2000 Evergreen Reservoir Warmwater Survey, Grant County, Washington

A total of 13 fish species were observed in Evergreen Reservoir, and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus was the most abundant warmwater fish species collected during the 2000 warmwater fish survey. Growth and relative weights of bluegill were above average indicating this population may be in low density. Bluegill were not observed in Evergreen Reservoir during a 1987 warmwater survey, and were found in low numbers (n = 11) in 1997. Data indicate the bluegill population in Evergreen Reservoir may have been rapidly expanding, and were beginning to recruit to quality size at the time of our survey. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) (n = 314) was the second most abundant fish species observed during 2000, and most abundant species observed in 1997 (n = 68), and 1987 (n = 375). The PSD of yellow perch captured by gill nets in 2000 was low (8 + 4). These data were consistent with what was observed in 1997 and 1987, and suggests few yellow perch reach quality size or larger in Evergreen Reservoir. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) abundance (n = 156) in Evergreen Reservoir increased from what was observed 1989 and 1997. Relative weights were above average with low numbers of stock-size fish observed and high PSD and RSD values, suggesting largemouth bass may be in low density.

Most warmwater fish species were found in average or above average condition. Walleye (Sander vitreum), yellow perch (> 140 mm), and tiger muskie (Esox lucius �" Esox masquinongy) were the only fish species observed with below average relative weights. Relative weights of walleye and yellow perch in other Columbia Basin lakes are frequently found slightly below average, and may not be an indication of poor health. Additionally, little data were available on growth and condition of tiger muskie stocked in Washington waters, and below average relative weights of tiger muskie in Evergreen Reservoir may be typical of a waterbody with this type of species composition. Most Evergreen Reservoir warmwater fish species exhibited above average growth, which was consistent with findings in 1997 and 1987. We recommend maintaining the current statewide fishing regulations on Evergreen Reservoir warmwater fish species, continue tiger muskie stocking, and conducting periodic creel census surveys as time and budget permits.