A FISHERIES SURVEY OF PECK LAKE FULTON COUNTY

NEW YORK

Laurie A. Trotta

BIOLOGICAL FIELD STATION COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK

Occasional Paper No. 36

June 2002

STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT ONEONTA

Abstract This data was collected at the request of the Peck's Lake Protection Association

(PLPA) and Peck's Lake Enterprises in an effort to identify trends and/or changes in the tish populations in Peck lake. The PLPA would like to stock trout and to know if their previous stocking program has been successful. Peck's Lake Enterprises owns a marina and conages on the Lake and depends on the fishery. Samples were collected on July 8­15.2000 and September 29,2000.

There are three other reports concerning the fish of Peck Lake. The first is a New York State Conservation Department Biological Survey done in 1932. In 1984, the New Yark State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) did a fishery survey. In 1998. the NYSDEC published an interpretive summary of the water quality data collected through the New York Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP).

Between 1984 and 2000, the oxygen concentrations and pH have dropped during the seasons the data was collected. Dissolved oxygen is generally less than 3mgIL below the thennocline. The pH ranged from 5.5 to 6.7. Conductivity of the lake varies from 41­8711mhos depending upon location.

Changes in the fish populations have been observed as well. Walleye have been collected in the lake for the first time. The largemouth bass population is showing an increase in the number of quality size fish. The smallmouth bass population is balanced (30-60%PSD), but the data indicate that the numbers of quality sized fish has decreased.

The bass populations are self-sustaining in Peck Lake and further stocking is not recommended. There is very linle vegetative habitat for the fish for spa\\'TIing and cover. It is recommended that vegetation in the lake should be preserved. It is also recommended that a plan for consistent monitoring of all meaningful lake parameters, such as oxygen. pH. fish, etc .. is developed so that the long tenn data base produced may be used in future lake management strategies.

I

Table of Contents

.-\bstract Table of Contents 11

Introduction Fig. 1: Topographic map of three original lakes Table I: Stocking list -r

f

\ilmerials and Methods 6 Fish Sampling 6

Table 2: Collection sites of 1984 & 2000 8 Fig. 2:Map of sampling sites 1984 9 Fig. 3:Map of sampling sites 2000 10

Water Quality 11

Results 11 Table 3: Physical and chemical characteristic 12 Table 4: Physical and chemical characteristics 1984 13 Fig. 4: Dissolved oxygen and Temperatures 2000 14 Fig. 5: l~umbers of fish by species 1984 & 2000 16 Fig. 6: Length ranges of fish captured 1984 & 2000 17 Table 5: Summary of numbers and length ranges 2000 18 Table 6: Summary of numbers and length ranges 1984 19 Table 7: Length frequency distributions of fish 2000 21 Table 8. 9 & i 0: Length frequency disuibutions of fish 1984 Taole 11: Overall mean lengths. standard deviation and sample

sizes 2000 ~l::1blp 1;· n\TPr<lll mpan Ipnath<: "tana'nrdde"I'ation"na' cnn1pl~~..... _.l _. ,-" _ ........... .\..1. _ .L.&. _ .L:;::," ......... 0../ ... a... Y..... (...4... ...,a...... ... ......

sizes 1984 27 Table 13: Proportional Stock Densities 2000 28 Table 14: Proportional Stock Densities 1984 Table 15: Species mranged by length and age group :000 Table 16 &: 17: Species arranged by length and age group 1984 Fig. 7: Water level t1uctuations

Discussion 35 ~vlanagement recommendations 39

References 41 .\ppendix 1: Average length and standard deviation by age group 2000 .+3 .\PPci1dix 2: ~/lean lengths and standard deviations by age and sample sizes

1..11984 -r,

Appendix .3: Statistical comparison of fish length by species beI\\"t~en

1984 & 2000 45

11

--

Introduction

Peck Lake is the second largest body of water in Fulton County, New York

(Nashett, 1987). It \vas fonned from three smaller lakes, Peck Lake, East Lake, and Gould

Lake (Figure I) in 1911 when Niagara Mohawk constructed a concrete dam and spillway.

A large eanhen dam was built at the northeastern end, to keep impounded water from

Howing into West Stony creek.

~ ~. or'

?

Figure I: Topographic map of the three original lakes \'vhich were flooded to create Peck Lake

2 The lake' s surface is at an elevation of 420.6 meters. It has a shoreline of 22.-+

kilometers (Nashett. 1987). Peck Lake has a maximum depth of 12.2 meters and a mean

deeth of 4.3 meters. and had an annual '.vater level t1uctuation of 2.6 meters.

Niagara Ivlohawk has used the flow from Peck Lake since the dam was

cOl1stmcted to augment water How to downstream generating facilities (NashetL 1987).

Orion Power Ne\y York bought the rights to the dam from Niagara Mohawk in 1999. It

\Vas rebuilt 20 years ago, and gauge measurements and maintenance are performed

regular basis (pel's. com. Niziol. 2001). Since 1999, there has been a 3.6 meter drawdo\\TI

of'silt.::r level eacll year with normal snow cover (pers. com. Niziol. 2001), After the

recreation season ends, the drawdovvn begins \vhen the tbsil boards are removed. The

11ash boards are replaced after spring mnoff ends (pers. com. Niziol. 2001).

In the late 1800's, '"Peck' s Park" was created to satisfy demands of the public for

qri\'~l!e hunting and fishing grounds \vith modem transponation and facilities (Anon,

19G4!. Peck's Lake ~merprises ad':enises ;'fabujous tishing" at their resort (pel's. com.

?eci"..-'\ .. 2000) .

The 1932 Biological SUf"ey reported the following tish species present in Peck

L!~e: northern pike. Esox lucius: chain pickerel. Esox niger: largemouth buss.

lJiaol)lllrliS salmoidcs: smallmouth bass. J1ieroj7lerlls dolmnielli: yellcm' perch. Perea

rhn'<:.',l'Ili?S: brown bullhead. !cralurus I1Chlilosis: and suntish, Lepomis spp. In 1974.

:;;;hUL'P reported a similar list plus black crappie. ?omoxis nigromaculams: rock bass.

. !mn/op!iICS rllpeslris: suckers. CUlostomlis spp.: Gnd rainbow trout. Salmo gain/ned

(l'<ashcLt. 1987).

I

3 Private stocking by the Peck's Lake Enterprises included 2000 largemouth bass

and 200 black crappie in 1948 and 100 rainbow trout in each of 1959, 1965, 1967, and

1972 (pers. com. Peck, A., 2001). In 1978, 1700 largemouth bass were stocked (PLPA,

1994). According to the Peck' s Lake Protection Association (PLPA), fish stocking

continued throughout the 1980's, but no records were kept. The PLPA has stocked the

lake in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998 (pers. com Nitsche. 2000). Fish

species stocked by the PLPA included largemouth bass, smallmouth bass. crappie.

bullhead and perch between 3" to 9" long (Table J). Fourteen inch rainbow trout were

stocked in 1999 (pers. com. Peck, A., 2000).

4

~-~---~--~---~~-----~ ---------------~

Table I: Stocking list receivea from William Nitsche. Fish Committee. Peck bke Protection Association

Yec.r Soccies Ouanrit': Size i inches)

1991 Largemouth bass 1000 3-5

I1992 Smailmouth bass .+00 3-5 J

1993 Smailmouth bass 800 5-7

,Crappie 650

1995 Largemouth bass 200 -+-6 _I Smailmouth bass .+35 3-6

1996 Bullhead 900 -+-8

Smailmouth bass 190 5-7

Perch ISO 0-8

Crappie lOO b-S

i997 Llrgemouth bass 200 6-(~

Smailmourh bass 850 3·G

i998 Craop!e 170 ";-,J

... !'I -' -~-ISmallmouth bass 850

Largemouth b"ss 200 0- "()

I

5 The New York State Conservation Department was denied pennission to collect

tish after the 1932 Biological Survey until 1984 (Nashett, 1987). That year the NYSDEC

performed a survey (Figure 2. Table 1). Such infonnation was needed in order to help in

the review of permit applications for such things as protection of waters and hydropower

development.

The PLPA and the Peck's Lake Enterprises would like to know if their stocking

efforts are fruitful and cost effective. In 1984, Mr. Bernard Sleeper, fanner Fish

Committee Chairman of the PLPA and Mr. Albert Peck mentioned apparent decline in

the quality offishing (Nashett, 1987). Recently, Mr. William Nitsche of the Peck's Lake

Protective Association (PLPA) Fish Committee, and Mr. Albert Peck of Peck's Lake

Enterprises expressed the same concerns. New York State Department of Environmental

Conservation (NYSDEC) rated the angling quality at Peck Lake to be good overall

(Nashett. 1987).

The purpose of the present survey is to collect fishery resource data for the PLPA

and the Peck's Lake Enterprises to be used in making management decisions, such as fish

stocking, for Peck Lake. The data collected will be compared to DEC's 1984 work in an

effort to identi~; trends and/or changes in the fish populations in Peck Lake.

6 I _J

.\1aterials and Methods

Fish Samplim!

In 1984. the NYSDEC used experimental S\vedish gill nets each consisting of six

7.62m panels \vith 3.8cm, S.lcm, 6cm, 6.4cm, 7.6cm, and 8.9cm diagonal stretched mesh

with a l.Sm depth. The nets were set in a gang of three nets with the smallest mesh of

one net joining the largest mesh of the next net. The total length of the gang was 13.7m.

The fish captured were not segregated by mesh size. (Nashett, 1984)

Pennsyh'ania trap nets \vere used in place of the Swedish gill nets used by

)JYSDEC as required bv the Pecks and the PLPA. The rectangular opening: of the tran ~ • _ ... __ J..

was] 93cm x 94cm \vith a lead line IS.Sm long. The lead line '.vas run perpendicular to

:3hore and the trap set under the water's surface. The mesh size of the netting 'Nas 1.25cm

square. The pot was approximately 3m long and consisted of a second rectangular frame i·

the same size as the opening, followed by four rings Siem in diameter. Each piece of the

Trame was spaced 51 em apart. The total length of the trap net was o.pproximately 1.8m

long.

