Northwest Montana Lakes Volunteer Monitoring Network 2015 Program Summary 5.7 SMALL LAKES. (Surface Area <100 Acres)

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1 5.7 SMALL LAKES (Surface Area <1 Acres) Abbot Bailey Big Therriault Bootjack Dollar Fish Halfmoon Hanson-Doyle Jette Loon Lost Coon McGilvray Murray Peterson Skyles Spencer Tetrault Upper Whitefish 16 Whitefish Lake Institute

2 Abbot Lake Trophic Status: Oligo-mesotrophic Surface Area: 41 acres Maximum Depth: 2 feet (6.1 meters) Abbot Lake is on glacial till and alluvium on the valley floor (Ellis & Craft, 28). The Lake is located four miles north of Bigfork, Montana in Flathead County at an elevation of 914 meters. This man-made lake is surrounded by private land ownership. Fish distribution records indicate a presence of largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. There is no public access to Abbot Lake. Since 211, high water has connected Abbot Lake to Echo Lake and Peterson Lake. Volunteers reported increased recreational boat use in 211, 212 and 213 which may have been a result of the no wake restriction on Echo. Lakeshore home owners have reported increased erosion since 211 due to increased recreational use from boats that have ballast tanks. In 214, photographs were taken documenting shoreline erosion. All oxygen and temperature depth profiles taken in late summer show Abbot Lake as evenly mixed during summer and fall sampling. Temperature profiles show that Abbot Lake has been within the avoidance threshold range for salmonids during all summer sampling dates, and it is considered a warm water fishery. Abbot Lake s 21/211 average calcium concentration was 33.5mg/L classifying it as a high risk for zebra mussel colonization. 212 alkalinity level was reported at 14mg/L. 17 Whitefish Lake Institute

3 Location: N, W Anoxic Hypoxic Anoxic Hypoxic Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum 18 Whitefish Lake Institute

4 Bailey Lake Trophic Status: Oligotrophic Surface Area: 16 acres Maximum Depth: 3 feet (9.1 meters) The geologic formations of the watershed that encompass Bailey Lake are dominated by glacial till (55%) with the remaining drainage area split evenly between Grinnel argillite and the Piegan group belt series (Ellis & Craft, 28). Bailey Lake is located seven miles north of Columbia Falls in Flathead County in the Glacier View Ranger District at an elevation of 136 meters. Surrounding land ownership is primarily private. Fish distribution records indicate a presence of brook trout, largemouth bass, longnose sucker, pumpkinseed, westslope cutthroat trout and yellow perch. Bailey Lake has a primitive, nonmotorized, public access site requiring a short walk to the lake on the east shore. Summer temperature and oxygen profiles show that Bailey Lake has been weakly stratified at the time of summer sampling. Temperature profiles show that Bailey Lake has been within the avoidance threshold range for salmonids at depths of up to 7 meters during July and August. Fall Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was evenly mixed during all sampling dates. In 215, the fall temperature profile was warmest of all data collected. Bailey Lake s 21/211 average calcium concentration was reported at 25mg/L classifying it as a moderate risk for zebra mussel colonization. 212 alkalinity level was reported at 14mg/L. In 215, Bailey Lake ranked second highest among small lakes for chlorophyll (a). 19 Whitefish Lake Institute

5 Location: N, Bailey Lake Summer Temperature (F) /11/1998 8/7/21 9/3/25 9/2/26 8/31/211 7/17/213 8/25/214 9/1/215-1 Bailey Lake Summer Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Bailey Lake Fall Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) /11/1998 8/7/21 9/3/25 9/2/26 8/31/211 7/17/213 8/25/214 9/1/ /14/211 1/24/212 1/29/213 1/29/214 2 Whitefish Lake Institute

6 Big Therriault Lake Trophic Status: Oligotrophic Surface Area: 56 acres Maximum Depth: 7 feet (21.3 meters) Big Therriault Lake is located in Lincoln County in the Kootenai National Forest of the Fortine Ranger District at an elevation of 1,69 meters. Surrounding land ownership is 1% U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Fish stocking and population survey records indicate a presence of westslope cutthroat trout. There is one motorized public access site located within the campground on Big Therriault Lake. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Big Therriault Lake was stratified or weakly stratified during summer sampling dates. Total phosphorus, total nitrogen and chlorophyll (a) were not detected above the lower reporting in during many of the sampling events. Big Therriault Lake s 211 calcium concentration was reported at 22mg/L classifying it as a moderate risk for zebra mussel colonization. 212 alkalinity level was reported at 82mg/L. Big Therriault is one of the most oligotrophic lakes in the program. In 215, fires prevented access to the lake. Photo: The primitive boat launch at Big Therriault. Photo courtesy WLI. 21 Whitefish Lake Institute

7 Location: N, W Big Therriault Lake Summer Temperature (F) Big Therriault Lake Fall Temperature (F) /3/28 8/5/29 9/16/21 9/1/211 7/22/212 7/22/213 7/22/ /18/212 1/7/213 1/24/214 Big Therriault Lake Summer Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Big Therriault Lake Fall Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) /3/28 8/5/29 9/16/21 9/1/211 7/22/212 7/22/213 7/22/ /18/212 1/7/213 1/24/ Whitefish Lake Institute

