The Bent Tree Foundation has been an integral partner in restoring the fishery in Lake Tamarack, Bent Tree’s only lake. We have engaged the Aquatic Environmental Service (AES) to do a thorough analysis of the lake and to make recommendations.
Their recommendations are as follows; and thanks to the Foundation, the responses to their recommendations are included as well.:
1. There is very little bottom grass habitat in the lake due to an over stocking of grass carp about 10 years ago. Recommendations are to place about 125 artificial bushes and trees around the lake. To date lake and Wildlife have placed 38 artificial bushes as well as 100 artificial Christmas trees in areas that support the recommended depths. These habitats will protect the small fish fry as they reproduce, as well as provide a food source as algae grows on the branches.
2. Due to the lack of grass habitat, AES recommended that we install 25 automatic feeders around the lake. To date we have a feeder on each of the 3 docks, as well as eleven feeders on private lake lots.
3. To additionally provide more food, we have stocked threadfin shad (thousands), crayfish (2,000 lbs. annually for 3 years) and 5″ bluegill (2 years). The crayfish have reproduced each year providing a renewable food resource.
4. Recent shocking of the lake shows a healthy population of largemouth and spotted bass, and a variety of panfish. Efforts are being made to remove as many spotted bass as possible since they outcompete the largemouth bass and also to remove any largemouth bass 14″ and less. Doing so will help with the current lake’s overpopulation of smaller fish.
Overall, the fishing in Lake Tamarack has improved significantly in the past 3 years; and thanks to the Bent Tree Foundation and its donors, efforts will continue.