In 1984. -:~YSDEC captured fish with gill nets on August 29'M using four gangs

(5491111 and on .-\ugust 30th using two gangs (274m) (Nashett. 1984). (Figure 2.Table 1)

In :2000, ten sites \vere selected and numbered for setting the trap nets. Two nets

\'vere set per day and recovered 24 hours later. Trap nelS were set July 8. 1L 13-15.2000

to complete sampling of all ten sites. (Figure 3 & [ahle j)

In 1984, a 6.5m. semi-v Polarcraft was used to electrofish the lake. "A 3500 \vatt

7 gasoline driven alternator" provided electropower using the CofTelt Electronics Variable

Voltage Pulsator in its upper voltage setting of 300 volts pulsed direct current half-wave

in 25 and 50 volt steps. Central boom electrodes acted as cathodes and the lateral booms

acted as anodes. Two sites were fished for approximately one hour each on August 29,

1984 (Nashett, 1984). (Figure 2, Table 2)

In 2000, a Smith-Root electrotish boat was used to sample the fish. A 3500 watt

Honda generator was used to supply electrical power to the unit using a variable voltage

pulsator (VVP) to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) running at 60

pulses per second. The unit can be run at six to seven amps, and 336 or 504 volts. The

current is split between the forward cathode and anode array. Two lateral booms acted as

anodes while a center boom acted as a cathode.

Electrofishing 'Nas conducted according to the sampling methods prescribed by

the Bureau of Fisheries, Fish Sampling Manual (Green, 1989). The shoreline was divided

into sections of equal length of approximately 2.5 kilometers. The sections were fished

for either thirty minutes collecting game fish only or fifteen minutes collecting all fish.

The slloreiine was not fished from the eanhen dam to the east of the rocky shoals due to

extreme drop otT in depth and difficulty in maneuvering around the rocks. Also. the

shoreline from "'Rock Island" to the concrete dam (sections 8-10, Figure 3) was not

dectrofished due to heavy fog conditions (Figure 3).

As fish were captured. they ,vere identified, and measured for length and weight

(Smith, 1985). Scales \vere removed and used to calculate the age of the fish.

.-\dterwards. the fish were returned to the site of capture.

Table 2:.\ Jist of collection sites on Peck Lake. Fulton County. New York for both 1984 and 2000

I .~.1

Duration

Collection

site

.., -3

~

5

6

Date

of gear

deployment

8/29/84

8/29/84

8/29/84

8/29 /84

8/30/84

8/30/84

Gear

t\pe

gill

gill

gin

gill

gill

giil

Total

length of

net set (ml

13.7

13.7

13.7

13.7

] 3.7

13.7

Depth

range

fished (m)

1.5-5.75

.+.5-9,5

l.5-4.5

3-5

6-7.6

6.7-8.25

of gear

deployment

(approximate he)

20

19

19

19

17

1"'1 , I

collector

NYSDEC

NYSDEC

NYSDEC

NYSDEC

NYSDEC

NYSDEC

J 1,

1 l,

7

8

8/29/84

8/29/84

electro

electro

n/a

J1/a

0-1.5

0-1.5

NYSDEC

NYSDEC J .., -

7/8/2000

7/8/2000

trao

trap

18.25

18.25

1.5-3

1.5-3

24

:4

Trona

Trona l 3

..+

::

b

0 u

q

7,'j 1/2000

7'1'+/2000

71.+/2000

7/13/2000

7/13/2000

7115/2000

7'15/2000

trap

trap

trap

traD

trap

trao

trap

18.25

18.25

18.25

18.25

18.25

18.25

18.25

1.5-3

l.S-3

1.5-3

! .5-3

1.5-3

1.5-3

1.5-3

~,

_"T

24

.24

24

2.+

24

24

Trotta

Trona

Trotta

Trotta

Trorra

Trorra

Trotta

l 1 1

10

-,

~

7/13/2000

9/29/2000

9/29/2000

9/29/2000

trap

electro

electro

electro

18.25

n!a

nla

nla

5-10

0- (.5

0-1.5

0-1.5

24

0.25

0.50

0.25

Trona

Trona

Trotta

Trotta

J I

.+

::

t)

7

9/29/2000

9/29 /2000

9/29/2000

9 12'912000

electro

eiectro

electro

electro

n/a

nla

nJa

n/a

0-1.5

0-l.5

0-1.5

0-1.5

0.50

0.50

0.25

0,50

Trotta

Trotta

Trotta

Trotta

I J I J

I

Pee \~'5 l_Ake ~/: \of

o Yz. 1­, • .I

o H & t" I L.. Eo

-----~ Ii II

[lU:"Q'Il'll'I =.......I

Ele"atlon 1381'

Max. Dcpth 40 fcet F I SIIIIlG PECK'S lAKE

Peck's lake, located a short drive nortliwe~t of the city ofYater Color Clear

Clovcrsvllle, offers fishing for Ilorthern Pike, large and small mouth Oass, Pickerel, Yellow Perch, Crappie, Rock Bass, and Bull ­heads. The lakc has produced many large Pike and Bass over the years, and wi II more than likely be doing 50 for many ycurs to com.,. The Peck Brothers tlarlna has bo"ts and motors for ..ent, and a good '.'\lnchlng r,)n'!, I f you should brlllg your own boat. The Peck Orolh"rs .,Iso h.)"e c.,hlns .lnd can'pln!l sItes for rent, should you /decide to stay for a while. ~"lS 0 ~

T~'i ~rna.lT 01'" "~""ltO,jI'roE"lJn.,- CD~S~lll"AnCHJ \o),,~ tJgT ItJ-IOI.\Wt) UU'lli llt~ " ~Y') Herce : ~~ -t-.\l.Jlll ...... Co~GtIt\)cno>J 0,. nll~ I'l'IAP. T~r ~.'{.S.ll.E: .C. lJ\'C\.I'I"'\~ Au.. ~SPO~Il:"uri

fD-=. 't\1~ ACl\ltl:.M.Y 01" Til.. I."'~ MOR~O,,\""R'( 'PeV\crW. --.Y

'"f1 riO' =.., l't> N

;... 3 Pl "0-,o

~ 'U

5' (TO

r.n ;;; r.n o ::l '"0 <1l n A t-< ~ !" "Ti S­o ::l (J o § :? z <1l ~

.-< o

.~

\0 00 .r;..

'-0

10 J Figure 3: A map of sampling sites on Peck Lake. Fulton County. New York. =000

t

1.

J ,

1

I 1

r

1 J

J J

J

I

Lengend ES: Electrotishin2 Starts EE: Ekctrolishing Ends T: Trap Net Sites A,B. C: Water Quality Sample Sites

11

Water Oualitv

Water quality was sampled in the three deepest sections of the lake, which were

found using an electronic depth tinder. They are labeled A, B, and C in Figure 3. The

oxygen. pH. temperature, and conductivity were tested using an Aquachek water analyzer

(01 Analy1icaL 1999). Alkalinity was tested using a Hach Model FF-IA water testing kit

(Hach, 2000). Site C was retested using the Hach Model FF-IA water testing kit to

check results received by the water analyzer the previous day.

Results

There were very low concentrations of oxygen below the thennocline which

occurred at approximately 7 meters of depth (Figure 4. Table 3). At sites A and B, the

oxygen \vas belO\v 1mg/I. At site C, the oxygen dropped to below 3mgIL at the

tbennocline and then rose to a concentration of 5-6mg/L. A second test of the oxygen

levels \vas performed at site C which recorded a drop to 3mg/L below the them10cline to

the bottom. Oxygen concentrations and temperatures were lower than those found at site

A by DEC in 1984 at all depths (Table 4). The pH was also lower at 1m in depth by 0.2

pH units but Qt the thermocline the pH dropped to 6 which is 1.16 units lower than the

results found by DEC in 1984. The alkalinity was much lower in 2000 than results of

1984. The conductivity was also low, but that recorded in 1984. This is not unusual for

Adirondack waters as detlned by Pfeiffer (Nashett, 1987).

12 Table 2: Pl1ysical and chemical parameters, Peck Lake, Fulton County, New York. :::000

I

13 Table 4: Physical and Chemical Characteristics found at Site A by NYSDEC, Peck Lake, Fulton County,

New York 1984 (Nashett, 1987)

Depth (m)

Temperature (C)

,l~~;~~

Oxygen (mq/l)

pH Alkalinity (mall)

Conductivity luhos/cm)

°0,91 1,5 3

4,6 6,1 7,6 9,1 10,7 11,6

23

22 22 21 21 20 16 14 12

10,1

7,0

0,0

6,9

7,2

7.7

4

5

23

34,5

36.0

60,0

----- ----

t 14

Figure .1: Dissolved Oxygen and Temperatures of Sites A. B. & C. Peck Lake. Fulton County 2000 t Site A - Oxygen and Temperature Site B - Oxygen and Temperature J ____Qissoiv~~ O~g~QLfT!gll) ____ Q_i~?_olv~dQ_xyg~rl_(Q1~Ll

~ ~ ::: 31.. J~0 I'll ::: II ~.... ::: II• -:%:­,-...:. ::::: II

E ::: II DO -:I­::: II

1: II DO~~4 ... II J::: IIa.. ::::: 91 -3 .­.. 1: II(1)6 ,A I!I Temp0 Temp~' .... t:lI •

~ r :II8 .. l!II J~ .... 'ZII 1: ::J

10 IiliI ::: iii

0 5 10 15 20 25 o 5 10 15 20 25 J Temperature (C) Temperature (C)

1

Site C • Oxygen and Temperature Site C - Oxygsn and Temperature 7/13/00 7/14/00

J o

o ::: 4 2

1.-z -x-E......,DO DO

...... ,..... (;I ­ ~­0­ JTemp o(1) Temp

14 18 :::16

18 J o 5 10 15 20 25 o 5 10 15 20 25

Temperature (C) Temperature (C) J J

J J

15 Secchi disk transparency readings were found to be 3.7m, 3.6m and 304m at sites

A, B, and C respectively. NYSDEC's result in 1984 was 4.7m secchi disk transparency

depth. The average secchi disk reading from 1992-1998 was 4.37m (Kishbaugh &

Hohenstein. 1999). The relatively high secchi disk transparency readings are mostly

consistent with the relatively low algal growth, and the low nutrient levets found at Peck

Lake from 1992-1998 (Kishbaugh & Hohenstein, 1999).

