LEON LAKE 



T<flkft Pftscriptiftn: 



Leon Lake is a small closed-basin waterbody between Loon Lake and Horseshoe Lake. Its 

 maximum dq>th is 87 feet and a surface area of 22 acres (Figure 9). Between March 1 , 1993 and 

 February 28, 1994, FWP estimated that as many as 349 anglers of which 100 percent were 

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



Tjikp ManagpiTipnt Stafiis; 



Management of Leon Lake commenced in 1932 when 5,000 rainbow trout were planted (Table 

 17). Between 1932 and 1969, the lake had received periodic plants of rainbow, brook, and 

 cutthroat trout, and coho and kokanee salmon. The lake already had a population of northern 

 squawfish, and by 1968 unauthorized plants helped to establish pumpkinseeds and largemouth 

 bass. 



In 1969, FWP determined that the lake was not providing an acceptable fishery and rehabilitated 

 the lake with rotenone. The lake was subsequently restocked with westslope cutthroat trout. 



Since the initial plant of cutthroat trout in 1970, management emphasis has shifted to rainbow 

 trout. Currently, the Department plants 2,500 Arlee rainbow trout every other year (beginning 

 1992). 



Leon Lake was surveyed with gill nets in 1994. Only yellow perch (57 per net) and crayfish (3 

 per net) were captured. Although no rainbow trout were captured, there is evidence that the lake 

 supports a limited summer and winter trout fishery. 



Management Concernsi 



High rough fish numbers make successful stocking of trout species difficult. 

 Preferred Manageme nt Option : 



Management options considered included current management with stocking of Arlee rainbow 

 trout every other year, switching to an annual trout plant, switching to westslope cutthroat trout, 

 chemically rehab the lake and restock Avith trout, and eliminate trout stocking and switch 

 management to perch and bass. Leon Lake received 49 comments. 



Under the preferred management option, Leon Lake will be managed for rainbow/cutthroat trout 

 at this time. The stocking rates will be changed to include Arlee rainbow trout and westslope 

 cutthroat trout on alternating years. Through monitoring and ad^tive management, stocking rates 

 will be adjusted to maximize catch rates. Rehabilitation should remain an option for the future. 



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