Winter Kill??

[BigFisherman]

Any of the smaller lakes north of Marcell have any winter kill? Horseshoe, Jingo, Bellow, Pelton? Any observations would be appreciated. Thanks

[Guest]

Bigfisherman....None of those lakes you listed underwent oxygen deficiencies this winter. The lakes in that region did have an extra few inches of ice compared to normal, but because of the lack of snow cover this year photosynthesis occurred much later even under the ice than usual. What's your interest in the status of these lakes? Planning a trip this summer?

[BigFisherman]

Alaskander: This past February my wife & I purchased a home on Horseshoe that we will be retiring to in July. I know that some of the lakes in that area have suffered with as much ice as this year. Your answer was what I was hoping but just wanted to verify. Thanks for the reply. Stop by @ Gilgenbach's old place on Cedar Heights Rd sometime. Coffee is hot, beer will be cold and bait will be in the boat.

[Guest]

BigFisherman...If your on the 270 acre Horseshoe near marcell, it Had a partial winterkill in '92. Other than that the lake seems to be doing very well with overall fish growth being Excellent with good diversity.

[BigFisherman]

That is the one. Was the previous kill due to snow & ice or just ice?

[Guest]

BigFisherman....The lake survey did not specify the lake conditions from the partial freeze out. I know that area had lots of snow and slush on the lakes late season and lots of smaller, shallow lakes became anoxic. They mentioned an increase in pike numbers and that is very consistant with a partial winterkill because pike can endure dissolved oxygen levels of 2 ppm or less. It appears that walleyes and bass suffered the most and are now recovering quite nicely.

[This message has been edited by Alaskander70 (edited 04-30-2003).]