CSLAP did not find any significant change in the water quality parameters at Peck

Lake during their five year study. NYSDEC's study showed results closer to that of this

study. Testing in July of 2000 found the secchi disk transparency greater and the pH

lower than either (SLAP or NYSDEC.

The numbers of gamefish species captured by boat electrotlshing and trap netting

are: nineteen smallmouth bass, 11 largemouth bass, 11 chain pickerel. 1 nonhern pike,

and 7 walleye. Nongame species were: sixty pumpkinseed, 82 yellow perch. 41 rock

bass. 3 brown bullhead. 45 golden shiners, and 9 fallfish.

In comparison with the NYSDEC's survey in 1984. there were fewer rock bass

captured. but their size range was greater because more smaller tish were caught. About

the same number of fall fish were captured. Their range of size was smaller. and they

were smaller tish (Tables 5 & 6, Figures 5 & 6). About the same number of smallmouth

and largemouth bass \vere captured. The smallmouth lengths were slightly smaller in

2000 than in 1984. The range of sizes of largemouth was greater in 2000 than in 1984.

There were more chain pickerel captured and although the sizes fell within the same

range as 1984. the range of sizes was smaller. Only one northern pike was captured. It

was about twice as large as the pike caught in 1984 (Tables 5 & 6). Differences in data

------

16 between 1984 and 2000 may be due to the different methodologies used to capture fish.

t 1 J 1 I 1 1 I t

J 1

J J J 1

1 J 1

1

I

Figure 5: Numbers offish by species captured in 1984 & 2000. Peck Lake. Fulton County, New York -------- ----. -------- _. - "------ ­

xo --~------

.. ~ , III ::0­,•.. ~

~ 1984i : 4 ':'0 ~-.. !••

:J 2000~--~------i-1--------------­~. ra ~ ~ ~. fa _~ ?ZD_~~ = _~__[LZ=L~=_

,~, "

~ ., '~ > . --; ,., c

~

~., ~ ., .. , ~ ., 1 .,

: c ,

, ] ~ ~ " , , ';' 3, ,c ., 1

c' j

~

"" , -; ~~ ., c

c:J ;s ~ ~ 1 ~ .>i

~'.''" Speclesof fish

17

'-/'.i3lleve 2r.J:IJ p,2 222?;2 ,2;>>; 22; i 2222;;;;;, >; ii; >; ii» V\8IleYe 1984 1-- ~'----------- ­

r-.brthefn Dike 1984 ~_ I&$!( 9 g ¥£i)!5 Wi 4! : $ Olain dckere! 2a:fJ , k;;;;;;;;; iii;;;;;;;;»~;;;II ,;i;»»;;;;;;;; Olain p&srei 1984 i ·-¥xi i- i ·P-5 SO 4 4!-- $ $4 a¥ ; kG -----------

Largermuth bass 2CffJ !2 22 i iii;;;;;;;;;; >; i,2 2;;;i 2 2 ;;;;;; iii;;;;;;;;; ..

Largerrouth bc5s 1S34 __ IM3r; 34 &.,y;;;ap;,B £ Rgd &miliTDUtJl bass 2ro:J --~~- -----------------~

N:Jrthempike2ro:J ~_~§~~~~~~-"'=~~-flJ 2SrrelilTOUlh bass 1984 M--#;;;$ Q e 4.¢i1

IMite sucker 2ro:J I IMite sucker 1984 Black craf:pe 2ro:J 1------ ­Blackcraop:e1984 i .Mn-: 4AM--I ~___ -YelloN P3f"ch 2ro:J ..0>2,;;>;»»»»;;2.. - ------~~---------_.------.-

Yelle"v cerch 1004 ! e¥44-1k%ii4A¥w-,c;m,,~q;;¥¥4,f,-L.$§ Golden Shiner 2ro:J Q,;;;,;;22;2;2;;;>1 G::liden shiner 1984 n) -LN §@ .1_ _ ~ _

FaJJffish 2a:JJ --------- #;;;;;;;;;>;;;;;»;;;;>;;;;;;;>,-------

Faitfish 1984 --------iUkiW,4J4MW-M#'-,---:"dm-------------------BrONn buJlheOO 20CJJ ,_._ i;;ii;;;i;;;;;;ii;;;22A ~. __ . ._._ ---.---- -..---BrONn buliread 1984 - f. -. " "..k- i . ·l·-kG?- Et__ 4;:,! -wi ----~-----~ ----~

Rcckcass 2ro:J - 12»>2;222»;>;>,, ------------ ­R::ck bass 1984 i &4%'~AWH¥r -b-c.;···ffO'~ ~;j ----"------- -~--------- ­

~rlSee:i2ro:J I; 22;; 22;;2;;;;;;;;;;;. ~ "

R1rTpfQnseed 1984 i -. *'tV- - - 4 .. --)__ ==--~-------===_=____::_==

o 100 200 3ro 400 500 6CO 700 OCQ 9:X)

Length (mm)

18 Table 5: Summary of numbers and length ranges offish species captured with boat electrofishing gear

J.I1d1or trap nets by collection site in Peck Lake, Fulton County, New York. 2000.

Traonet

RaCY. bassPumpKlnseea # lengm

I range Site (mml

I 1 3 117-143I I2 2 151-201

3 II 1 178

4 1 180 5 2 84-190 6 3 158-223 7 3 198-215 8 2 206-241 9 2 198-220 10

lotal ! 19 84-243 I

El"crroiishina,­Golden shiner # I length

range ~ I, (mmJ

1 1 68

I3 25 , 10-205I 2

4 5

19 10-163I I 7 I

5 I ,~,I < • ~~

0-<:u5

_..<=Icetrcfishina" Smalimouth bass

I , Site

# ! lengtn

I range ! (mml

1 - 129·193 2 3 137-344 3 4 3 243·384 5 '3 122-415 6 7 :) 70-254

! total ! 19 I 70-334 I

I

I

i

j

I

I

FaltfishBrown bullheao .,.,.. lengt'l# lenglh rangerange (mml(mm)

#

2 2

2 3 1 1 1 2 1

15

length range (mml

94-121 90-154

127-186 122·186

188 171 159

185-186 191

90-191

Pumpki-"

j ".

nseed length range (mm)

a

27

6

I :0-168

59-112

10-168

10-125

I 41

1..3rgemoUlh bass -",.

I I length

range (mml

1 1 4

67 544

63-320

5 65-233

11 I '33-544 I

1 127 1 252

1 194

3 127-252 I

RaCY. Bass "* I length".

12

I range (mml

92-171

10 88-207

4 119·197I

FaiifishYellow percn

I ... ". I length# :engm

I rangerange (mml(mml ,

11 I 10-225

I 54 I 10-199 1 420

I 10-21717 6 112.138 1

! -26 I ­,18-207

"-" 260-354

2 250-354

~~e2 ;0-"",5 I

Chain pickerel Northern pike #. I length # I length

range rangeI (mml I I (mmJ

142-4922

~ I157-441"­

1135 8881 155-334

2 4

295-420 I

11 I 135--"92 I 1 888 I

J

,I ,12-138 ,"

Walleye #- I length Irange

r JI !mmJ 1 445

I 60-72

1 3

141 I 4112 I

7 60-445! I

I

19

Table 6: Summary ofnwnbers and length ranges offish species captured with boat electrofishing gear and/or experimental gill net gang by collection site in Peck Lake, August 29-31, 1984 by NYSDEC (Nashett, 1987).

Smallmouth bass ,Northern pike #

Chain pickerel Largemouth bass length

range length ## length#length

range site

rangerange (mm) (mm)(mm)(mm)

1 4 145-311 2 4 142-347 40811 160 3 10 475148-370 11 164 4 3 144-336 53411 484333 1 5 6 7 1 110 6 60-257 8 2 80-261237-264 5

totai 22 I 110-370 408-53411 380-48460-333 I 6

site 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 10

Pumpkinseed.. f't'

60 14 66 35 9 35 11

length range (mm)

92-211 146-196 97-207 122-206 161-195 133-203 45-145 31-137

total I 240 I 31-211 I 119

Yellow perch #

30 16 27 2

22 16 3 3

length range (mm)

157-313 164-267 130-333 164·252 211-274 175-268 128-146 104-142

104-333 I 91

Rock Bass #

12 14 30 10 16 3 3 3

length' range (mm)

151-238 141-204 135-206 132-220 146·205 143-206 164-180 148-162

132-238

Brown builhead #

15 4

25 4 1 3 2 1

55

length range (mm)

165-308 167-270 152-338 148-270

260 260-296 133-191

198

133-338 I

Black crappie FallfishWhite sucker Golden shiner #. length # lengthlength #length #

range rangerangerangeI site (mm) (mm) (mm) (mml

1 7 2 182-188376-480 ,., L 3 216 2 316-326327-452 1 3 1 202 8 157 1 273277-460 1 4 1 187 6 1354-447 396 5 3 383-456 6 5 326-475 7 42-503 8 I 61-15110

total i " 0<. 187-?02 I 32 6 182-326277-480 15 42-216

20 Length-frequency distributions from this survey are found in Table 7. There was

I I

a wider range of sizes of smallmouth bass than in 1984 that exhibited no detined mode. j

I J I I I I I J

J

I I J

I I

(Table 8). Approximately 27% of the largemouth bass were found in the 51-75mm size

interval. This is the same as in 1984. There were more larger chain pickerel caught in

this survey, although the mode of 152-177mm was the same. Only one 888mm l35")

northern pike was collected.