8 Bootjack Lake Trophic Status: Oligo-mesotrophic Surface Area: 35.4 acres Maximum Depth: 52 feet (15.8 meters) Bootjack Lake is located in Flathead County ten miles west of Whitefish, at an elevation of 975 meters. Fish stocking records indicate a presence of cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and westslope cutthroat trout. Native fish include the redside shiner. There is one primitive non-motorized public access site that requires a short walk to the lake. Access to the lake is open from April 1 st - November 3 th. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Bootjack Lake was stratified during all summer sampling dates. Temperature profiles show that Bootjack Lake has been within the avoidance threshold range for salmonids at depths of up to 5 meters during July and August. Oxygen profiles show that Bootjack Lake has been between avoidance and anoxic concentration thresholds for salmonids at depths greater than 1 meters Depth profiles suggest that the ideal depth for salmonid habitation during summer months is between 5-9 meters. When anoxic conditions occur at the benthic interface an oxidation reduction potential exists and nutrients stored in the sediment can be liberated back into the water column given the right conditions. Bootjack Lake often ranks among the highest of small lakes for chlorophyll (a). Bootjack Lake was surveyed for EWM because of its relatively close proximity to Beaver Lake. Large plots of northern milfoil were found in the littoral zone; however no EWM was discovered. Volunteer Kim Corrette prepares for field sampling on Bootjack Lake. Photo courtesy WLI. 23 Whitefish Lake Institute

9 Location: N, W Bootjack Lake Summer Temperature (F) Bootjack Lake Fall Temperature (F) /6/28 8/13/29 9/3/21 8/31/211 8/13/212 7/18/ /12/28 1/27/211 1/24/212 1/3/213 1/3/214-2 Bootjack Lake Summer Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Bootjack Lake Fall Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) /6/28 8/13/29 9/3/21 8/31/211 8/13/212 7/18/ /12/28 1/27/211 1/24/212 1/3/213 1/3/ Whitefish Lake Institute

10 Dollar Lake Trophic Status: Oligo-mesotrophic Surface Area: 8.4 acres Maximum Depth: 48 feet (14.6 meters) Dollar Lake is located in Flathead County west of Whitefish Lake at an elevation of 1,36 meters. Surrounding land ownership is 1% State Trust Lands. In October 27, the lake was chemically treated to eliminate fathead minnows and redside shiners using liquid rotenone. Dollar Lake is a closed basin lake depending entirely on stocking for maintaining a trout population. Fish stocking records indicate a presence of rainbow trout and westslope cutthroat trout. There is one primitive non-motorized public access site on Dollar Lake. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Dollar Lake was stratified during all of the summer sampling dates. Temperature profiles indicate that Dollar Lake has been within the avoidance threshold range for salmonids at depths of up to 5 meters during July and August. Summer oxygen profiles indicate that Dollar Lake has been anoxic when stratified at depths greater than 8 meters. Depth profiles suggest that the ideal depth for salmonid habitation during summer months is between 5-8 meters. Fall Hydrolab profiles show that Dollar Lake was evenly mixed or very weakly stratified during all sampling dates. Dollar Lake often ranks among the highest of small lakes for total phosphorus, total nitrogen and chlorophyll (a). Dollar Lake s 211 calcium concentration was reported at 38mg/L classifying it as a high risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 14mg/L. A visual survey for EWM was conducted in 211, 212 and 213 at the public access for Dollar Lake because it is located 4.5 miles from Beaver Lake in which EWM was discovered in 212. No EWM was found, however, additional monitoring is recommended based on its proximity to Beaver Lake and the high amount of fishing pressure it receives. Additionally, a macrophyte survey was conducted in 214. Results from that survey are described below. Volunteer Penny Lestiko POV shot paddling out to monitor Dollar Lake. Photo courtesy Penny Lestiko. 25 Whitefish Lake Institute

11 Location: N, W Dollar Lake Summer Temperature (F) Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum 7/25/28 8/12/29 8/15/211 7/25/212 7/23/213 8/25/214 9/3/ Dollar Lake Fall Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) /9/211 1/19/212 1/25/213 11/14/214 11/2/ Whitefish Lake Institute

12 A macrophyte (plant) survey was conducted on Dollar Lake on September 4, 214. A total of 46 sites were surveyed for aquatic plants, shoreline plants and substrate. Plants that were commonly observed but were not dominant include flat stem pondweed, and Richardson s pondweed. Shoreline plants in order of dominance: 1) Bulrush, 2) Cattail, 3) Carex, 4) Equisetum Substrate composition for all sites was predominately gyttja, followed by gravel, boulder and cobble. The discovery of northern milfoil in Dollar Lake and its close proximity to Beaver Lake (where Eurasian watermilfoil was found in 212) makes it a high risk for Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) infestation. Co dominant Plant Species Composition Percentage of Codominant Slice Chara / American Pondweed 37.5 Chara / Yellow Water Lily 37.5 Chara / Naiad 12.5 Yellow Water Lily / Naiad / Northern Milfoil / Variable Leaf Pondweed 12.5 Bullrush, equisetum and American pondweed. Photo courtesy WLI 27 Whitefish Lake Institute

