WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Fishery Survey Report for Yellow Lake
Burnett County, Wisconsin 2021
WATERBODY IDENTIFICATION CODE: 2675200
CRAIG M. ROBERTS
DNR Fisheries Biologist
Washburn and Burnett Counties
February 2022
Introduction
Yellow Lake was surveyed in 2021 to assess the status of the fishery. We conducted a
population estimate for Walleye and indexed the catch rates of Muskellunge,
Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish species. We assessed general
population characteristics, size structure (when possible) and growth of all species.
Recent management activities have focused on regulation changes, public outreach
and education.
LAKE CHARACTERISTICS
Yellow Lake is a fertile and shallow lake (Tables 1 & 2). More information on water
quality and invasive species can be found at the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) Lake Page for Yellow Lake. Yellow Lake is classified as a Complex-
Two Story lake due to the presence of Cisco. However, it carries characteristics of a
Complex-Warm Dark lake (Rypel et al. 2019).
Table 1. Lake and watershed characteristics for Yellow Lake, Burnett County, WI.
Yellow Lake
Size (ac)
2,283
Max depth (ft)
31
Mean depth (ft)
19
Watershed Area (ac)
165,312
Lake class
Complex - Two Story
Table 2. June – August mean Trophic State Index (TSI) values for Yellow Lake, Burnett County, WI.
Trophic State Index
Yellow Lake
Secchi Disk Visibility
53
Total Phosphorus
56
Chlorophyll A
56
There are three public boat landings on Yellow Lake. These landings are located at:
Jeffries Rd., Lake Ave. and Yellow Lake Rd. Yellow Lake is a popular multi-species
fishery in Burnett County. It also supports one of the best Lake Sturgeon hook and
line fisheries in Wisconsin (for more information on Yellow Lake sturgeon – please
see the 2019 Yellow Lake Sturgeon Management Plan).
STOCKING HISTORY
Muskellunge have been the only species stocked into Yellow Lake since 2006
(Appendix Table 1). Prior to 2006, Walleye and Muskellunge were stocked.
Muskellunge are currently stocked at a rate of 0.5 fish/acre on an alternate year
basis.
FISHING REGULATIONS
There are currently no special regulations in Yellow Lake. All species either follow the
statewide, regional or county fishing regulations.
Methods
Yellow Lake was sampled during 2021, following the DNR’s assessment protocol
(Cichosz 2021) to sample Walleye, Northern Pike and Muskellunge. DNR staff collected
Walleye in the Yellow River (upstream of Yellow Lake) during the daytime with a
pulsed direct current (DC) electrofishing boat. Sampling started once water
temperatures were ≥45˚F. Staff collected Walleye between Conner’s bridge and the
Yellow River outlet into Yellow Lake from March 29 until April 6. Northern Pike and
Muskellunge were indexed in Yellow Lake using fyke nets from April 9 to April 23.
A late spring electrofishing survey (SE2) was done on June 3 to assess bass and
panfish populations. This survey consisted of 0.5-mile index stations where all
gamefish and panfish were captured, and 1.5-mile stations where only gamefish were
collected. There were three index stations and three gamefish stations completed on
Yellow Lake. In addition to these surveys, the DNR conducted a fall electrofishing
survey to assess the abundance of age-0 and age-1 Walleye. Table 2 in the Appendix
lists descriptions of standard DNR survey type, gear used and target water
temperatures.
Lake Class Standards catch per unit effort (CPUE) were calculated by comparing
Yellow Lake’s CPUE of each species to CPUEs of the other lakes listed as Complex-Two
Story lakes in Wisconsin. When possible, CPUE was also compared to past surveys for
Yellow Lake.
Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Yellow Perch were aged with scales and
dorsal spines. Muskellunge were aged with anal fin rays. Spines and fin rays were
cross-sectioned and aged under a microscope. Mean length at age was compared to
other Complex-Two Story Wisconsin lakes and northwest Wisconsin averages for
Walleye. Size structure was assessed using the proportional size distribution (PSD)
indices (Neumann et al. 2013). The PSD value of a species is the number of fish of a
specified length and longer divided by the number of fish of stock length or longer,
the result multiplied by 100 (Appendix Table 3).
Results and Discussion
WALLEYE
The adult Walleye population was estimated to be 1.8 fish/acre (Figure 1). This
estimate was less than the 2014 estimate (3.1 fish/acre) but similar to the 1997
population estimate. The 2021 estimate was less than the 2019 Ceded Territory
average at 3.7 fish/acre for lakes with natural reproduction (Cichosz 2021).
