Phyllis lake winter kill

[WhitefishLady]

Went to Phyllis lake this morning (near Caroline) to hopefully find some perch for the 3 year old. No fish on the camera. Dead perch on the bottom. Every hole we made close to the island could see 5-6 dead perch. Another person we talked to (from a distance) did not catch or see anything. Winter kill? Never heard of it at this lake. We were just there in January and lots of perch. Anyone been there recently?

[WayneChristie]

Originally Posted by WhitefishLady

Went to Phyllis lake this morning (near Caroline) to hopefully find some perch for the 3 year old. No fish on the camera. Dead perch on the bottom. Every hole we made close to the island could see 5-6 dead perch. Another person we talked to (from a distance) did not catch or see anything. Winter kill? Never heard of it at this lake. We were just there in January and lots of perch. Anyone been there recently?

Even perch fear gingers

[WhitefishLady]

Originally Posted by WayneChristie

Even perch fear gingers

Well wouldn’t you?

[Pikebreath]

How much snow cover is there on the lake?

Snow reflects sunlight, no light penetration through the ice stops all photosynthesis and excess decaying plants consume O2 at a greater rate than on a lake with little snow cover.

So yeah, I think we will more hearing winterkill reports from shallow and smaller / shelters waterbodies.

[WhitefishLady]

Originally Posted by Pikebreath

How much snow cover is there on the lake?

Snow reflects sunlight, no light penetration through the ice stops all photosynthesis and excess decaying plants consume O2 at a greater rate than on a lake with little snow cover.

So yeah, I think we will more hearing winterkill reports from shallow and smaller / shelters waterbodies.

Yes Lots of snow 1-2 ft. Agree totally.

[Stryker2]

Originally Posted by WhitefishLady

Went to Phyllis lake this morning (near Caroline) to hopefully find some perch for the 3 year old. No fish on the camera. Dead perch on the bottom. Every hole we made close to the island could see 5-6 dead perch. Another person we talked to (from a distance) did not catch or see anything. Winter kill? Never heard of it at this lake. We were just there in January and lots of perch. Anyone been there recently?

This will be the 2nd year in a row then. It winter killed last year as well, i was there last June and there wasn't a fish to be seen, and all the locals that I talked to said it had winter killed!

[slough shark]

That would be good for trout they stock if the perch and suckers are gone, those things were thick last time I was there 10 years ago, trout looked half starved

[WayneChristie]

Originally Posted by WhitefishLady

Well wouldn’t you?

gots that right! I hope the 3 of you are doing well. been a while!

[WhitefishLady]

Originally Posted by Stryker2

This will be the 2nd year in a row then. It winter killed last year as well, i was there last June and there wasn't a fish to be seen, and all the locals that I talked to said it had winter killed!

Hmmm we were just there this year in January and lots of perch. Maybe it was “stocked” again haha.

[tallieho]

Originally Posted by slough shark

That would be good for trout they stock if the perch and suckers are gone, those things were thick last time I was there 10 years ago, trout looked half starved

Now the Govt should put in some Tiger Trout.It will help to maintain the perch& sucker populations.

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by tallieho

Now the Govt should put in some Tiger Trout.It will help to maintain the perch& sucker populations.

Not familiar with the lake personally but if it has an on going history of winter kill I would not think it’s worth stocking tigers. If anything cheaper readily available rainbows stocked to be used as an open water opportunity.

Tigers are way cooler the rainbows but unless there is going to be efforts to address the winter kill issue it just seems like a waste of funding that could be used elsewhere

[WhitefishLady]

We have been fishing at Phyllis for over 10 years never seen it devoid of life like I saw this past Sunday. It would probably benefit from aerations anyways though. Tigers would be neat in there but agree could be a waste. Without the perch it would be a pretty good rainbow fishery so hopefully the perch are all gone and the bucket brigade doesn’t come back. Was planning on emailing a provincial biologist about what we saw.

I’m a bit nostalgic about this lake as it is one of the first places I ever fished.

[pyke88]

Saturday morning I fished Phyllis. Normally lots of action. All little guys, but entertaining none the less. This past weekend, not a nibble. I mean nothing. Couple other groups on the ice and I didn't see anyone with much action.

[Smoky buck]

If you have a history of fishing the lake often and this is completely abnormal it does not hurt to report it. Unfortunately because bio’s receive all kinds of crazy reports you can’t expect much results unless they are seeing a trend in reports or the lake is already on their radar.

Best way to get their attention is don’t do what most fishermen do. Don’t tell them you think it’s winter kill and you want to see X done. Reach out to your local bio and mention you are concerned about the dead fish you observed and noticed an overall lack of live fish activity. Ask them if they are aware of the situation or know what could possibly be going on.

At times it pays to play dumb, stick to simple facts and act inquisitive. It can often lead to learning possible future plans for the lake in question. Seems to spark more interest in issues when they are approached by someone trying to gain knowledge from someone who noticed something concerning.

Just my opinion

[WhitefishLady]

Originally Posted by pyke88

Saturday morning I fished Phyllis. Normally lots of action. All little guys, but entertaining none the less. This past weekend, not a nibble. I mean nothing. Couple other groups on the ice and I didn't see anyone with much action.

Yes exactly it’s a nice place to take kids as well

AM
Smoky buck If you have a history of fishing the lake often and this is completely abnormal it does not hurt to report it. Unfortunately because bio’s receive all kinds of crazy reports you can’t expect much results unless they are seeing a trend in reports or the lake is already on their radar.

Best way to get their attention is don’t do what most fishermen do. Don’t tell them you think it’s winter kill and you want to see X done. Reach out to your local bio and mention you are concerned about the dead fish you observed and noticed an overall lack of live fish activity. Ask them if they are aware of the situation or know what could possibly be going on.

At times it pays to play dumb, stick to simple facts and act inquisitive. It can often lead to learning possible future plans for the lake in question. Seems to spark more interest in issues when they are approached by someone trying to gain knowledge from someone who noticed something concerning.

Just my opinion

I really appreciate the tips thanks! Will do. I’m a fish biologist so maybe they will listen a bit more or take me more seriously. That being said I’d be more inclined to word it like you says and be humble. Depending on who it is I might know them. Would you have any suggestion on who is the best person on this area? I can dig into that myself of course.

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by WhitefishLady

Yes exactly it’s a nice place to take kids as well




I really appreciate the tips thanks! Will do. I’m a fish biologist so maybe they will listen a bit more or take me more seriously. That being said I’d be more inclined to word it like you says and be humble. Depending on who it is I might know them. Would you have any suggestion on who is the best person on this area? I can dig into that myself of course.

Makes a big difference having a background for sure

I just moved back to Alberta this year after years away so can’t really help you there.

[Epic_mango_27]

we where there on nov 21 2020 and no perch and 2 trout by the island each 10 or so inches, winterkill??

[S_Mooj]

i was there this weekend, checked all around the lake with the camera for perch. didnt see one. got a dozens though. they were bigger than in years past.

[S_Mooj]

dozen rainbows! sorry not perch