13 Naiad (right) is an aquatic plant that grows rooted in the substrate however fragments that have detached from the plant can survive freely. Populations can become locally dominant, as seen in this photo, and can form dense submerged mats of vegetation. The seeds from this plant provide an important food source for shorebirds and waterfowl. Although Naiad was the least dominant plant in Dollar Lake, It was observed growing in extremely dense patches along the south end of the lake. Naid. Photo courtesy WLI. Yellow water lily (left) and American pondweed (right) are often found growing together on many of the Program lakes. Yellow water lily can be identified by its heart shaped leaves. Most of the leaves are emergent, and provide shelter and shade for fish and invertebrates. Its yellow flowers can be seen throughout the summer, and it usually grows in water 1-3m deep. American pondweed is a long-leaved pondweed that s leaves can sometimes still be seen during winter months. Yellow water lilly. Photo courtesy WLI. 28 Whitefish Lake Institute

14 Fish Lake Trophic Status: Oligotrophic Surface Area: 32 Acres Maximum Depth: 25 feet (7.6 meters) Fish Lake is located in Lincoln County east of Bull Lake at an elevation of 1,278 meters. Surrounding land ownership is 1% State Trust Lands. Fish distribution includes brook trout and cutthroat trout. Fish Lake has one non-motorized public access site on the east side of the lake. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Fish Lake was weakly stratified during all of the summer sampling dates. Fall Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was evenly mixed during all sampling dates. In the fall of 213, road construction prevented access to the campground and lake access site. In 215, fires prevented summer sampling. Fish Lake s 211 calcium concentration was reported at 18mg/L classifying it as a low risk for zebra mussel colonization. Volunteer Lori Curtis paddles on Fish Lake. Photo courtesy Walt Curtis. 29 Whitefish Lake Institute

15 Location: N, W Anoxic Hypoxic Anoxic Hypoxic Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum 3 Whitefish Lake Institute

16 Halfmoon Lake Trophic Status: Oligo-mesotrophic Surface Area: 55 acres Maximum Depth: 2 feet (6.1 meters) The drainage basin for Halfmoon Lake is dominated by glacial till (78%) with the remainder composed of the Grinnel argillite belt series (Ellis & Craft, 28). Halfmoon Lake is located in Flathead County northeast of Lake Five at an elevation of 884 meters. It is surrounded entirely by private land ownership. Fish species present include brook trout, largemouth bass, longnose sucker, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. Halfmoon has one primitive nonmotorized public access on the east end of the lake. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Halfmoon Lake was both weakly stratified and evenly mixed during summer sampling dates. Temperature profiles show that Halfmoon Lake has been within the avoidance threshold range for salmonids at depths of up to 6 meters during July and August. The fall Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was evenly mixed during the sampling date. No fall hydrolab profiles were collected in 212 and 213 due to early freezing on the lake. Halfmoon Lake s 21/211 average calcium concentration was 33mg/L classifying it as a high risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 12mg/L. Halfmoon iced over in early November, 213. Photo Courtesy WLI. 31 Whitefish Lake Institute

17 Location: N, W Anoxic Hypoxic Anoxic Hypoxic Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum 32 Whitefish Lake Institute

18 Hanson-Doyle Lake Trophic Status: Meso-oligotrophic Surface Area: 8 acres Maximum Depth: 33 feet (1.1 meters) The drainage area is dominated by the Ravalli group belt series (82%) with the remainder being glacial till on the valley floor (Ellis & Craft, 28). Hanson-Doyle Lake is located in Flathead County in the Tally Lake Ranger District at an elevation of 975 meters, and is surrounded entirely by private land ownership. There is no public access to Hanson-Doyle Lake. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Hanson Doyle Lake has been stratified during summer sampling dates. Temperature profiles show that the lake has been within the avoidance threshold range for salmonids at depths of up to 5 meters during July and August. Oxygen profiles show that it has been between avoidance and anoxic concentrations when stratified at depths greater than 6 meters. Depth profiles suggest that the ideal depth for salmonid habitation during summer months is between 4-6 meters. Fall Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was evenly mixed during all sampling dates. Hanson Doyle is considered a warm water fishery and is connected to two other small lakes. 211 Calcium concentration was reported at 5mg/L classifying it as a high risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 11mg/L. Volunteer Jill Fanning lowers the Secchi disk at Hanson Doyle. Photo courtesy WLI. 33 Whitefish Lake Institute

19 Location: N, W Hanson Doyle Lake Summer Temperature (F) Hanson Doyle Lake Fall Temperature (F) /3/1998 8/3/22 8/3/25-1 8/21/26 8/11/ /13/211 1/3/212 7/3/212 11/5/213 7/24/213 1/3/214 7/24/214 11/13/ /3/ Hanson Doyle Lake Summer Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Hanson Doyle Lake Fall Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) /3/1998 8/3/22 8/3/25 8/21/26-1 8/11/211 7/3/ /13/211 1/3/212 7/24/213 11/5/213 7/24/214 1/3/214 9/3/215 11/13/ Whitefish Lake Institute

