their population. Pelican Lake is nationally known as a blue ribbon fishery but it has recently been placed on the probation list due to the carp invasion. Unfortunately, explains Hedrick, carp are an incredibly tolerant species and the only way to correct the problem is to kill off the entire fishery through the rotenone treatment and start over. Anglers are urged to enjoy months of fishing on Pelican Lake with no limit on harvesting bluegill and a double limit on bass.
Image source: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
