WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Page 1
2022 Comprehensive Summary Report
Cloverleaf Chain, Shawano County
299000
Introduction And Objectives
In 2022, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducted a comprehensive
fish survey of the Cloverleaf Chain in order to provide insight and direction for the future fisheries
management of this system. Comprehensive fish surveys include both spring fyke netting and
spring electrofishing surveys. The primary sampling objectives of these surveys are to
characterize species composition, relative abundance and size structure. The following report is
a brief summary of the activities conducted the general status of fish populations and future
management options for the Cloverleaf Chain.
DNR Contact
Elliot Hoffman - Fisheries Tech. Adv.
647 Lakeland Rd.
Shawano, WI
Phone: 920-420-9203
Email: Elliot.Hoffman@Wisconsin.gov
Lake Information
Combined Acres:334
Max. Depth: 52
Shoreline Miles: 4.8
Public Access: 1 Boat Landing
SURVEY INFORMATION
Site Location Survey Dates
Water
Temperature
(°F)
Target
Species
Gear
Number
of Nets
Effort
Cloverleaf
Chain
4/14/2022 -
4/30/2022
38 - 48
Northern Pike
Walleye
Fyke Net 8
116 net
nights
Cloverleaf
Chain
4/30/2022 –
5/09/2022
38 - 54 Muskellunge Fyke Net 8
188 net
nights
Cloverleaf
Chain
5/23/2022 64 Bass/Panfish Boomshocker N/A 4.8 miles
Survey Method
• The Cloverleaf Chain was sampled
according to spring netting I (SNI), spring
netting II (SNII) and spring electrofishing II
(SEII) protocols as outlined in DNR
Fisheries Monitoring Protocols. The primary
objective of the spring fyke netting I survey
is to count and measure adult walleye and
northern pike and mark adult walleyes to
estimate walleye abundance. The primary
objective of the spring netting II survey is to
count, measure and mark adult
muskellunge. The primary objective of the
spring electrofishing II survey is to count and
measure adult largemouth bass, smallmouth
bass and panfish. Other species of fish may
be sampled during each survey but are
considered bycatch as part of that survey.
• Boom shockers were used to electrofish 4.8
miles of shoreline. Gamefish were collected
and measured throughout, and panfish were
collected and counted along 1.5 miles of
shoreline.
• Fyke nets were deployed in areas of the
lake that contained spawning habitat or were
likely travel areas for northern pike, walleye
and muskellunge. All newly captured
individuals were marked with a fin clip or PIT
tag. Aging structures (spines/otoliths) were
taken from a sample of northern pike,
bluegill and black crappie for age and
growth analyses.
Metric Descriptions
• Catch per unit effort (CPUE) is an index used to measure fish population
relative abundance, which simply refers to the number of fish captured per unit of
distance or time. For netting surveys, we typically quantify CPUE by the number
and size of fish per net night. For electrofishing, we quantify CPUE as the number
caught per mile of water electrofished. CPUE indexes are compared to statewide
data by percentiles and within lake trends. For example, if a CPUE is in the 90th
percentile, it is higher than 90% of the other CPUEs in the state.
• Proportional Stock Density (PSD) is an index used to describe the size
structure of fish populations. It is calculated by dividing the number of quality-
size fish by the number of stock-size fish for a given species. PSD values between
40 - 60 generally describe a balanced fish population.
• Length frequency distribution (LFD) is a graphical representation of the
number or percentage of fish captured by half-inch or one-inch size
intervals. Smaller fish (or younger age classes) may not always be represented in
the length frequency due to different habitat usage or sampling gear limitations.
• Mean age at length is an index used to assess fish growth. Calcified structures
(e.g., otoliths, spines or scales) are collected from a specified length bin of interest
(e.g., 7.0-7.5 inches for bluegill). Mean age is compared to statewide data by
percentile with growth characterized by the following benchmarks: slow (<33rd
percentile); moderate (33rd to 66th percentile); and fast (>66th percentile).
Regulations
Statewide regulations except special
panfish regulation of 25 bag limit but five
or fewer can be bluegill or pumpkinseed
over 7 inches.