20 Jette Lake Trophic Status: Eutrophic Surface Area: 31 acres Maximum Depth: 3 ft (9.1 meters) Jette Lake has a basin area of 1,198 acres, and the drainage area lies entirely in the Ravalli group belt series (Ellis & Craft, 28). The lake is located in Lake County at an elevation of 3,749 feet, and is surrounded entirely by private land ownership. Fish distribution records indicate a presence of cutthroat trout. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Jette Lake was both stratified and evenly mixed during summer sampling dates. Temperature profiles show that Jette Lake has been within the avoidance threshold range for salmonids especially in 212, and oxygen profiles show that the lake has been between avoidance and anoxic concentrations at depths greater than 4 meters. Depth profiles suggest that the ideal depth for salmonid habitation during summer months is between 3-6 meters. Anoxic winter conditions resulted in a major fish kill during 211/212. Six benthic aerator diffusers were installed in the spring of 212 to aid in maintaining oxygen concentrations suitable for salmonids. When anoxic conditions occur at the benthic interface an oxidation reduction potential exists and nutrients stored in the sediment can be liberated back into the water column given the right conditions. Fall Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was evenly mixed during all sampling dates. In early 214, a winter hydrolab profile taken under the ice showed sufficient concentrations at the upper 2.5 meters to support salmonids. More sampling is needed to understand the effectiveness of the aerator installation. Pumpkinseed were introduced in 214, and in 216 hundreds of pumpkinseed were observed on their nests. Jette Lake continues to rank highest among small lakes for total phosphorus, total persulfate nitrogen and chlorophyll (a). Jette Lake s 21/211 average calcium concentration was 22mg/L classifying it as a moderate risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 11mg/L. 35 Whitefish Lake Institute

21 Location: N, W Jette Lake Summer Temperature (F) Jette Lake Fall Temperature (F) /4/1998 7/14/25 8/3/26 9/7/211 8/2/212 8/21/213 8/28/214 8/3/ /16/212 11/14/213 11/6/214 1/23/215 Jette Lake Summer Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Jette Lake Fall Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) /4/1998 7/14/25 8/3/26 9/7/211 8/2/212 8/21/213 8/28/214 8/3/ /16/212 11/14/213 11/16/214 1/23/ Whitefish Lake Institute

22 Lake of the Woods Trophic Status: Oligotrophic Surface Area: 63 acres Maximum Depth: 2 feet (6.1 meters) Lake of the Woods has a catchment area of 365 acres, and is entirely glacial till and alluvium (Ellis & Craft, 28). The Lake is located in Flathead County at an elevation of 99 meters. The lake is surrounded entirely by private land ownership. Fish distribution records indicate a presence of brook trout, pumpkinseed and westslope cutthroat trout. There is no public access to Lake of the Woods. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Lake of the Woods was weakly stratified during summer sampling dates. Dissolved oxygen profiles show a wide range of variability between summer sampling years. The volunteer for Lake of the Woods has reported that there have been no fish caught from the lake in several years. Sampling hasn t occurred on Lake of the Woods since 212, because there is no longer a volunteer to provide access to the lake. Lake of the Woods 21/211 average calcium concentration was 46.5mg/L classifying it as a high risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 2mg/L. No water chemistries were collected on Lake of the Woods since 212 due to lack of access. Volunteer Fred Hodgeboom prepares the Van Dorn sampler at Lake of the Woods. Photo courtesy WLI. 37 Whitefish Lake Institute

23 Location: N, W Anoxic Hypoxic Anoxic Hypoxic Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum 38 Whitefish Lake Institute

24 Loon Lake Trophic Status: Oligo-mesotrophic Surface Area: 45 acres Maximum Depth: 4 feet (12.2 meters) Loon Lake is located on the eastern side of the mission mountain range just west of the Swan Lake outlet on the valley floor. The geologic formation of the entire watershed is alluvium (Ellis & Craft, 28). The lake is located at an elevation of 945 meters. There is one non-motorized public access site on the north end of the lake. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Loon Lake was stratified during summer sampling dates. Oxygen profiles show that it has been between avoidance and anoxic concentration thresholds for salmonids at depths greater than 7 meters. 213 Hydrolab profiles show high temperatures approaching 75 degrees. Fall Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was evenly mixed or weakly stratified during all sampling dates. Loon Lake s 21/211 average calcium concentration was 4mg/L classifying it as a high risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 17mg/L. 39 Whitefish Lake Institute

25 Location: N, W Loon Lake Summer Temperature (F) Loon Lake Fall Temperature (F) /4/ /7/211 8/29/ /6/21 11/21/211 8/5/213 11/7/212 8/28/214 1/29/213 8/19/215 11/6/ Loon Lake Summer Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Loon Lake Fall Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) /4/ /7/211 8/29/ /26/21 11/21/211 8/5/213 11/7/212 8/28/214 1/29/213 8/19/215 11/6/ Whitefish Lake Institute