Walleye \vere collected in this survey for the tirst time. There were two major

size classes, 406-431 mm and 51-75mm interval.

The yellow perch collected in 2000 were much smaller than in 1984 with 46.3%

til the 0-25mm size range. The pumpkinseed were also smaller. showing a mode in the

102-126mm range verses tbe mode in 1984 of 178-202mm. The rock bass were most

lbundam at 102-126mm. \vhich is 25mm smaller than in 1984. bUI they were generally

about the same size as those caught earlier. Length-irequency distributions were not done

for golden shiners in 1984. They exhibited a mode in the 0-25111.'11 interval during this

study. Only three brown bullhead were collected. and they \vere in different size intervals

rhhii.'s --]0),

I i

I

21 Table 7: Length-frequency distribution of fish captured with electrofishing gear and trap net, Peck Lake.

Fulton County, New York. 2000.

em 0-2.53

2.54-5.0 5.1-7.5

7.62-10.1 10.2-12.6 12.7-15.1 15.2-17.7 17.8-20.2 20.3-22.8 22.9-25.3 25.4-27.8

27.94-30.4 30.5-32.9 33.0..35.5 35.6-38

38.1-405 40.6-43.1

total

Golden shiner # 18

2 6 7 3 6 2 1

.

I 45

% 40

4.4 13.3 15.6 6.7 13.3 4.4 2.2

I I 100

# 4

5 8 15 8 6 5 7 2

, 60

FallfishPumpkJnseeo Yellow perchRocJ( Bass .%#%#I % # %

46.3 1

386.7 12 4.94B.3

33.33

25

15.91313.3 9.84 33:3313.41110 24.4

8.5

10 13.3 78 19.5

6.159 22 3.78.3 3229

11.7 1 2.4 3.3

1 11.1

11.11

11.11 100 I9100i 100 41 100 i 82

Brown 8ulll1ead # %

1

1

1

33.3

33.3

33.3

I 3

em Smallmouth bass

# % Larg emoc.M bass

# I %, Chain pickerel # %

Northem pike # %

Walleye # I %

0-2.53 2.54-5.0 5.1-7.5 1 5.3 3 27.3

, 3 43

7.62-10.1 1 9.1 10.2-12.6 2 10.5 12.7-15.1 15.2-177 17.8-20.2 20.3-22.8

2

2 1

10.5

10.5 5.3

1 2

9.1 18.2

1 4 1

9.1 36.4 9.1

22.9-25.3 1 53 1 9.1 25.4-27.8 3 15.8

27.94-30.4 30.5-32.9

2 1

10.5 5.3

1 1

9.1 9.1

1 11.99

33.0-35.5 35.6-33

1 5.3 1 9.1

38.1-40.5 2 10.5 40.6-43.1 432-45.6 45.7-48.2

1 5.3 1 1

9.1 9.1

3 1

43 14

48.3-50.7 50.8-53.2

1 191

53.3-55.8 1 9.1 55.9-58.3 58.4-08.9 61.G-63.4 53.5-65.9 66.D-C8.5 68.6-71.0 71.1-73.6 73.7-76.1 762-786 78.7-<11.2 I

81.3-<13.7 83.8-<16.3 86.4-88.8 889-91.3

;etal ,

19 I 100 "i 100 11 I 100 I

1

1

100

100 7 100 I

100

1

1

J 22

Table 8: Length-frequencY distribmions for smallrnouth bass. largemouth bass. chain pickerel, and northern pike captured with boat el~ctrofishing gear and/or experimental gill net in Peck Lake, August 29-31, 1984 '. by NYSDEC (Nashett, 1987).

Smailmouth bass em I # I %

4.5 27.3 13.6

4.5

4.5 4.5 18.2 18.2 4.5

I I I

.

I Largemouth bass # I %

27.33

4 36.4

I 1 9.1I 2 I 18.2

1 9.1

I ,

I, I I 1

iI

IJ

11 iOD o-

Chain pickerel )

I 1

#

2

1

1

1

I %

33.3

16.7

~6.7

16.7

16.7

'100

JNorthem pike

' '# I %

I 1I

I J J

,

I

I 33.31

~~ 71 ""' ...... \J

I "1 .,·~V.>wJ1 ,,..,

3 ,uD J

_._1'

2.54-5.0 5.1-7.5

7.62-10.1 10.2-12.6 12.7-15.1 15.2-17.7 17.8-20.2 20.3-22.8

22.9-25.3l 25.4-27.8 279-30.4 30.5-32.9 33.0-35,5 ,

I ,,~~ "8 I,.-::1,1;:;-.)

38.1-40.51 40,6-43.'1 <13 ~ ,~ 6 . ."..... 0. I

145.7-48.21 i 48.3-50.7[;;0 8~" ~ v • -O.j."::

53.3-55.8 . -,

1 6 3

1

1 1 4 4 1

~2L

23 Table 9: Length-frequency distributions for pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, rock bass, and brown bullhead captured with boat electrofishing gear and/or experimental gill net in Peck Lake, August 29-31, 1984 by NYSDEC (Nashett, 1987).

Pumpkinseed Yellow perch Rock bass Brown bulihead

em # sunfish

% # I % # % # %

5.1-7.5 2 0.8 7.62-10.1 1 0.4 10.2-12.6 10 4.2 2 1.7 12.7-15.1 22 9.2 12 10.1 15 16.5 3 5.5

15.2-17.7 25 10.4 13 10.9 36 39.6 4 7.3

17.8-20.2 40 16.7 6 5 31 34.1 12 21.8

20.3-22.8 131 54.6 20 16.8 8 8.8 1 1.8

22.9-25.3 9 3.8 34 29.6 1 1.1 12 21.9

25.4-27.8 23 19.3 13 23.5

27.9-30.4 5 4.2 4 7.3

30.5-32.9 4 3.4 5 9.1

33.0-35.5 1 1.8

35.6-38 240 100 119 100 91 100 55 100

38.1-40.5 40.6-43.1 43.2-45.6 45.7-48.2 48.3-50.7 50.8-53.2 53.3-55.8

total [L......,...;=---l..__--L__--L__.l....- --'--...J---....l....------'

24 Table 10: Length-frequency distributions for black crappie. white sucker. golden shiner, and fall fish captured with boat electrotishing gear and/or experimental gill net in Peck Lake, August 29-31, 1984 by NYSDEC (Nashert.. 1987).

BJac:< crappies White suckers Golden shiners Faiifisn I

% I # I % I# I Icm % I # % I # 2.54-5.0 20 5.1-7.5

3 406 ,., 13.3

10.2-12.6 7.62-10.1 iI ­

13.3212.7-15.11 I6.7 2

15.2-17.7 1 33.3I 17.8-20.21 2 i 100I 6.7120.3-22.8

22.9-25.3 I25.4-27.8 1 3.1 I6.2

3 127.9<30.4 ! I 2

5030.5-32.91 5 I .15.5 I I: 16.7i'13 a ~r: r: I...., . -~v.v I 3 9.4

I 35 ~ ~8 I 6.2 '181-40 r: I

I' .0-.) I I 2 I, ~. ..~ I I 2 6.2I ! A I12.5\40.6-43.1 I

II I

II43.2-45.6 I I 8 25 I 45.7..J.8.21 !

i I 5 I 15.6 II ~

~ 100 10015total 100 32 100

25

Mean lengths of fish collected by e1ectrofishing and trapnetting in 2000 were

compared to those collected in 1984, in general the fish are smaller, although

smailmouth bass, largemouth bass, and rock bass had about the same mean length as

1984. Only golden shiner exhibited a larger mean length. (Tables J0 & JJ)

Proportional Stock Densities (PSD' s), calculated for species with established

stock and quality lengths, are shown in Table 13. PSD's are indices of population

balance derived from length-frequency distributions and are defined as the per cent oftish

equal to the number of fish greater than or equal to quality length multiplied by 100,

divided by the number of fish greater than or equal to stock length.

PSD(%) = (# offish~qualitylength x 100) -;- (# fish ~ of stock length)

Stock length is a size at or near which a particular species of fish often reaches sexual

maturity and is usually 20-26% of the world record length (Anderson,1980). Quality

length is that size that most anglers like to catch. such length is usually 36-41 % of the

worid record length (Anderson.1980). Balance is that PSD range value which indicates

sustainable harvest of sizes preferred by anglers (Anderson.! 980). Bass populations \vith

lo\v or no annual reproduction or low or indeterminable rates of mortality will exhibit

PSD of greater than 80%. Those with PSD values below 20% have variable or excessi\"e

reproduction and variable and indeterminent or high mortalities of stock size fish

(Anderson.l980). The PSD's for largemouth bass and yellow perch are under balance.

although the largemouth bass PSD has risen since 1984. The yellow perch PSD has gone

down significantly since 1984. The pumpkinseed exhibit a significantly reduced PSD as

well. The walleye PSD is over balance. The smallmouth bass PSD indicates that

1

r26

population is in balance, but it has gone down since 1984 (Table 13 & 14).

