Central New York Muskies Inc. Chapter 70 has been working with the NYSDEC and obtained a license for a tagging study on Otisco Lake. The objective of this project is to obtain biological and angler catch data to provide an insight on habitat use, characteristics of the Otisco Lake tiger musky fishery, and the efficiency of stocking. The study will also be used to determine the effectiveness of using anglers to tag and collect tiger musky data via angling on a medium sized inland lake.
This study will obtain current information on the status of the fishery, including angler catch, recapture rates and locations; size structure; and growth. This will inform the DEC on the quality and characteristics of the fishery, which may influence future management direction.
Catch and recapture location information will be used to document distribution of tiger muskellunge in, or possibly out of Otisco Lake, which will provide insights on habitat use. This information may be used for future assessments of habitat quality in other waterbodies. This project will be evaluated to determine the effectiveness of using cooperators to obtain enough tagging data to effectively assess tiger muskellunge fisheries.
Three members of our Chapter received hands-on training from the DEC on safe and proper fish handling procedures along with how to administer the tags and collect scale samples for the DEC. These members will submit collected data on a regular basis to the DEC for analysis. Chapter 70 will also be posting signage around the lake to inform anglers of the study and how to report a tagged fish if one is caught.
If an angler catches one of these tagged tiger muskies, they should record the length of the fish, the area it was caught, the tag identification number (ex. JR 01302), and report it to the Region 7 NYSDEC at (607) 753-3095.
We look forward to working with the NYSDEC and anglers to collect as much data as possible with this study. We hope to see many recaptures over the course of the next few seasons and learn as much as we can about these great fish.
