2005 Warmwater Fisheries Survey of Alkali Lake, Grant County, WA

Alkali Lake was surveyed by the Region Two Warmwater Team September 19-21, 2005 using standardized warmwater survey methods. This is the sixth year of surveys conducted to determine long-term trends in the fish community. The most abundant species collected was yellow perch (Perca flavescens) followed by bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), pumpkinseed sunfish (L. gibbosus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The majority of fish collected were age two, and growth was above average for yellow perch, black crappie, and largemouth bass. Relative weights were near the national average (Wr = 100) for bluegill and black crappie, below average for yellow perch, and above average for pumpkinseed sunfish. Largemouth bass relative weights increased with length and were above average for large bass. Stock density indices indicate most fish populations are comprised of small fish. Relative abundance of yellow perch has increased in our samples since 1999, while largemouth bass have declined.