Tnbie 11: Overall mean lengths. standard deviations of lengths and sample sizes ofall fish species caught with boat electrofishing gear andlor trap net in Peck Lake. Fulton County, New York .1°00 J II

1 ~ . ....oecles Smallmouth bass JLargemouth bass Chain pickerel Northem pike 1Waileye Pumpkinseed Yellow perch 1Rocl< bass Brown bu!lhead

lB1aCl< crappie JWhite suc!(er !GOiden shiner Failfish I

Table 12: Overall mean lenlrths. standard deviations oflemrths and ~ampie ~izes of all fish species captured wiu"! boat elecrrofishing ge';ancilor experimental giilnets ~ Ped:: L~(e. August 29-31, 1984 by NYSDEC

(Nashert, ;987)

Standara Is' ._,' ,Sample I 19nmcantDeviation

Mean Length Size I (p>O.05) I , (mm) I(inches)

Length (inches)(mm)

194243 10 110 11 I6205 1448 115265 10 136 1888 35 6'7302 11.9 183

•391106 4.2 36 •472131 6 50 •260'" 1

97 143 33

33733.8I I

I· •272127 5 45 I:. 9 I !,...­204 8 130

221

i Sample i

Slz~ I \ Standard I Deviation

Mean Lenmh 1 Lenath Scec:es .(mm) I(i;ches) (mm) I(i~ches) Smatlmouth bass I 240 I 9.451 911 3.58\

i Largemouth bass I 175 1 6.89 90 Chain pickerel I 211 8.31 152 .Northem pike 472' 18.58 63 !Pumpj.;inseed sunfish 169 661=;1 34 Ye!iO'.v perch

w

224 8.821I

48 Rac:, bass 173 6.81

1 Brown bullhead 237 9.33 Bla.ei' crappie 194 7.64 White sucker 393 15.47

1Golden shiner 91 3.58

21 52 11 63 51

! j

11\3.54· 5.98 ~l2.48

240\1 34 1191.89

910.83 552.05 20,43

322.48 152.01

Falifish \ 277 10.91, 72, 2.33, 6

I

27 Table 13: Proportional Stock Densities (PSD's) ofsmallmouth bass, largemouth bass, chain pickerel,

walleye, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, and yellow perch, Peck Lake. Fulton County, New York. 2000

Soecies StoCK Length (in) (mml

#. Fish;: Slock Lenath

Quality Length (in) (mm)

# Fish ~

Qualitv Lenqth PSD (%)

PSD Range of Balance"

Smallmouth bass Largemouth bass Chain pickerel Walleye PumpkinseeQ suntish Rock bass Yellow oerch

7 8 10 10 3 4 5

180 200 250 250 80

100 130

14 6 5 4 31 24 24

11 12 15 15 6 7 8

280 300 380 380 150 180 200

7 2 3 4 4 4 3

" 50 33.3 60 100 12.9 16.7 12.5

30-60 40-70

30-60

3D-50

Table 14: Proponional Stock Densities (PSD's) of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, north':'::1 pike, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, and black crappie captured with boat electrofishing gea:-:.::ld/or experimental gill net in Peck Lake, August 29-31, 1984 by NYSD§C (Nasbett, 1987).

Slack Length Species I (in) SmallmoU1h bass 7 Largemouth bass a Northern pike 14 Pumpkinseed suntish 3 Yellow perch 5 Black craooie 5

I (mml

180 200 350 80

130 '30

, # Fish ;: StOd<; Lenath

12 4 3

237 114 2

Quality Length (in) ( (mm) 11 12 21 6 8 8

280 300 5~0

150 200 200

#. Fish ;: Qualitv Lenath

10 1 1

185 84,

PSD %

83.3 25.5 33.3 78.1 82.5 50

28 Table 15: Species arranged by length and age groups captured by boat electrofishing and/or trap net Peck

Lake. Fulton County, New York, 2000

Golden shiner ,~I em I c+ 2+ : 3+ 4+ i 5+ I 6+ I

I 0-2.53

I 2.54-5.0 5.1-7.5

7.62-10.1 10.2-12.6 12.7-15.1 15.2-17.7 17.8-20.2 20.3-22.8

5 2

5

1

5

3

2

I

.,,

I1

1 1

I

1

Fallfish em

0-2.53 0+ I ~ + 2+ 1 3+ 4+ j 5+ i

2.54-5.0 5.1-7.5

7.62-10.1 10.2-12.6 3 12.7-15,1 3 15.2-17.7 17.8-20.2 20.3-22.8 22.9-25.3 25.4-27.8

27.94-30.4 30.5-32.9 33.0-35.5 35.6-38

38.1-405 40.6-43. I 1

II

J 1

'moKlnseeo , I I~ u~ ! 1~ I 2~ i 3+' \ 4~ 5+ I S-+­

Iern 30-2.53 :

2.54-5.0 5.1-7.5 1

3 117.62-10.1 . 12 4

5110.2-12.6 3112.7-15.1

1 112 1

15.2-17.7 1217.8-20.2 J14220.3-22.8 122.S-25.3

Roc;l( Bass 3~ I 4~ ! 51- I 5~ i 1em ! 2+

3 10.2-12.6 7.62-10.1

142 1212.7-15.1

22

2 21115.2-17.7 J1217.8-20.2

20.3-22.8

Ye.How DercI1 0+ i 1+ 2+ I 3+ I ~.t+ I 5+ Iem ! 1

0-2.53 2 I II .[2.54-50 5.1-7.5 II

I I1762-10.1

10.2-12.6 1 2 I 1

I 12.7-15.1 I i

I I

'15.2-17.7 11

I 1 17.8-20.2 I I

II I203-223 [ I I 1 ,

I

J J J

J

J

I

29 Table 15 (cont.): Species arranged by length and age groups captured by boat elecrrofishIDg and/or trap net. Peck Lake, Fulton County, New York. 2000

Larcemouth bass em 1+ I 2+ , 3+ 4+ 5+ 6+ I 7+ ! 8+ I 9+ 10+ 11+ 12+ 13+ 114+

0-2.53 I 2.54-5.0 I 5.1-7.5 1 2

7.62-10.1 1 10.2-12.6 12.7-15.1 15.2-17.7 17.8-20.2 1 20.3-22.8 2 22.9-253 1 25.4-27.8 27.9-30.4 1 30.5-32.9 1 33.(}-35.5 35.6-38

38.1-40.5 40.6-43.1 43.2-45.6 45.7-48.2 48.3-50.7 50.8-53.2 53.3-55.8 1

SmallmoU1h bass em 0+ I 1+ 2+ 1 3+ \ 4+ 5+ I 6+ I 7+

I 0-25.3

I I 2.54-5.0

5.1-7.5 1 7.62-10.1

I10.2-12.6 2 12.7-15.1 <

I 152-17.7

I17.8-20.2 2

20.'·22.' ! 1 I I I

22.9-25.3

I 1

I I25.4-27.8

I 2 1

27.9-304 I 2 305-32.9\

I II I I

1 33.0-35.5 I

II I 1

I 35.6-38 1

I i

I I I

138.1-40.5 I I

2 I I406-431, I ! I 1

Chain Pickerel em 0+ 1+ 2+ I 3+ I 4+ I 5+ , 6+ I

15.2-17.7 2 17.8-20.2 1 2 20.3-22.8 1 22.9-253 25.4-27.8 279-30.4 30.5-32.9 1 330-35.5 35.6-38 1

38.1-405 40.6-431 432-4561 1

Northem oike

lem i6+ ,88.9-913

1 1\

Walleve em

40.6-43.1\ 43.2-456 1

'No length was recordeo onry wetght

J 30

Table 16: Numbers of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass arranged by length and age groups capnrred twith boat elecITotlshing gear and/or experimental gill net in Peck Lake. August 29·31, 1984 by NYSDEC (Nashett, 1987),

Smailmouth bass J

J (em) I 1+ 2+ I 3+ I 4+ 5+ 6+

10.2-12.6 1 12.7-15.1 6 15.2-17,7 3 17,8-20.2 20.3-22.8 1 22.9-25.3 25.4-27,8 1 27,94-30.4 1 30.5-32.9 1 3 33,0-35.5 ..,

"­ 2

I 35.6-38 1

J j

J Laraemouth bass' 1

.1(em) 1+ 2+ 3+ I <1+ I 10,2-12.6 12.7-15,1 t15,2-17,7 4 17,8-20.2 20,3-22.81 J

1 22,9-25,31 ,.,- 1 ..c.O.4--L,"7 8\ 2

\,27.94-30.41 J.\30.5-:32.91 ~3 n ':15;;' III v .U-v .o..,J

I 35.6-38 i I * Scsle samples used in aging largemouth bass were avaiiabie for only 8 of the 11 specimens COllected; the three specimens from which no scales were J taken were probably age 0+ since their lengths were 60, 62, and 73 millimeter. ~:;r 2.35. 2.44. and 2.87 inches respectively. J

J J f J J

31 Table 17: Numbers of chain pickerel and northern pike arranged by length and age groups captured with boat electrofishing gear and/or experimental gill net in Peck Lake, August 29-31, 1984 by NYSDEC (Nashett, 1987).

Chain Pickerei em 0+ 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ 6+

7.62-10.1 2 10.2-12.6 12.7-15.1 1 15.2-17.7 17.8-20.2 20.3-22.8 1 22.9-25.3 25.4·27.8 1

27.94-30.4 30.5-32.9 33.0-35.5 35.6-38 38.1~0.5

40.6-43.1 43.2-45.6 45.7-48.2 48.3-50.7 1

Northern Pike em 3+

40.6-43.1 1 43.2-45.6 45.7-48.2 1 48.3-50.7 50.8-53.2 53.3-55.8 1

32 Fish species were arranged by length and age groups (fable 15). The smallmouth bass

and chain pickerel are about the same as those collected in 1984 (Table 16 & 17).

The largemouth bass are smaller in length in all age groups. Only one nonhem

pLl(e was captured in this study. It was tvrice as old as those caught in 1984, but also

tv"ice as long (888mm). A comparison of the age and average length of common fishes in

New York State done at State University ofNew York at Cobleskill in 1992, showed the

smallmouth bass to be appropriate size for their age. and the largemourh bass to be small

for their age.

Water level fluctuations measured by Wellington Peck oIPeck's Lake Enterprises

betwee:l September 1995 and August 2000 are charred in eight graphs (Peck. W., pel's.

com.:OOO). The six individual years of draw-dovm are chand in Fiizure 7. The amount '. ­the lake is drawn down has increased every year from 68"( 1.72m) in 1998 to 103"

(2.62ml in :000. Also the dates when the largest draw-down occurred each year changed

from late janulli-y/early February (1996-1997) to March (1998. 1999, ':000).

I

33

Figure i: Water level fluctuations of Peck Lake, Fulton County, New York (peck, W., 2000)

1996 1995

1211

lOllf::] i '"

'" so ! eo

i I 501 eoe Q ~ . E». ~ ...,

3 ~ jjJ

i ! 2lI 20

.>. cPr.I' <i' -­ ~ ., rI ,I ~-

1m1997

1211 1~1

100lootl-------------­. I 60!