26 Lost Coon Lake Trophic Status: Oligo-mesotrophic Surface Area: 62 acres Maximum Depth: 14 feet (4.3 meters) Lost Coon Lake is located in Flathead County near the Whitefish Lake Golf Course in Whitefish at an elevation of 96 meters. Surrounding land ownership is 1% private. No fishing access is available. It is a closed basin lake that is fed by groundwater, with connectivity to Blanchard Lake during years with an extremely high water yield. Fish distribution includes black bullhead, northern pike, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow perch. There is no public access to Lost Coon Lake. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Lost Coon Lake was evenly mixed or weakly stratified during summer sampling dates. Temperature profiles show that Lost Coon Lake has been within the avoidance threshold range for salmonids at depths of up to 3 meters during July and August, and historic oxygen profiles show that Lost Coon Lake has been between avoidance and anoxic concentration thresholds for salmonids at depths greater than 2 meters. Depth profiles suggest that the ideal depth for salmonid habitation during summer months is between 2-3 meters. Fall Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was evenly mixed during all sampling dates. Lost Coon Lake is considered a warm water fishery. Lost Coon ranked second highest among all lakes for calcium in 211 with concentration reported at 57mg/L classifying it as a high risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level ranked highest among small lakes reported at 26mg/L. Volunteer Terry Nelson on Lost Coon Lake. Photo courtesy WLI. 41 Whitefish Lake Institute

27 Location: N, W Anoxic Hypoxic Anoxic Hypoxic Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum 42 Whitefish Lake Institute

28 A macrophyte survey was conducted on Lost Coon on September 8, 214. A total of 18 sites were surveyed for aquatic plants, shoreline plants and substrate. Plants that were commonly observed but were not dominant include eel grass. Lost Coon Lake Dominant Plant Distribution September, 214 Variable Leaf Pondweed Shoreline plants in order of dominance: 1) Cattail, 2) Carex, 3) Equisetum American Pondweed 7% 3% 28% Co-dominance Substrate composition for all sites was predominately gyttja. Lost Coon Lake has very dense macrophyte beds. Several springs exist, in which macrophyte composition changed primarily to mare s tail and northern milfoil. American pondweed and yellow water lily s floating leaves blanket the lake s surface during summer/early fall. Chara 1% 12% No Plants Present 14% 22% Bladderwart Co dominant Plant Species Composition Percentage of Co dominant Slice Bladderwort / Yellow Water Lily Bladderwort / American Pondweed Bladderwort / Northern Milfoil 6.67 Bladderwort / Chara 3.33 Bladderwort / Eel Grass / Variable Leaf Pondweed / Northern Milfoil 3.33 Bladderwort / Chara / Yellow Water Lily 3.33 Yellow Water Lily / American Pondweed 3.33 Yellow Water Lily / Variable Leaf Pondweed 3.33 Variable Leaf Pondweed / Common Water Moss 3.33 Variable Leaf Pondweed / Flat Stem Pondweed Whitefish Lake Institute

29 Common bladderwort (left) is a native aquatic plant that has floating stems that can grow 2-3 meters long. The stems of these branches have transparent bladders that capture tiny invertebrates. Bladderwort is found among many of the shallower oligo-mesotrophic lakes in the Program. Common bladderwart. Photo courtesy WLI. Coontail (right) is an aquatic rootless perennial forb that is native to the United States and Montana. It is generally a dark or olive green color and forms dense colonies. Like EWM, Coontail reproduces through stem fragmentation. Coontail is often mistaken for Eurasian watermilfoil because of its ability to form dense colonies and the whorled leaves which resemble that of EWM. Coontail gets its name from the crowding of leaves at the end of branches which resemble a raccoon s tail. Additionally, coontail prefers similar conditions as EWM including coarse or fine soil textures and is very tolerant of high water temperature and drought conditions. Coontail leaves are much coarser than EWM leaves and are toothed. Coontail makes excellent food for birds. Coontail. Photo courtesy WLI. 44 Whitefish Lake Institute

30 McGilvray Lake Trophic Status: Oligotrophic Surface Area: 37 acres Maximum Depth: 33 feet (1.1 meters) McGilvray Lake has a catchment area of 237 acres. The catchment is entirely glacial till (Ellis & Craft, 28). The lake is located in Flathead County at an elevation of 99 meters. Surrounding land ownership is primarily State Trust Land. Fish distribution records indicate a presence of largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and yellow perch. There is no public access to McGilvray Lake. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that McGilvray Lake was evenly mixed during all of the August summer sampling dates. Fall Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was evenly mixed during all sampling dates. McGilvray Lake s 21/211 average calcium concentration was 41mg/L classifying it as a high risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 17mg/L. Kids Fishing from the Stevlingson s dock. Photo courtesy Don and Joy Stevlingson. 45 Whitefish Lake Institute

31 Location: N, W McGilvray Lake Summer Temperature (F) McGilvray Lake Fall Temperature (F) /19/25 8/21/26 8/13/211 8/3/212 8/13/213 8/12/ /3/212 1/29/213 11/1/ McGilvray Lake Summer Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) McGilvray Lake Fall Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) /19/25 8/21/26 8/13/211 8/3/212 8/13/213 8/12/ /3/212 1/29/213 11/1/ Whitefish Lake Institute