Figure 1. Walleye population estimates (with 95% confidence intervals) in Yellow Lake, Burnett County, WI. 1996 and
1997 were Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission estimates using different methods.
There were 869 Walleye collected with river electrofishing (Figure 2). The CPUE was
27.6 fish/mile for electrofishing. Walleye ranged in length from 12.7 to 28.2 inches. The
mean lengths of male and female Walleye were 17.2 inches and 22.2 inches,
respectively. The male to female ratio was 28:1. Walleye PSD was 94 and PSD-20 was 7.
PSD in 2014 was lower at 76 and PSD-20 was 4.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1991 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016 2021
Population size (fish/acre)
Figure 2. Length frequency of Walleye captured in the Yellow River during spring 2021 (n=869).
The overall growth of Walleye increased for male and female adult Walleye. The mean
length-at-age was generally greater than those from 2008 and 2014 and was also
above the northwest Wisconsin averages. Survival was estimated at 75%, similar to
2014 (73%).
The age-0 Walleye catch rate during the fall electrofishing survey was 7.3 fish/mile
(Figure 3). This is above Yellow Lake’s average of 5.9 fish/mile (1990-2021). Catch of
age-0 Walleye has ranged from 0.0 to 20.0 fish/mile. When looking at comparable
surveys, stocked year classes (Pre 2004 avg. = 4.9 fish/mile) were lower than catch
rates from non-stocked year classes (Post 2004 avg. = 7.1 fish/mile).
0
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
200
225
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Number of fish
Length (inch)
Figure 3. Catch of age-0 Walleye/mile of shoreline for Yellow Lake, Burnett County, WI. The black vertical line
denotes time when Walleye stocking was discontinued.
The Walleye population had a lower density compared to prior surveys. The decrease
is likely due to low levels of natural reproduction in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Although
this was the lowest Walleye population estimate, the Yellow Lake Walleye population
had another low population in 1997 (Figure 1), followed by the second highest
estimate since 1992. Also, 2020 provided a strong year class, being the third highest
since 2009. This suggests that the population should be on the upswing. Natural
Walleye populations are known for going through boom-and-bust cycles. However,
assessing Walleye natural recruitment through annual age-0 surveys and the adult
population through population estimates should dictate any future management
actions. If stakeholders are interested in bolstering the Walleye population, more
restrictive regulations and habitat protection should be considered first.
MUSKELLUNGE
There were 32 Muskellunge collected in fyke nets for a catch rate of 0.60 fish/net
night. The catch rate was twice the rate of 2008 (0.32 fish/net night). Also, this rate is
near the 75
th
percentile (0.65 fish/net night) for Complex-Two Story Muskellunge lakes
in Wisconsin. Compared to other Class A1 Muskellunge waters, Yellow Lake was above
the median (0.42 fish/net night). Muskellunge collected ranged in length from 24.3 to
50.0 inches (Figure 4).
0
5
10
15
20
25
1994
1996
1997
1998
1999
2002
2003
2004
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2019
2020
2021
Age-0 walleye/mile
Figure 4. Length frequency of Muskellunge captured in Yellow Lake during spring 2021 (n=32).
Yellow Lake Muskellunge grew quickly. The mean length-at-age was above the 75
th
percentile for Complex-Two Story Muskellunge lakes. On average, muskie reached
32.8 inches in five years and 43.9 inches in nine years. All Muskellunge collected had
ages corresponding to DNR Muskellunge stockings. The age-5 year class was the most
abundant year class in the fishery and made up 60% of the sample.
The Muskellunge population has rebounded since 2008 based on catch rates. Yellow
Lake now appears to have a healthy population with trophy potential. DNR stocking
accounted for all muskie observed and helped confirm that there is no natural
reproduction occurring in Yellow Lake. Muskellunge growth appears to be well above
average compared to other Complex-Two Story muskie lakes.
NORTHERN PIKE
There were 333 Northern Pike collected in spring fyke nets for a catch rate of 6.3
fish/net night. This catch rate was the same as in 2008 (6.3 fish/net night). This catch
rate is above the 75
th
percentile for Complex-Two Story lakes in Wisconsin. The
Northern Pike collected ranged in length from 11.0 to 33.5 inches (Figure 5). The
average length was 21.4 inches and above the 95
th
percentile (21.0 inches) for
Complex-Two Story pike lakes. PSD was 63 and PSD-28 was 3, similar to 2008 when
PSD was 60 and PSD-28 was 0.
0
1
2
3
4
5
<30
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Number of fish
Length (inch)
Figure 5. Length frequency of Northern Pike measured in Yellow Lake during spring 2021 (n=139).