~

sot--------------- !

i ~ 1

e

~ eJ'Hi"T------------­ ~ 'ii ~ '\ , ~

eo

i ~iJl 1 ~ ~'~

20

JL =S;~: j' ~i' # ,.: H .f ~ -.I

-?~ ,oF ~~ .,J> J: <:f ~. <I' --

- -

34

4

II ~ I

j \ 1'- I '" .,.,..

..~ ~ ~fjflf

o

120

100

120

tOO .1.

u ~ 80

j 0.,

i. ~ 60

1Q

· >· .I() · i .0

Figure 7(cont.): Water level fluctuations of Peck Lake. Fulton County, New York (peck, W.. 2000)

1999

~~ ~$~" ...."",;r rfi' .;!''' <I' )¥'

Discussion

Despite the short term of the data collected, this study found out more information

, .l., 1'1-, ,., 1. '. h ., " ..'loout Lile ,a.l(e ll,an ala tue prevlOUs smdy. The p YSICJJ ana cnCDlC::U parameters

mC:lsured in July 2000 ;ndicare that managing the lake for coldv,:ater ilsh species (eg.

trout) may be potemially ris}.'} and economicallY not feasible. Site C may be a potential

area vl/"here coldwater species might live. More long-term data collection is required

before this can be definitive.

In the summer, as temperatures warm. dissolved oxygen concentrations decline.

These concemrations are also decreased by decomDosition at the bottom of the lake. The

epiIimnion becomes too wann for cold water species. 2..'1d the hypolimnion becomes

anoxic in the summer causing some coolwater fishes. such as \valleye, to become

mortally stressed. In wimer. if sun can penetrate through the ice. photosynthesis by green

I

35 plants will continue to provide oxygen, but as snow covers the ice this will stop.

Decomposition and respiration will continue and cause oxygen depletion. If the dissolved

oxygen levels become too Iowa winter kill could occur. Walleye and bass are the first to

succumb (iV1cMartin 1986).

The pH values have declined only slightly (approximately 1.5 units) since 1984

when they were around neutral. As in 1984, low level of alkalinity was observed.

Different species of fish react differently to pH. Fish, in general, require pH between 6.5­

8.5. Many fish can survive in waters of extreme pH, even for an extended period of time,

but growth and reproduction will suffer (Piper et aI, 1989). Fish have less tolerance for

pH levels outside their normal range at higher temperatures (Piper et al, 1989).

Largemouth bass and pumpkinseed sunfish prefer a pH of 7-7.5, while the rock bass

prefer 7 pH (Fishbase, 2000). Walleye and largemouth bass are very sensitive to pH and

vvill stop reproducing at pH levels behveen 5.4 to 5.7pH. Northern pike and chain

pickerel seem to be very tolerant of low pH (McMartin. 1986). Northern pike will cease

to spawn at a pH below 5.0 (NISC, 1997). Long-term data must be collected from at least

the three sites used in this study at various times of the year in order to truly understand

the implications of pH.

The color of the water at sites A and B were found to be yellow/brovVTI as in 1984.

but that at site C was green. Although the conductivity was the same as the other sites

tested. and therefore also low in nutrients. the green color indicates some algal gro\\tho

CSLAP reports indicates that Peck Lake is less productive than other lakes in the

Mohawk river drainage (Kishbaugh & Hohenstein. 1999). Residents still express concern

36 about an increase in the amount of aquatic vegetation observed and \vonder if these plants

will ove11ake the lake and ruin it for swimming: and boating. The\' would like to see the

lake managed to reduce vegetation.

Unfortunately, if rooted plants are removed, the nutrients will be used by algae

and the water will then become clouded by them. Macrophytic grow1h will be prevented

due to light attenuation, resulting in de-stabilization of substrates and loss of food and

cowr for fish and other organisms (Harman and Albright. 2000).

The fe\ver nutrients available for plant growth the less plants \vill grow.

Managemem activities to reduce nutrient runotf from the watershed. septic systems. etc.

will. in the long term. reduce nutrient input. The water t1uctuations along with the low

productivity of the lake wiillimit vegetation. and the lake will remain satisfactory for

s\vimming and boating. Other activities to reduce ;1Utriems may not be necessary.

The lowest water level was recorded in wimer when there was still ice on the lake.

Owr-'.vimer dra\\-downs can destroy weed beds by exposing them to frost (McMartin.

1CJ86 i. Tllis couid be removing habitat for northern pike. pickerel. largemouth bass.

yeIL)\\" perch. bbck crappie. Jnd golden shiner ,,\'hich rely on vegetation for spawning and

for cover (Smith. 1985). The lowest \vater levels occur in March..-\lthough they return

to norn1al \'ery quickly, there could be some effect on spawning and egg survival of some

early spring spa\\TIing fish. Northern pike begin to spawn soon after the ice disappears

Jnd the water temperatures reach 40-52 degrees Fahrenheit (Smith. 1985). Other species

such as chain pickerel follow soon after.

From a fisheries point of vie,v, a population is balanced \vith the environment

37 when it sustains a satisfactory harvest of a good size fish in proportion to the total

biomass of fish of the habitat (Kohler & Hubert, 1993). Balance depends on the numbers

offish of various sizes in the population. both adequate number of catchable fish and

sufficient smaller fish to provide replacement (Kohler & Hubert, 1993). A good bass

population has mid-range values of Proportional Stock Density (PSD) from 40-70%

(Kohler & Hubert, 1993). The smallmouth bass at Peck Lake fall into this range. Length

frequency numbers as \vell as Proportional Stock Densities (PSD's) indicate that

recruitment for both the smallmouth and largemouth bass have increased. However, the

numbers offish collected are low affecting the accuracy of those data.

In this study, Peck's Lake Enterprises required that fish be caught without the use

of gill nets. Trap nets are effective in capturing migratory species that tend to follow

shorelines. They are less selective than gill nets in terms of size and species. Selectivity

can occur due to variable escape rates relative to season. species and size of fish (Nielsen.

1983). These differences affect the ability to compare data between 198..+ and 2000.

Peck Lake is a reservoir and. according to the Peck's Lake Enterprises and the

Peck's Lake Protection Association, the size of fish once caught in the lake were large

enough to put the lake on a commercial fishing derby circuit. but today the fishing is not

what it once was. The size offish caught are smaller and some of the species have

hecome a rare catch. Newly Hooded reservoirs provide excellent gro\\1h conditions for

fish, but decline in a relatively short period of time. Several factors exist which

contribute to this phenomenon. Initial flooding of reservoirs usually causes an increase

in productivity due to the extremely high levels of nutrients from the decomposition of

38 nooded herbaceous materials and deforestation. Reservoirs tend to lose nutrients rather

than collect them and recycle them through the biotic communities due to the flushing

(Ross. 1997). The flushing of water from the reservoir takes the nutrients with it because

of the large amount of water being moved through it compared to the small amount of

water being held in the impoundment (Ross. 1997). The general decline in concentration

of nutrients in the \vater causes a decline in the production of plankton \vhich is the basis

of the aquatic food '.veb. Although "Beaver Bay"' contains more plant life than it once

did. the lake overall shO\vs no significant increase in productivity.

\-1anurrement Recommendations

Vegetative habitat should be provided for fish for spawning and cover. Both

northern pike and chain pickerel are found in marshy areas. Their young attach

themselves by means of adhesive glands to vegetation for a short period of time after

hatching (Smith. 1985). Largemouth bass are also found in weedy areas of lakes. Yellow

perch are most abundant near vegetation (Smith. 1985). Pumpkinseed. rock bass, black

:·appie. bro\vn bullhead, and golden shiners all use vegetation either as habitat for certain

life stages or as preferred habitat. A majority of the forage fish and young-of-the-year I J

fish in this study \vere found in Site 3E ("'Beaver Bay") indicating its importance to

reoroducrion of the fisherv. ..

Destrovimr the vegetation in this __

or anv other area of the lake i "'..... r

Icouid be very detrimental to the fish populations. J

Fishing pressure is rep0l1edly light at Peck Luke ~Anderson. 1980). Although no I

_J angler suneys are available to support it. Surveys should be done in order to get a better

I J

I

39 estimate of the fishing pressure. This could be done through the PLPA and Peck's Lake

Enterprises. Short tenn studies such as this work, and other isolated surveys can provide

important. but limited infonnation. Identifying the actual fishing pressure on the lake can

help in determining a stocking regime.

A consistent monitoring plan for including the testing of physical-and chemical

parameters, productivity, as well as the status of the Peck Lake fisheries could give

interested panies better information to use in management strategies. Although the data

from this survey were compared to the data NYSDEC collected, it is not adequate since

comparisons require identical methodologies. The NYSDEC's statistics were different,

and the electrofishing done during this survey covered most of the shoreiine, whereas

DEC's survey only concentrated on a couple of bays. No trends could be determined

because of the lack of and differences in previous data collections. More consistent. long

term evaluation of the lake is required.

Fisheries manaQ.ers have found that enforcing strict minimum lenQ.th limits. ~ ~ ~

manipulating water levels and following specific stocking strategies can slow the decline

in the quality of recreational fisheries in reservoir systems (Ross, 1997). Self sustaining

fisheries based on largemouth and smallmouth bass. sunfish. yellow perch. and others

have been \videly established in reservoirs after stocking. Fisheries focused on northern

pike and walleye often are maintained through yearly stocking because of the lack of

sufficient reproduction (Ross, 1997). A self-sustaining population of smallmouth and

largemouth bass exists in Peck Lake. Stocking of these fish is not required unless it is

desired by the concerned parties to replace the fish being taken out of the lake. Over­

I 40 I

stocking the lake could cause stunting of the fish because of limited productivity.

Consistent long-term examination of these populations is required in order to develop I and implement a fisheries management plan, and that needs to be part of a whole lake I management plan addressing all the agendas of all those utilizing the lake.

