Rotenone in Fisheries: Are the Rewards Worth the Risks?

6. Northern Pike Control at Lake Davis, California

Dennis P. Lee

doi: https://doi.org/10.47886/9781888569339.ch6

Abstract.—Northern pike are listed in the California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 as a “detrimental animal” and it is unlawful to import, transport or possess northern pike alive except under permit. In 1989 the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) confirmed the presence of northern pike in Frenchman’s Reservoir. Prior to this, northern pike were not known to occur in California. In 1991, Frenchman’s Reservoir and tributaries were treated with Nusyn-noxfish to eliminate northern pike and the treatment was considered successful. In 1994, the DFG confirmed the angler capture of a northern pike from Lake Davis. In early October 1997, the DFG cleared legal challenges and in mid-October treated the lake with a combination of powdered Pronoxfish and Nusyn-noxfish, and tributary streams with Nusyn-noxfish. By July 1998, no chemicals from the treatment were detected and the DFG initiated rainbow trout stocking. Subsequently in May 1999, a northern pike was caught in Lake Davis, and the DFG again verified the presence of northern pike. The DFG developed 40 alternatives for controlling northern pike at Lake Davis from input at public meeting and workshops, and literature reviews. In February 2000, the DFG released Managing Northern Pike at Lake Davis: A Plan for Y2000 that described 12 recommended containment and control actions to be implemented during 2000. Chemical treatment of the lake was not included as a control action. The plan also described a monitoring program to measure the plan’s success and provide opportunities to make informed course corrections should they be needed.