FWP Announces Final Environmental Assessment for Gartside Reservoir

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Following a public comment period Fish, Wildlife and Parks has approved a final environmental assessment for stocking tiger muskellunge in Gartside Reservoir to control stunted pan fish populations. The stocking action will commence the fall of 2005 and continue annually for several years.

Region 7, fisheries biologists believe that stocking tiger musky may improve average fish size and provide additional angler opportunity. Anglers have expressed concern that all fish species in the reservoir are small and decent sized fish are rarely caught. The stocking effort will be conducted for 5-years to evaluate its success at reducing the stunted forage fish populations, especially bluegill and yellow perch. Survival and growth of tiger muskellunge, plus impacts on the existing fishery will be monitored in spring and fall during the duration of the stocking period. Northern pike stocking efforts will be postponed during the tiger muskellunge-stocking period.

Signs will be posted at Gartside Reservoir to aid anglers in identifying northern pike from tiger muskellunge. Identification is important because of different harvest regulations for each species. Ten northern pike, of any size, can be harvested, but only one tiger muskellunge, which must be at least 40 inches long, can be harvested.