I I I I I I J I I I I I I I I

41

References

Anderson, R.O. 1980. Proportional stock density (PSD) and relative weight (wr):

Interpretive indices for fish populations and communities. (pp 27-35) In: S. Gloss and B. Schupp (eds.) Practical Fisheries Management: More with less in the 1980's. Proceedings 1st Annual Workshop of the New York Chapter American Fisheries Society.

Anon. 1994. Peck's Lake Guidebook. Peck's Lake Protective Association, Gloversville. New York. 39pp.

Fishbase,2000. \'.\\\\,fi"hh:'.·;','.com

Green, David M. 1989. Centrarchid Sampling Manual, Fish Sampling Manual, Guidelines for the collection, analyses, and interpretation of fisheries data by units of the Ne\v York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Fish and Wildlife. Bureau of Fisheries. pp4-1 to 4-6

Hach Company. 2000. P.O. Box 389, Loveland Colorado 80539-0389.

Harman, Willard N., and Albright, Matthew F. :lOOO.The Nuisance Aquatic Macrophytes of Oswego County. SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station, Cooperstown, New York. 101pp.

Kishbaugh, Scott A., and Hohenstein. Betsy R. 1999. 1998 Interpretive Summary, New York Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP-Light), Peck Lake. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of \Vater. Lake Services Section. 33pp.

Kohler. Christopher C. aI1d Hubert, Wayne A.. (eds.) 1993. Inland Fisheries ManaQ.ement. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda. Maryland. pp 147-148 & 484-485.

McMartin. Barbara 1986. Citizen's Guide to Adirondack Lakes. Adirondack Park Agency, Ray Brook, New York. 27pp.

Nashett, Lawrence J. 1987. Peck Lake, P686 Mohawk Hudson, Inventory Survey. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Fisheries. Region 5. 9pp.

Nielson, Larry A., and Johnson, David L. (eds.) 1983. Fisheries Techniques. American Fisheries Society. Bethesda, Maryland.

42

NISC. 1997-2001. Fish and Fisheries Worldwide. Biblioline.database, NISC InternationaL Inc. Baltimore, Maryland.." \\'\ \ ,ni SC. com.

Nitsche. William. Fish Committee Chainnan.Peck's Lake Protection Association, 2000. Personal communication. 531 South Shore Road. Gloversville. New York 12078.

NizioL Jacob. Personal communication. 2001. Project Engineer. Orion Power, 225 Greenfield Parkway, Liverpool New York 13088.

01 Analytical. 1999. 151 Graham Road, College Statio. Texas 77842-9010

Piper, Robert G. et. al. 1989. Fish Hatchery ManaQ:ement. United States Department of the Interior. Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington, D.C. 517pp.

Peck. Albert. 2000. Personal communication, 180 Peck's Lake Road. Gloversville, New York 12078.

Peck. Wellington. 2000. Personal communication, 180 Peck's Lake Road. Gloversville, New York 12078.

Ross. MichaeL R. 1997. Fisheries Conservation and ManaQ:ement. Prentice HalL Upper Saddle River. New Jersey. 374pp.

Smith. C. Lavett. 1985. The Inland Fishes of Nevv' York State. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Albany, Ne\v York. 522pp.

I

Appendix 1: ;\ vcragc length, standard deviation (S), and sample SiL.-: (II) by age group, Peck Lake, Fulton County, New York, 2000.

Soecles Smallmoulh bass

Slal/slic

mean s n

0+ 1+ mm Inches mm Inches

116.4 4.583 26.57 1046

5

2+ mm Inches

196.3 7.726 1234 0.486

3

3+ mm inches

255 10.04 1 41 0056

2

4+ 5+ mm inches mm Inches

254 10 307.3 12.1 8.49 0.334 31.9 1.256

2 3

6+ 7+ mm inches mm inches

384.5 15.14 367.5 14.47 071 0028 67.18 2645

2 2

8+ mm inches

9+ mm inches

14+ mm inches

largemouth bass mean

s n

77 3.031 14.14 0557

2

179 7.047

1

208 8.189 849 4.583

2

233 9.173

1

301 11.85 26B7 1058

2

544 21.42

1

Chain pickerel mean

s n

154.3 6.073 1953 0.769

4

156 6.142 141 0.056

2

314.5 12.38 27.58 1006

2

441 17.36

1

456 17.95 50.91 2004

2

Walleye mean

s n 1

419.5 1652 17 0669

4

Pumpkinseed sunfish

mean s n

65 2.559 848 0334

2

735 2.894 3454 1.36

6

104.1 17.4

9

4098 0685

117.2 4.615 20 0.787 18

151.6 5.969 12.59 2.858

9

233.1 57.48

7

9.177 2.263

227 6.937

1

Rock bass mean

s n

57.2 37.6

9

2.252 122.9 4.837 140 2305 0.943

1

144.2 5677 156.7 Q.166 2922 115 30.74 ~l21

13 6

151.7 5941

3

5.972 2.339

Yellow perch mean

s n

76

1

2.992 123.7 4.87 121 0476 15

135.8 5.346 1427 0.562

10

178.8 3069

6

7.039 1.20B

185.8 29.23

4

7.313 1.151

209.5 21.92

2

8.248 0.863

~ Vol

Appendix 2: Mean lengths at age, standard deviations of lengths (s), and sample sizes (n) of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass,

chain pickerel ami northern pike captured wilh boat elt:ctrofishing gear and/or experimental gill nets in Peck Lake, August 29-31, I98..J. (Nashctt, 1987)

Species Statistic 0+ 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ 6+ Smallmouth bass mean 148 5.83 226 8.9 275 10.83 312 12.28 342 13.46 332 13

s 15 0.63 13 0.51 8 0.31 8 0.31 n 10 1

253 9.96

1 2

333 13.11

2 6

Largemouth bass mean 161 6.34 s 4 0.16 14 0.55 n 4 3 1

484 19Chain Pickerel mean 82 3.23 136 5.35 223 878 261 10.28 s 4 0.16 n 2 1 1 1

472 1858

1

Northern pike mean s 63 2.48 n 3

~ ~

_- i- ...... _

45

Appendix 3: Statistical comparison of fish length by species between data collected in 1984 and 2000 at Peck lake, Fulton County., New York

2000 1984 264.64 211.5 18616 23167

11 6 N/A

20133 9

0.713 0.2469 1.8331 0.4939 2.2622

135 223 142 85 155 80 157 261 162 136 178 484 295 334 420 441 492

Chain pickerei 2000 1984 (mml (mm)

t-Test Two-Sampie Assuming Unequal Variances

1984 175.5 Mean 8065 Variance

11 Observations Pearson Correlation Pooled Variance df t P(T<=t) one-taii I Critical one-taH P(T<=t) twe-tail I Crrticai we-tail

2000 205.09 20836

11 0.5922 14451

17 0:5764 0.2859 1.7396 0.5719 2.'098

63 257 65 60 67 156 87 62 179 73 202 165 214 264 233 237 282 160 320 164 544 333

Largemouth bass 2000 1984 (mm) (mml

1-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Unequal Variances

327 336

110 150 311 145 148 142 347 303 315 159 166 370 338 148 333 164 226 321 275 144

1984 (mml

Smailmouth bass

70 122 124 129 137 186 193 210 248 254 255 260 286 292 320 344 384 385 415

2000 (mml

Mean Variance Observations Pearson Correlation Peoled Variance df I

I-:-:::~-=_-:::-- P(T<=t) one-tail I-Test: I No-Sample Assuming II Critical one-tail Uneaual Vanances P(T<=<) two-tall

I 2000 '984 I Critical rNa-tail Mean Vanance Observations

1POOiea Vanance

jdf

~(T <=c) one-taU I Crilical one-tail I

IP(T<=C) two-tail it Criticai rNo-tail

243 N/A

19 9077

37 0.0993 0.4607 1.6871 0.9214 2.0262

240 8266 1

22

46

Appendix 3 (conL): Statistical comparison offish length by species between data collected in 1984 and 2000 at Peck lake, Fulton County, New York

Roo: bass 19842000

(mml I (mm)

'fellow perch 2000 1984 (mml I (mml

53 136 I 128 295 227 163 65 139 146 308 72 140 73 141 76 141 113 142 114 145 114 150 115 153 115 155 115 157 115 163 116 168 117 169 117 175 117 176 120 191 122 194 129 198 129 199 131 212 225 217

t-Test: Two-Same:e Assuming ,Uneaual Vanances Mean Vanance Observations

1Pearson Correlation Poolea Variance af t P(T<~) one-tail t Critical one-tail P(T<=t) l'No-taii t Critical t',vo-tail

2000 139.2

1635.7 44

NlA 2105.2

90 -11.29 3E-i9

1.6595 6E-19

1.9867

131 142 113 104 262 272 257 308 313 285 275 280 263 274 264 271 296 220 251 262 261 238 308 263 205 279 228 ..,~~

"0

I

19641 2241

22761 119i

271 157 164 164 250 248 259 248 248 235 248 267 249 239 233 219 180 242 229 164 167 150 148 148 180 165 181 178

251 232 225 216 213 227 253 218 248 211 243 223 245 225 244 248 224 175 242 225 245 238 235 244 260 268 211 238

262 190 196 160 243 300 166 258 204 247 227 150 148 145 173 175 130 147 21;.,

w ..