32 Murray Lake Trophic Status: Mesotrophic Surface Area: 43.4 acres Maximum Depth: 1 feet (3.5 meters) Murray Lake is located in Flathead County at an elevation of 3,572 feet. Surrounding land ownership is 1% State Trust Lands. Murray Lake was chemically treated with rotenone in October of 1999 to eliminate fathead minnow and redside shiners. Fish stocking records indicate a presence of rainbow trout and westslope cutthroat trout. There is one primitive public access site on the east side of the lake where motors are restricted to <1 horsepower. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Murray Lake was stratified during all of the summer sampling dates. Temperature profiles show that Murray Lake has been within the avoidance threshold range for salmonids at depths of up to 5 meters during July and August. Oxygen profiles show that Murray Lake has been between avoidance and anoxic concentration thresholds for salmonids at depths greater than 11 meters. Depth profiles suggest that the ideal depth for salmonid habitation during summer months is between 5-12 meters. Fall Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was stratified, weakly stratified or evenly mixed during all sampling dates. When anoxic conditions occur at the benthic interface an oxidation reduction potential exists and nutrients stored in the sediment can be liberated back into the water column given the right conditions. Murray Lake often ranks among the highest of small lakes for total phosphorus and total nitrogen. Murray Lake ranked third highest among small lakes in 211 for Chlorophyll (a). The 211 calcium concentration was reported at 44mg/L classifying it as a high risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 82mg/L. An EWM survey was conducted near the public access site in 211 and 212. No EWM was found, however, Murray is the closest lake to Beaver Lake, making the threat of introduction very high. A macrophyte survey was conducted in Whitefish Lake Institute

33 Location: N, W Murray Lake Summer Temperature (F) Murray Lake Fall Temperature (F) /25/28 8/12/29 8/15/ /9/211 7/25/212 1/19/212 6/28/213 1/25/213 8/25/214 11/15/214 9/3/215 1/28/ Murray Lake Summer Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Murray Lake Fall Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) /25/28 8/12/29 8/15/ /9/211 7/25/212 1/19/212 6/28/213 1/25/213 8/25/214 11/15/214 8/15/211 1/28/ Whitefish Lake Institute

34 A macrophyte survey was conducted on Murray Lake on September 4, 214. A total of 46 sites were surveyed for aquatic plants, shoreline plants and substrate. Plants that were commonly observed but were not dominant include flat stem pondweed, and Richardson s pondweed. Shoreline plants in order of dominance: 1) Bulrush, 2) Carex, 3) Equisetum Substrate composition in order of dominance: 1) Gyttja, 2) Boulder, 3) Gravel, 4) Bedrock, 5) Sand, 6) Cobble. Co dominant Plant Species Composition Percentage of Codominant Slice Chara / American Pondweed 5 Chara / Yellow Water Lily 5 Bulrush and horsetail are some of the most common emergent shoreline plants found among program lakes. Photo courtesy WLI. 49 Whitefish Lake Institute

35 Bulrush (right) is a perennial that can grow up to 4m tall. It is an important component of wetland ecosystems because it provides cover and food for wild life. Most Program lakes are home to bulrush. Loons have been observed using dense patches of bulrush as their nesting area on Blanchard Lake. Bulrush. Photo courtesy WLI. Water horsetail (left) is a rapid spreading perennial forb that has hollow stems that are grooved with 9-25 ridges that are banded with sheaths and teeth. Horsetail is found at many of the Program lakes. Water horsetail. Photo courtesy WLI. Heidi Sedivy (right) prepares to throw the rake at Murray Lake. Photo courtesy WLI. 5 Whitefish Lake Institute

36 Peterson Lake Trophic Status: Oligo-mesotrophic Surface Area: 97 acres Maximum Depth: 3 feet (9.1 meters) Peterson Lake has a catchment area of 34 acres and is entirely glacial till (Ellis & Craft, 28). The lake is located in Flathead County at an elevation of 914 meters. Surrounding land ownership is entirely private. Fish distribution records indicate a presence of lake whitefish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. During high water years, Peterson Lake is connected to Abbott Lake by a small waterway and can also be accessed via Echo Lake. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Peterson Lake was evenly mixed or weakly stratified during summer sampling dates. Temperature profiles show that Peterson Lake has been within the avoidance threshold range for salmonids at depths of up to 7 meters during July and August. Oxygen profiles show that Peterson Lake has been between avoidance and anoxic concentration thresholds for salmonids at depths greater than 7 meters. Fall Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was evenly mixed or very weakly mixed during fall sampling dates. Peterson Lake is considered a warm water fishery. Peterson Lake s 21/211 average calcium concentration was 29.5mg/L classifying it as a high risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 15mg/L. In 215, Peterson ranked second highest among small lakes for total phosphorus. Volunteer John O Cain at Peterson Lake. Photo courtesy John O Cain. 51 Whitefish Lake Institute