The Northern Pike population remains healthy and abundant. The catch rate did not
differ between 2014 and 2021. The size structure is also good, with an average size of
21.4 inches. The average length of Northern Pike in most lakes in Washburn/Burnett
counties is typically 20 inches or less, so these data suggest pike are growing well in
Yellow Lake.
LARGEMOUTH AND SMALLMOUTH BASS
Forty-three Largemouth Bass were collected with electrofishing for a catch rate of 7.1
fish/mile. This catch rate is similar to 2014 (6.8 fish/mile). This catch rate is above the
50
th
percentile for Complex-Two Story lakes in Wisconsin. Largemouth Bass averaged
11.8 inches, a decrease from 2014 (14.2 inches), and ranged from 2.5 to 18.5 inches
(Figure 6). This average was above the 90
th
percentile for Complex-Two Story lakes in
Wisconsin. CPUE and growth were not calculated for Smallmouth Bass due to a low
sample size. Three Smallmouth Bass were collected, with an average length of 8.5
inches. PSD was not calculated for either species due to low sample sizes.
Largemouth Bass grew above lake class average until age-8, when growth slowed to
near and below average. This growth was similar to 2014.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
Number of fish
Length (inch)
Figure 6. Length frequency of Largemouth Bass collected in Yellow Lake during spring 2021 (n=43).
Largemouth Bass have a low-density population in Yellow Lake. Their population
remains lower because of the turbid water of Yellow Lake. Largemouth Bass in
northwest Wisconsin tend to be more abundant in clear vegetated lakes. Growth was
above average for most sizes.
PANFISH
One hundred thirty-one Bluegill were collected with electrofishing for a catch rate of
87.3 fish/mile. This catch rate was greater than in 2014 (52.0 fish/mile) and greater
than the 50
th
percentile (51.7 fish/mile) for Complex-Two Story lakes in Wisconsin.
Bluegill averaged 5.1 inches, with 18% being greater than 7.0 inches (Figure 7). This
was a large decrease in size since 2014 (7.1 inches). This average length was above the
90
th
percentile for Complex-Two Story lakes in Wisconsin (5.0 inches). Bluegill PSD
was 34.
The catch rate of Black Crappie was 36 fish/mile. Black Crappie averaged 8.1 inches,
which was above the 95
th
percentile for Complex-Two Story lakes in Wisconsin.
Yellow Perch were collected at a rate of 13 fish/mile, a decrease from 2014 (44.6
fish/mile). The average size of Yellow Perch was 5.1 inches, similar to 2014, and above
the 75
th
percentile for Complex-Two Story lakes in Wisconsin. Pumpkinseed and Rock
Bass were also present in low numbers.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
<4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Number of fish
Length (inch)
Figure 7. Length frequency of bluegill collected in Yellow Lake during spring 2021 (n=43).
The relative abundance of Bluegill and Black Crappie have increased since 2014, while
Yellow Perch have decreased in the same timeframe. This trend will be important to
watch since Walleye, Muskellunge and Northern Pike all prefer to prey on Yellow
Perch when available. If perch continue to decline in abundance and Bluegill
decrease in size structure, a lower panfish bag limit should be considered.
COMMON CARP
Nine Common Carp were observed netting and electrofishing. Common carp are not
at nuisance levels, but continued monitoring will be important with this species in
Yellow Lake.
Local Biologist Recommendations
1) The Walleye population had the lowest recorded estimate on Yellow Lake.
However, the population should increase following a strong year class in 2020.
Natural reproduction remains the best option for Walleye recruitment, and no
stocking should occur at this time. If stakeholders are interested in bolstering
the Walleye population, more restrictive regulations and habitat protection
should be considered first.
2) The Muskellunge population appears to have increased since the last survey in
2008. No management changes are needed for Muskellunge at this time.
3) Northern Pike are abundant and provide another angling opportunity. No
management changes are needed for this species.
4) Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are at lower densities. Yellow Lake’s habitat
is likely leading to a lower bass population. No management changes are
recommended for bass.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
<3 3 4 5 6 7 8
Number of fish
Length (inch)
5) If perch continue to decline in abundance and bluegill continue to decrease in
size structure, consideration of a lower bag limit should occur for panfish.
6) Efforts to preserve habitat in the Yellow River are very important. The Yellow
River serves as important spawning habitat for Yellow Lake Walleye, Lake
Sturgeon and other species. Lake groups, community members and anglers are
encouraged to work with the DNR to promote a way to provide more
protection to the river upstream of Yellow Lake.