164 272 234 223 241 274 253 264 229 239

I .it-Test: Tw0..;3ample Assuming

134 134

88 92 103 144

146103 119 160 121 14 122 28 122 35

122 36

122 42 129 130 134 139 140 141 156

I 159 162 162 170

141 176 164171 I 197 I 190 195 157

161 186 132197 141 191 178199 I 173 166 132207

57 I

155 205 190 144 198 167i6

I 85 I 157 179 188

Unequal Variances

Mean Variance Observations Pearson Correlation

IPOOled Variance df t P(T<=t) one-tail t Critical one-tail P(T<=t) two-tall t Critical two-tail

2000 123.1 2395

39 N/A

1025.6 44

-0.194 9E-08

1.6802 2E-07

2.0154

164 152 192 180 154 168 1-71 146 162 148 143 142 162 188 135 155 206 186 210 199 206 238 158 152 154 204 177 175 164 178 204 191 188 160 178 154 189 165 167 168 142 165 159 157 177 173 184 194 176 181 198 151 191 183 168 192 165 189 189 175 204 187 143

180I I 220

19841 189 157173.51

447.5 911

I

I

I

47

Appendix 3: Statistical comparison of fish length by species between data collected in 1984 and 2000 at Peck lake, Fulton County, New York

Cham pIckerelSmallmoum bass Largemouth bass 198420002000 1984 2000 1984

(mm) (mmlimm) (mm) (mml (mm) 22313570 110 63 257 85142122 150 65 60 80155124 311 67 156

261157129 145 87 62 136162137 148 179 73 484178186 142 202 165

193 347 295214 264 210 303 334233 237 248 315 420282 160 254 159 441320 164 256 166 492544 333 260 370 286 338 t-Test Two-Sampie Assuming t-Test Two-Sample Assuming

Unequal Variances 292 148 Unequal Variances 2000 1984320 333 2000 1984

264.64 211.5Mean344 164 Mean 205.09 175.5 18616 23167Variance384 226 Variance 20836 8065

11 6Observations385 321 Observations 11 11 Pearson Correlation N/A415 275 Pearson Correlation 0.5922

144 Pooled Vanance 20133Poolea Variance 14451 9df336 df 17

0.713t P(T<=t) one-tail 0.2469

327 t 0.5764 P(T<=t) one-tail 0.2859

t- Test: Two-Sample Assuming t Criticai one-tail 1.8331t Critical one-tali 1.7396 Unecuai Vanances P(T<=t) two-tail 0.4939

t Cliticai t\vo-tail 2.2622P(T<=t) two-tail 0.5719

2000 1984 t Critical two-taii 2.1098 Mean 243 240 Vanance N/A 8266 Observations 19 22 Poelea Vanance 9077 df 37 t 0.0993 PiT<=\) one-tail 0.4607 t Critical one-taii 16871IP(T<=t) two-tall 0.9214 t Cr;ncal NJO-taii 2.0262

48

Appendix 3 (conL): Statistical comparison of fish length by species between data collected in 1984 and 2000 at Peck lake, Fulton County, New York

ROCK bass , 19842000

(mm)I (mml

II

88 1::A 164 152 192 180 154 1681::A92 171 146 162144 148 143 142

103 140

162 188 135 103

160 14 155 205 186

119 121

28 I 210 199 206122 3S 238 158 152122 I

Yellow peren 2000 1984 (mm) I (mm)

53 65 72 7:3 76 113 114 114 115 115 115 115 116 117 117 117 120 123 129 129 131 225

136 139 140 141 141 142 145 150 153 155 157 163 168 169 175 176 191 194 198 199 212 217

t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Unequal Variances Mean Variance Observations Pearson Correlation POOleo Variance dt t PiT<=t) one-tall t Critical one-tail PiT<=t) t\vo-tail t Critical two-tail

2000 139.2

1635.7 44

NJA 2105.2

90 -11.29 3E-19

1.6596 6E-19

19867

128 146 131 142 113 104 262 272 257 308 313 285 275 280 263 274 264 271 296 220 251 262 261 238 308 263 206 279 228 -~~ /"0

19841 2241

22761 I

119

I

I

295 306 271 157 154 154 250 248 259 248 248 235 248 267 249 239 233 219 180 242 229 164 167 150 148 148 180 165 181 178

227 251 232 225 216 213 227 253 218 248 211 243 223 245 225 244 248 224 175 242 225 245 238 235 244 260 268 211 238

163 262 190 196 160 243 300 166 258 204 247 227 150 148 145 173 175 130 147 252 164 272 2::A 223 241 274 263 264 229 239

122 36 122 42 129 130 134 139 140 141 156 159 162 162 170 171 197 197 199 207 57 76

! 85 it-Test: Two-Sample Assuming

IUnequal Variances

Mean Variance Observations Pearson Correlalion POOled Vanance at It P(T<=t) one-taii t Critical one-tall PiT<=t) two-taii t Critical t.vo-tail

2000 123.1 2395

39 NlA

1025.6 44

-6.194 9E-08

1.6802 2E-07

:.0154

154 175 204 160 189 168 159 173 176 151 168 189 204 141 190 161 141 173 155 144 157

I

I 1984 1 173.5\ 447.5

91 I

204 164­191 178 165 142 157 184 181 191 192 189 187 176 195 186 191 166 205 198 179

1n 178 188 154 167 165 177 194 198 183 165 175 143 164 157 132 178 132 190 167 188 180 220 189 157

I

I

49

Appendix 3 (conL): Statistical comparison of fish length by species between data collected in 1984 and 2000 at Peck lake, Fulton COWlty, New York

Brown DUll head 2000 I(mml I

36 191 78 133 178 198

308 268 305 268 187 326 272 181 190 259 284 297 248 165

I 178 187 182 241 257 270 148 243 260 296 260

I-Test: Two-SamPle Assummg Unequal Vanances

2000 Mean 65.75 Variance 8492 Observations Pearson Correlation N/A Pooled Variance 2765.861 dt I -3.267897 P(T<=t) one-Iail 0.041126 I Crilical one-Iail 2.919986 P(T<=t) two-tail 0.082252 I Crilical two-tail 4302653

FallfishGolden snmer 198420001984 19842000 (mm)(mm)(mm) (mm) 112

(mm) 18846270 56 182121167 4268 326125245 5081 316130183 14190 342130273 15195 306138267 69

251 99

42080 238

100 23061

338 100

042682102 322 63 167

104 I-Test: T'Nl>Sample Assuming74

304 105

Unequal Varianees 2000 1984

67107 216 62114

203.5556 276.667Mean 16689.53 5186.67

247 216116 Valiance

9 6 251 157121

Observations232 133 NlAPearson Correlation152 136

12265.35Pooled Variance 13

270 146 d1314 151

·1.402142t170 153 P(T<=t) one-tair 0.092149200 163

1.770933t Critical one-taiJ 232 185 163

P(T<=t) two-tail 0.184298

242 170

1Critical two-Iail 2.160369171 234 184 179 198 275 205

II-Test: Two-Sample Assummg Unequal Valiances

1984 2000 1984 236.83641 Mean 127.074 90.733 2671.213 Vanance 1542.99 2590.2

55 Observations 27 15 Pearson Correlation N/A POOled Vanance 1909.52 dt 23 I 2.39713 P(T<=t) one-tail 0.01252 1Critical one-tall 1.71387 P(T<=t) two-tail 0.02504 t Critical two-tail 2.06866

4

2

50

Appendix 3 (conL): Statistical comparison offish length by species between data colIected in 1984 and 2000 at Peck lake, Fulton County, New York

Northern pIke 2000 1984 (mm) (mm) 888 408

475 534

2000 19841 Mean 888 472.3

2000 (mm)

116 59 125 63 129 64 130 71 132 75 132 79 134 91 137 92 149 94 150 95 152 95 156 100 168 103 12 103 14 108 70 110 85 110 99 111

I 118 112 122 112 162 112 178 114 188 114 194 116 212 252 227 284 232 346 234 402

pumpKinseed sunfish 1984

I 130 145 99 65 83

126

184 196 186 197 180 132

(mm)

199 107 189 142 158 122

180 '160 160 164 133 149

187 190 203 132 183 207

184 204 155 197 165 164

87 138 99· 157 205 183

122 45 133 85 100

188 197 163 157 182

122 105 97 103 103

182 162 155 194 1$6

104 191 188 198 147

140 142 1n 155 189

102 111 126

184 173 176

107 172 j

199

196 1n 146

202 156 201

123 182 1n

103 192 201 150 183 195 31 180 183 195 152 195 137 188 122 194 190 165 113 197 194 152 157 181 94 189 183 196 186 183 104 191 193 186 104 176 198 181 156 143 183 187 195 191 202 167 172 161 176 2D1

176 197

198 182

203 185

143 198

185 1n

196 207 197 182 169 194 170 201 185 198 120 182

196 203 203 179 163 182 201 156 193 188 182 195 193 186 180

t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Unequal Vanances

2000 1984

191 197 184

157 206 191

196 184 183

145 126 98

195 155 145

Mean 134.7 169 191 196 195 92 j43 Variance 5079 1142 187 191 181 188 -f85 Observations 56 240 206 180 140 202 200 Pearson Correlation Pooled Variance df

N/A 1879

61

202 193 204

188 185 184

192 184 148

197 204 180

200 182 180

t P(T<=t) one-tail t Critical one-tail

-3.51 4E..04

1.67

198 185 178

179 211 188

179 123 1n

202 198 166

169 173

P(T<=t) two-tail 8E-04 172 181 192 198 t Critical two-tail 2

51

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Mr. Lance Durfey ofNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation for allowing me to use the data from the 1984 report. Dr. John Foster and Mr. Mark Cornwell of the State University ofNew York, College of AgricU1~and Technology are appreciated for their services and for loaning the equipmenfneeded to do this work. I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. William Nitsche ofth~ Peck's Lake Protection Association for all he did to support this research project from arranging funding to physical labor. Mr. Albert Peck and Mr. Wellington Peck ofPeck's Lake Enterprises are thanked for arranging the use their facilities and equipment. Information they provided about the lake was valuable to this report as well. Mr. Stuart Smith ofthe Peck's Lake Protection Association was helpful in providing the Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program report and giving me background information surrounding that report. Mr. Jacob Niziol of Grion provided information about the use of the dam. Mr. and Mrs. Warren Decker were extremely hospitable and helpful, allowing the use oftheir boat and providing the history of Peck Lake. Finally, I would like to acknowledge all those who pulled nets, helped catch and measured fish: Chris Fidler, Stephen Douglass, Kate Albrecht, Wesley Tibbits, and Frank Nappi.