crashed, anglers expressed a desire to expand and enhance other kokanee populations. In 1986, 

 Lowo- Thompson Lake was added to the stocking schedule to receive 100,000 kokanee annually. 

 To date, there is no indication that a kokanee population has been established in Lower Thompson 

 Lake, nor does it appear that the kokanee planted each year survive in the lake in substantial 

 numbCTS. FWP is monitoring the plants to determine if the stocked kokanee support the Middle 

 Thompson Lake kokanee population. 



Betweoi 1990 and 1994, FWP planted brown trout in Lower Thompson Lake in an attempt to add 

 a new trout to the fishery. Brown trout plants were established to create the opportunity to capture 

 a rare (rare in Region 1) and possible trophy trout. In addition, brown trout can be highly 

 piscivorous and Lower Thompson Lake contains high densities of potential prey (yellow perch, 

 northern squawfish, pumpkinseeds). Brown trout currently exist in the Thompson River and Clark 

 Fork River, so the addition of this species does not threaten the integrity of the downstream 

 peculations. To date, there is no indication that a brown trout population is established in Lower 

 Thompson Lake, and catches are rarely reported. 



Currently most angling is directed toward largemouth bass and trout. Rainbow trout provide both 

 a summer and winter fishery. Trout catch rates are low but steady and some anglers specialize 

 in pursuing trojrfiy trout (greater than 10 pounds). Catch rates on yellow perch are high but only 

 a very small percentage of the perch are considered to be of keeping size (greater than eight 

 inches). Spearing was banned cm the lake in the 1970s to discourage poaching. Trout anglers are 

 restricted to 5 trout daily, only one trout longer than 22 inches. This regulation was established 

 in an attempt to protect the trophy trout fishery. Bass anglers are restricted to only 1 bass daily, 

 minimum length of 22 inches from May 15 to June 30, to protect spawning bass while still 

 providing the opportunity to harvest a trophy bass. 



Managpment Concerns: 



1. Yellow perch and pumpkinseed densities are high enough to make successful 

 rainbow/cutthroat trout stocking difficult. In addition, the yellow perch are stunting and 

 do not provide a desirable fishery. 



2. Brown trout are popular in other areas of the state. Unauthorized plants firom an 

 established population in Lower Thompson Lake could lead to management problems with 

 native species in other regional waters, especially those with bull trout. 



3. A suitable kokanee population has not been established in Lower Thompson Lake, 

 although stocking may contribute to the Middle Thompson Lake kokanee population. 



4. Northern pike, which exist in large numbers in Upper Thompson Lake, have not been 

 found in appreciable numbers in Lower Thompson Lake. If northern pike become 

 established, successful stocking of trout would be more difficult. 



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