Got an opportunity for some volunteers to help us collect fish. Just let me say this. . . . While reading the following call for help, remember that this work goes on regardless of weather conditions, in March, right after the ice has gone out. You will be wet, you will be slimy, you will have snot dripping from the end of your nose and into your beard (beards strongly recommended). You will also need to be dependable; if you sign up and the weather on your designated day is not pleasant, we are going anyway! We will need your help!
Hi Folks,
We will be doing northern pike surveys/tagging at Lake Wanahoo again this year. In addition, we will also be doing northern pike surveys/tagging Flanagan Lake in Omaha this year. The current plan is to have a single boat running at each reservoir, however due to ice conditions we will be at Flanagan a bit later than Wanahoo. The tentative plan is to begin running nets at Wanahoo on Thursday, March 5 and finish up Tuesday, March 10. The tentative plan for Flanagan is to begin running nets on Tuesday, March 10 and finish up on Friday, March 13. Don’t worry, we will take care of setting the nets at both reservoirs prior to having anyone come out with us, setting the nets isn’t that exciting. I’m looking to get 2-3 people on the boat, each day.
What we will be doing
On the day you’re scheduled to help out, please plan on meeting at our shop at 8:00 am, at the Wanahoo boat ramp at 9:00 am or the Flanagan boat ramp at 9:30 am (please let me know where you plan on meeting us and if you need directions to either the shop or boat ramp). **For those planning on helping at Wanahoo and meeting at the ramp, you will need a valid NRD park entry permit prior to arriving at the lake (can be purchased at the Lower Platte North NRD Office just south of the dam). Once at the lake, we will get geared up, launch the boats and begin pulling nets.
The goal of this project is to estimate the population size of northern pike. To get this estimate, we will be capturing and tagging northern pike while they are spawning. The plan is to run several trap nets each day. All the pike we capture will be identified as male or female, measured and have a tag attached to them. We will then release the pike back into the lake.
What to bring
-Waders or rain gear (we won’t be in the water, but you will want to keep dry while on the boat pulling in nets and handling fish)
-We have some waders/rain gear in the shop, but please bring your own if you have them (let me know if you need some gear)
-If you plan on wearing rain jacket/pants, also plan on wearing rubber boots or waterproof shoes
-Appropriate clothing–It may be cold, it may be warm, it may be raining, it may be snowing, it will probably be windy, WE WILL BE GOING OUT REGARDLESS SO DRESS ACCORDINGLY
-Gloves (Neoprene gloves work the best since they keep your hands dry and warm)
What we will provide you with
-Life jacket
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me jordan.katt@nebraska.gov, 402-471-7651 (office) or 402-405-4582 (work cell). Also, if your schedule has changed and you cannot make it, please let me know ASAP so I can find someone to fill your spot. Thanks again for helping out. I should also note, this email list is by no means an exclusive list, please forward this to anyone you feel may be interested in helping out.
Jordan
Jordan D. Katt
Fisheries Biologist,SE District
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
2200 N. 33rd St
Lincoln, NE 68503
Office – 402-471-7651
Cell – 402-405-4582
Oh, you will see lots of fish, and at Wanahoo you will see some really nice fish!
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