37 Location: N, W Peterson Lake Summer Temperature (F) Peterson Lake Fall Temperature (F) /28/ /9/22 8/2/25 8/29/26 8/21/211 8/21/212 8/14/213 8/6/ /6/21 11/28/211 11/2/212 1/23/213 1/31/214 11/6/ /2/ Peterson Lake Summer Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Peterson Lake Fall Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) /28/1998 9/9/22 8/2/25-1 8/29/26 8/21/211 8/21/ /6/21 11/28/211 11/2/212 8/14/213 1/23/213 8/6/214 1/31/214 8/2/215 11/6/ Whitefish Lake Institute

38 Skyles Lake Trophic Status: Oligo-Mesotrophic Surface Area: 38 acres Maximum Depth: 16 feet (4.9 meters) Skyles Lake has a drainage area of 1,26 acres. The drainage area is dominated by the Piegan group belt series (84%) with the remainder being composed of alluvium and glacial till (Ellis & Craft, 28). The lake is located in Flathead County 3 miles west of Whitefish on Highway 93 at an elevation of 975 meters. Surrounding land ownership is entirely private. The lake was chemically treated in the 195 s to allow trout populations to flourish, but an illegal introduction of sunfish and bass has dramatically influenced the fish community assemblage. Fish distribution includes largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, sunfish, redside shiner, westslope cutthroat trout and yellow perch. There is one primitive non-motorized public access that is difficult to find on the south side of the lake. Skyles Lake is the shallowest lake in the program at 4 meters. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Skyles Lake was evenly mixed during all of the summer sampling dates. Fall Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was evenly mixed during all sampling dates. Skyles is considered a warm water fishery. Skyles Lake s 21/211 average calcium concentration was 43mg/L classifying it as a high risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 21mg/L. A macrophyte survey was conducted in 214. In 215, Skyles ranked highest among small lakes for total persulfate nitrogen. Volunteer Cathi Lai rows to the monitoring location. Photo courtesy WLI. 53 Whitefish Lake Institute

39 Location: N, W Anoxic Hypoxic Anoxic Hypoxic Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum 54 Whitefish Lake Institute

40 A macrophyte survey was conducted on Skyles Lake on September 2, 214. A total of 1 sites were surveyed for aquatic plants, shoreline plants and substrate. Skyles is an algae dominated lake (chara). Shoreline plants in order of dominance were: 1) Bulrush, 2) Cattail, 3) Carex, 4) Equisetum Substrate composition for all sites was predominately gyttja, followed by gravel, boulder and cobble. Northern milfoil was discovered in Dollar Lake, making it a good candidate for Eurasian watermilfoil infestation. Co dominant Plant Species Composition Percentage of Codominant Slice Chara / Filamentous Algae 87.5 Chara / Yellow Water Lily 6.25 Chara / Bladderwort Whitefish Lake Institute

41 Chara or muskgrass is anchored green algae that are native to Montana that spends its entire life submerged without flowering. Chara is often referred to as muskgrass or skunkweed because of its foul odor. Because Chara is usually encrusted with carbonates, it typically feel crunchy to the touch. Skyles Lake is almost completely dominated by Chara. Chara. Photo courtesy WLI. Program Coordinator, Josh Gubits (right), surveys the lake and identifies plants on the rake. Both ocular surveys and rake throws were used to determine plant dominance. The maximum depth of the rake was 6.1m. Where lake depth exceeded 7.6m, the rake was not thrown and a data point was not recorded. All plants observed at each site were recorded, and rated on a scale of 1-5 for density. A close up of chara. Photo courtesy WLI. Program Coordinator, Josh Gubits. Photo courtesy WLI. 56 Whitefish Lake Institute

42 Spencer Lake Trophic Status: Mesotrophic Surface Area: 3 Acres Maximum Depth: 18 feet (5.5 meters) The geology of the catchment is a combination of the Piegan group belt series (58%), alluvium (23%) and glacial till (12%) (Ellis & Craft, 28). Spencer Lake is located in Flathead County, four miles west of Whitefish on Highway 93 at an elevation of 975 meters. Surrounding land ownership are State Trust Lands and private. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass. Fish distribution includes northern pike, pumpkinseed sunfish, westslope cutthroat trout and yellow perch. There is no public boat access to Spencer Lake; however it can be accessed from a pullout on Highway 93. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Spencer Lake was mixed during all of the summer sampling dates. Temperature profiles show that Spencer Lake has been within the avoidance threshold range for salmonids at depths of up to 4 meters during July and August. Fall Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was mixed or very weakly stratified during fall sampling dates. Spencer Lake is considered a warm water fishery. Spencer Lake often ranks among the highest in small lakes for total persulfate nitrogen. Spencer Lake s 21/211 average calcium concentration ranks highest among all lakes at 5mg/L classifying it as a high risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 22mg/L. Spencer Lake view from the Bar W Ranch. Photo courtesy WLI. 57 Whitefish Lake Institute

43 Location: N, Anoxic Hypoxic Anoxic Hypoxic Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum 58 Whitefish Lake Institute

