CAPTURE OF GRASS CARP FROM VEGETATED LAKES

Seven techniques were evaluated for catching grass carp (Ctenopharyngo don idella Val.) in five Washington lakes containing aquatic vegetatio n. The capture methods included angling, pop-nets, lift nets, or traps in baited areas; angling in nonbaited areas; heating the water in sma ll areas to attract fish; and herding fish into a concentrated area an d removing them with gill nets or seines. Herding was the most effecti ve of the techniques (P < 0.001), followed by angling in baited areas. Herding removed 0.8% to 8.2% of the original grass carp stock in one sweep in lakes containing thick vegetation, submerged logs and other u nderwater obstructions. This technique may be effective for reducing n umbers of fish in small (<10 ha) overstocked waters, or for capturing fish to monitor growth.