• 2012 Inspection Report 
• 2015 Inspection Report

• The Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities – published by the MDNR

Lake Chemung Fisheries 

DNR Fisheries conducted their annual largemouth bass survey on Lake Chemung on Monday September 26, 2016.  Total Catch and Lake Chemung 2008-2016 Summary.  DNR’s Reaction to the survey results: 

• In 2008, the largemouth bass size structure of Lake Chemung was dominated by large and older fish.
• In 2009, we started to see the size structure shift towards smaller and younger fish.
• In 2010, we saw unprecedented number of young of the year fish (<4 inches) with a further shift in the overall size structure toward smaller and younger fish.
• As we have followed the large 2010 year class, we are now seeing another shift towards larger and older fish.

DNR Fisheries conducted its annual Lake Chemung bass survey on 9/24/2015 – 2015 Lake Chemung Total Catch

2013 Lake Chemung Fisheries Analysis – 9/30/2013

DNR Memo and DNR 2012 Fisheries Analysis – 9/24/2012 fisheries event

DNR 3-Year Fisheries Analysis Report for Lake Chemung – 3/28/2011 The DNR performed the last of their largemouth bass evaluation in Lake Chemung on September 27 – 30 2010. 

• The most surprising occurrence was the presence of a huge 2010 year class. The DNR captured almost 2,000 young of the year bass (<4″ and born in 2010). As a result, the numbers of bass captured were very high compared to 2008 and 2009.
• Results: 2010 Data Summary and Chemung 3-year Summary

The DNR performed another largemouth bass evaluation in Lake Chemung on September 29 and 30 and October 1 and 2, 2009.

• As the DNR did in 2008, they eloctroshocked fish at night between the hours of 6pm and 11pm
• The Results

 In October 2008, the Michigan DNR performed a study in Lake Chemung to evaluate the fisheries in the lake. 

• Lake Chemung –  Status of the Fisherie Resource Report by Joe Leonardi (Michigan DNR)

For information regarding the study, contact Joe Leonardi, Fisheries Management Biologist at: MDNRE Fisheries, SLHMU 3116 Vernor Road Lapeer, MI 48446 PH: 810-245-1250 FAX: 810-245-1276 leonardij@michigan.gov 

DNR Fisheries October 2008 work – During 4 nights of electrofishing, the DNR captured 571 largemouth bass and tagged 337 largemouth bass greater than 9 inches.  The tags used are not visible to anglers.  They are small (1/4 inch) and inserted with a needle just beneath the skin of the fish in a location that would not be consumed if the fish was consumed.  A special wand is used to record the tag number when the DNR seeks to find recaptures.  All in all, the DNR saw some very nice fish in the lake.  In addition to largemouth bass, the DNR observed fair numbers of northern pike, walleye, bluegill, and redear sunfish…Summary of the October 2008 DNR catch from Lake Chemung.

DNR Fish Stocking Database

Anglers and boaters can take some easy steps to prevent the spread of fish diseases and other aquatic nuisance species such as zebra mussels by taking the following steps to help prevent the spread of the virus:

	Clean boats, trailers, and other equipment thoroughly between fishing trips to keep from transporting undesirable fish pathogens and organisms, from one water body to another with special care to clean fishing equipment when you are done fishing known locations of the fish diseases. A light bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant for cleaning your equipment.
	After cleaning allow boats, trailers, and other equipment to fully dry for 4 to 6 hours in the sun.
	Do not move fish or fish parts from one body of water to another.
	Do not release live bait into any water body.
	Handle fish as gently as possible if you intend to release them and release them as quickly as possible.
	Refrain from hauling the fish for long periods in live wells if you intend to release them.
	Report unusual numbers of dead or dying fish to Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division offices.
	Educate other anglers about the measure they can take to prevent the spread of fish diseases and other aquatic nuisance species.

Additional Information

Article Published in the Michigan Riparian Magazine (Summer 2015):  Lake Water Quality – Are We Winning the War?  By Tony Groves and Pam Tyning, Water Resources Group, ProgressiveAE

Phosphorus

Reduce the phosphorus level in your lawn care products and you can reduce algae blooms Here is some information on phosphorus taken from the MN department of Agriculture: Phosphorus is one of the most troublesome pollutants in storm water runoff. Phosphorus comes from many sources, and it is the primary cause of water quality problems in lakes and streams.

Everything that is or was living contains phosphorus. It is in leaves. It is in lawn clippings. It is in animal wastes. It is an ingredient in most lawn fertilizers. It is even attached to soil. When leaves, lawn clippings, animal wastes, fertilizers, and soil are picked up by storm water runoff and are carried directly to our local lakes and streams, they provide the lakes with excess phosphorus. This excess phosphorus causes increased algae growth.

Algae are small green plants that live in lakes and streams. Increased algae growth is observed as green algae blooms or “scums” on lakes. Too much algae is harmful to a lake system. It blocks sunlight and prevents other plants from growing. When it dies and decays, it also takes much needed oxygen away from fish.

Limiting phosphorus reduces algae blooms….

You can reduce the amount of phosphorus entering a lake or stream by doing the following:

	Keeping your leaves and lawn clippings out of the streets and gutters. Leaves and lawn clippings are a major source of phosphorus. When they are swept or washed into the nearest street or storm sewer, they end up in your local lake or stream. Keeping your leaves and lawn clippings out of the streets and gutters will have significant benefits for your local lake or stream.  Never rake leaves into the lake and limit burning near the lake shore.
	Applying only the amount of fertilizer your lawn needs. A soil test will tell you how much-if any-fertilizer your lawn needs. Excess fertilizer may harm your lawn or pollute surface water. Fertilizer applied to your streets or sidewalks will get into the nearest lake or stream. Phosphorus from fertilizers can cause algae blooms. Use only low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free fertilizers.
	Control  soil erosion around your house. When soil is left bare, rain water will run quickly over it. The moving water picks up soil particles. These soil particles have phosphorus attached to them. Some soils are high in phosphorus and are another source of phosphorus in storm water runoff. The soil in storm water runoff will end up in your local lake or stream and contribute to algae growth.