BOOTJACK LAKE 

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Bootjack Lake is a small closed-basin lake near Happy's Inn. Its maximum depth is approximately 

 41 feet and it has a surface area of ai^m>ximately 12 acres. Between March 1, 1993 and February 

 28, 1994, FWP estimated that as many as 426 anglers of which 60 percent were Montana 

 residents, fished at Bootjack Lake (Montana Statewide Angling Pressure Report). 



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Managem^t of Boo^ack Lake commenced in 1932 when 8,000 rainbow firy were planted (Table 

 12). Between 1932 and 1992, various species including coho salmon, arctic grayling, and 

 cutthroat trout have been planted in the laJce. Unauthorized plants of bass and pumpkinseeds 

 during the 1950s and 1960s made management difficult. In the past, high concentrations of 

 amphipods (freshwater shrimp) produced large trout (up to 20 inches). Bootjack lake is known 

 to winterkill during years of long ice duration and heavy snow cover. It appears that winterkills 

 were substantial and included all species. 



Gill-net sets from 1992 indicated good numbers (5 per net set) and relatively good growth for 

 rainbow trout in Bootjack Lake (approximately 3.5 to 4.0 inches in the first two years). The 

 largest trout woe 3 years old, 15 inches in length and nearly 1 pound. Pumpkinseeds were also 

 found in the gill nets. Pumpkinseeds have existed for several years in the lake at fairly low 

 concentrations. Pumpkinseeds could become a problem due to their high reproductive potential 

 and ability to stunt (FWP has found that trout planting success decreases dramatically as panfish 

 populations increase). 



Crayfish were found in the gill nets in fairly high concentrations (17 per net set). Crayfish are 

 relatively new to the lake and may be the result of unauthorized plants. The significance of 

 crayfish to the managem«it of the lake is currently unknown, although rainbow trout are known 

 to feed on crayfish in other systems. A possible result of crayfish and pumpkinseed introductions 

 is the £q>parent lack of amphipods in the lake. In the past, densities of amphipod were described 

 as "dripping off the gill nets" and in "buckets". In 1992, no amphipods were observed in the 

 water or in fish stomachs. The lake is currently known for providing moderate to good fishing 

 for small to medium sized trout. 



Managem ent Concerns : 



Increased nongame fish populations (pumpkinseeds) may make successful stocking of rainbow 

 trout difficult. 



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