7) Efforts to increase habitat complexity in the Yellow Lake system should also be
encouraged, where applicable. Inputs of coarse woody debris,
protection/promotion of aquatic vegetation and maintenance/restoration of
vegetative buffers are needed habitat work in Yellow Lake. This website
https://healthylakeswi.com/ is a great resource to learn more.
8) Invasive species monitoring and control programs should continue. Efforts to
keep aquatic invasive species out of a waterbody are much more effective than
controlling invasive species once they are established. Common Carp should
be monitored by the DNR during fishery surveys.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Kent Bass, Misty Rood, Todd Brecka and Kallie Thompson for
assisting with field collection, aging and data entry for this survey.
References
Cichosz, T.A. 2021. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 2019-2020 Ceded
Territory Fishery Assessment Report. Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources. Administrative Report #95.
Neumann, R.M., C.S. Guy, and D.W. Willis. 2013. Length, weight, and associated indices.
Pages 637-676 in A.V. Zale, D.L. Parrish, and T.M. Sutton, editors. Fisheries
techniques, 3
rd
edition. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.
Rypel, A.L., T.D. Simonson, D.L. Oele, J.D. Griffin, T.P. Parks, D. Seibel, C.M. Roberts, S.
Toshner, L. Tate, and J. Lyons. 2019. Flexible classification of Wisconsin lakes
for improved fisheries conversation and management. Fisheries.
Doi:10.002/fsh.10228.
Wisconsin DNR and GLIFWC. 2019. A management plan for lake sturgeon in Yellow
Lake 2019. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Spooner, WI.
Appendix Table 1. Fish stocking records for Yellow Lake, Burnett County, WI. 1998 – 2021.
Year
Species
Age Class
Number
Stocked
Avg. Length
(in)
Source
1998
WALLEYE
SMALL
FINGERLING
100,000
1.4
DNR
1999
MUSKELLUNGE
LARGE
FINGERLING
1,500
11.2
DNR
2000
WALLEYE
SMALL
FINGERLING
100,000
1.5
DNR
2000
WALLEYE
SMALL
FINGERLING
24,345
2.6
TRIBAL
2002
MUSKELLUNGE
LARGE
FINGERLING
1,444
10.6
DNR
2002
WALLEYE
SMALL
FINGERLING
114,330
1.5
DNR
2004
MUSKELLUNGE
LARGE
FINGERLING
1,445
10.7
DNR
2004
WALLEYE
SMALL
FINGERLING
114,565
1.2
DNR
2004
WALLEYE
SMALL
FINGERLING
67,987
2.9
TRIBAL
2006
MUSKELLUNGE
LARGE
FINGERLING
801
11.6
DNR
2008
MUSKELLUNGE
LARGE
FINGERLING
1,444
9.5
DNR
2010
MUSKELLUNGE
LARGE
FINGERLING
1,392
12.2
DNR
2012
MUSKELLUNGE
LARGE
FINGERLING
2,287
12.8
DNR
2014
MUSKELLUNGE
LARGE
FINGERLING
1,143
11.2
DNR
2016
MUSKELLUNGE
LARGE
FINGERLING
739
11.9
DNR
2018
MUSKELLUNGE
LARGE
FINGERLING
1,256
12.1
DNR
Appendix Table 2. Survey types, gear used, target water temperature and target species.
Survey Type
Gear Used
Target Water
Temperature
(°F)
Target Species
Spring Netting 1 (SN1)
Fyke Net
~45
Walleye, Northern Pike
Spring Electrofishing 1 (SE1)
Boat
Electrofishing
45-50
Walleye
Spring Netting 2 (SN2)
Fyke Net
50-55
Muskellunge, Black Crappie,
Yellow Perch
Spring Electrofishing 2 (SE2)
Boat
Electrofishing
55-70
Largemouth Bass,
Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill
and other panfish, non-game
species
Spring Netting 3 (SN3)
Fyke Net
65-80
Bluegill, Black Crappie
Fall Electrofishing (FE)
Boat
Electrofishing
50-60
Juvenile Walleye and
Muskellunge
Appendix Table 3. Proportional and relative stock density values.
Species
Stock Size (in)
Quality Size (in)
Preferred Size
(in)
Black Crappie
5
8
10
Bluegill
3
6
8
Largemouth Bass
8
12
15
Northern Pike
14
21
28
Pumpkinseed
3
6
8
Rock Bass
4
7
9
Smallmouth Bass
7
11
14
Walleye
10
15
20
Yellow Perch
5
8
10