44 Naiad Northwest Montana Lakes Volunteer Monitoring Network 215 Program Summary A macrophyte survey was conducted on September 2, 214. A total of 11 sites were surveyed for aquatic plants, shoreline plants and substrate. Plants that were commonly observed but were not dominant include flat stem pondweed, and Richardson s pondweed. Common Water Moss Flat Stem Pondweed Northern Milfoil Filamentous Algae American Pondweed Carex Shoreline plants in order of dominance: 1) Bulrush, 2) Cattail, 3) Carex, 4) Equisetum Substrate composition for all sites was predominately gyttja, followed by gravel, boulder and cobble. Northern milfoil was discovered in Dollar Lake, making it a good candidate for Eurasian milfoil infestation. esy Emergent shoreline vegetation is very dense on the north end of the Spencer Lake. Photo courtesy WLI. Co dominant Plant Species Composition Percentage of Codominant Slice Yellow Water Lilly / Chara Yellow Water Lilly / Northern Milfoil Yellow Water Lilly / Chara / Bladderwort Northern Milfoil / Chara Northern Milfoil / Chara / Yellow Water Lily Northern Milfoil / Chara / Naiad Chara / Naiad Whitefish Lake Institute

45 Northern milfoil is native to Montana and is found in nearly all Program lakes. Eurasian watermilfoil is a non native invasive plant that roots itself to the bottom of water bodies and can grow in water up to 6 meters deep. It forms dense mats at the water s surface shading out native plants, clogging motors and making swimming nearly impossible. Montana first discovered this plant in Noxon reservoir in 27. Eurasian watermilfoil is often confused with the native milfoil. The easiest way to tell them apart is to count the number of leaflets. Eurasian watermilfoil typically has at least 14 leaflet pairs per leaf. EWM has the ability to spread rapidly because it reproduces through stem fragmentation. Pieces the size of postage stamps that have broken off the main stem can reproduce. Eurasian watermilfoil is most commonly spread overland by boats that have not been cleaned between being in an infested water body and a non-infested water body. Eurasian watermilfoil is spreading throughout Montana since it was first discovered in Noxon and Cabinet Gorge reservoir in 27. Tosten Dam, Fort Peck Reservoir, the Jefferson River and the upper and lower Missouri all have current infestations. In the fall of 211 EWM was discovered in Beaver Lake just north of the town of Whitefish. Beaver Lake is the only Program lake where EWM has been found. Northern milfoil. Photo courtesy WLI. Northern milfoil (left) Eurasian water milfoil (right). Photo courtesy Heidi Sedivy. Common water moss has rootlets that attach to woody debris and rocks. Fertilization and spore release occurs on the water s surface. Common water moss prefers acidic water and requires an ph below 8.4. It is native, and is found in many of the Program Lakes. Common water moss. Photo courtesy WLI. 6 Whitefish Lake Institute

46 Tetrault Lake Trophic Status: Oligotrophic Surface Area: 96 acres Maximum Depth: 49 feet (14.9 meters) The catchment area of Tetrault Lake is composed of glacial till (65%) and glacial lake deposits (24%) (Ellis & Craft, 28). Tetrault Lake is located in Lincoln County at an elevation of 843 meters. Surrounding land ownership is entirely private with the exception of one MFWP fishing access site. The lake is stocked with westslope cutthroat trout and rainbow trout. There is also a population of largemouth bass. There is one public access site restricted to motors <1 horsepower and it is located on the south end of the lake. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Tetrault Lake was weakly stratified or stratified during summer sampling dates. Temperature profiles show that Tetrault Lake has been within the avoidance threshold range for salmonids at depths of up to 8 meters during July and August. Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was mixed during fall sampling dates. Tetrault Lake s 21/211 average calcium concentration was 25mg/L classifying it as a moderate risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 17mg/L. Volunteer Carol Blake fills out a data form on Tetrault Lake. Photo courtesy WLI. 61 Whitefish Lake Institute

47 Location: N, W Tetrault Lake Summer Temperature (F) Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum -12 7/31/28 7/3/29 7/28/21 9/5/211 7/16/212 7/16/213 7/17/214 8/1/ Tetrault Lake Summer Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) /31/28 7/3/29 7/28/21 9/5/211 7/16/212 7/16/213 7/17/214 8/1/ Whitefish Lake Institute

48 Upper Whitefish Lake Trophic Status: Oligotrophic Surface Area: 8 acres Maximum Depth: 24 feet (7.3 meters) Upper Whitefish Lake is located in Flathead County 25 miles north of Whitefish at an elevation of 41,387 meters. Surrounding land ownership is 1% State Trust Lands. The lake is stocked with westslope cutthroat trout. Fish distribution includes bull trout, longnose sucker and westslope cutthroat trout. There is one motorized public access located on the northeast end of the lake. Temperature and oxygen profiles show that Upper Whitefish Lake was weakly stratified during summer sampling dates. Hydrolab profiles show that the lake was mixed during fall sampling dates. The 211 calcium concentration was reported at 19mg/L classifying it as a low risk for zebra mussel colonization. The 212 alkalinity level was reported at 75mg/L. Former Program Coordinator Eric Sawtelle at the public access to Upper Whitefish Lake. Photo courtesy WLI. 63 Whitefish Lake Institute

49 Location: N, W. Anoxic Hypoxic Anoxic Hypoxic Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum Incipient Lethal Temperature Critical Thermal Maximum 64 Whitefish Lake Institute

50 65 Whitefish Lake Institute