RELATIVE ABUNDANCE — CATCH PER UNIT EFFORT (CPUE)
Species Protocol
Total Number
Captured
CPUE Units
Statewide
Percentile
Northern Pike Spring Netting I 71 0.6 fish/net night 22
nd
Walleye Spring Netting I 120 1.0 fish/net night 26
th
Muskellunge Spring Netting II 21 0.1 fish/net night 9
th
Largemouth Bass
Spring Electrofishing
II
131 27.3 fish/mile 70
th
Black Crappie
Spring Electrofishing
II
21 14.0 fish/mile 72
nd
Bluegill
Spring Electrofishing
II
154 102.7 fish/mile 56
th
Pumpkinseed
Spring Electrofishing
II
57 38 fish/mile 89
th
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Page 2
Species Summary
• The Cloverleaf Chain supports a low density northern pike population with 2022 catch
rates at 0.6 fish per net night. A catch rate of 0.6 per net night ranks in the 22nd
percentile when compared to northern pike catch rates statewide. When compared to
past surveys, the 2022 northern pike catch rates have decreased slightly.
• The size structure of northern pike in the 2022 survey was low to moderate with a PSD of
29 which ranks in the 31st percentile when compared to lakes statewide. The length
ranges of male (10 - 22 inches) and female (15 - 28 inches) northern pike are within the
ranges commonly found statewide; however, there were a number of individuals
measuring in the lower end of the range that brought the overall PSD score down. Size
structure trends over the last several surveys show a slight increase in northern pike size
structure but overall has remained fairly stable.
• Although aging structures were collected from 50 individuals, too few samples were
collected from the desired length bins used to compare growth rates statewide. However,
the age and growth information collected was used to assess growth within the Cloverleaf
Chain and can be used in analyses to compare the growth of northern pike among future
surveys in the Cloverleaf Chain.
Northern Pike
• Northern Pike (Esox lucius) are a common predatory fish species found across many Wisconsin waterbodies. Northern pike spawn in areas of
emergent vegetation at approximately 34-40°F water temperatures. Fyke netting is the preferred sampling gear for northern pike. All results
presented for northern pike are from spring fyke netting surveys.
YEAR SIZE STRUCTURE METRICS
Total Number
Measured
Average Length
(inches)
Length Range
(inches)
Stock and Quality Size
(inches)
Stock Number Quality Number PSD
Percentile
Rank
Size Rating
62 17.4 10.0 - 28.1 14.0 and 21.0 45 13 29 31
st
Low-Moderate
RELATIVE ABUNDANCE (CPUE = NUMBER PER NET NIGHT)
Total
Sampled
2013 2017 2022
Historical
Median
2022 Statewide
Percentile
Rank
2022
Abundance
Rating
71 2.5 1.3 0.6 1.3 22
nd
Low
2022 Comprehensive Summary Report
Cloverleaf Chain, Shawano County
299000
SIZE STRUCTURE (PSD) TRENDS
PSD by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
10 15 29 15
2022 GROWTH METRICS
Number
Sampled
Length Bin
(inches)
Sex
Mean
Age
Age
Range
Percentile
Rank
Growth Rating
1 13.5-14.4 M 2 N/A N/A N/A
1 20.5-21.4 M 3.5 N/A N/A N/A
1 20.5-21.4 F 3 N/A N/A N/A
1 25.5-26.4 F 5 N/A N/A N/A
ADULT ABUNDANCE (POPULATION ESTIMATE)
Marked Captured Recaptures
Population Estimate
(95% CI)
Number
per Acre
62 71 9 453 (264 - 867) 1.4
Photo Credit: DNR Staff
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Page 3
Species Summary
• The Cloverleaf Chain supports a low density walleye
population with catch rates of 1.0 fish per net night. A catch
rate of 1.0 fish per net night ranks in the 26th percentile when
compared to lakes throughout Wisconsin. Although catch
rates remain low when compared to statewide rates, the
Cloverleaf Chain walleye catch rates continue to slightly
increase over time (CPUE of 0.1 and 0.2 in the 2013 and
2017 surveys, respectively).
• The size structure of walleye in the 2022 survey was high
with a PSD of 95, which ranks in the 82nd percentile when
compared to lakes statewide. The current walleye size
structure found in the Cloverleaf Chain is similar to the 2013
survey but much improved from what was found in the 2017
survey.
• The walleye population on the Cloverleaf Chain consists
primarily of a lower density of quality size (>15.0 inches)
individuals which provides a unique harvest opportunity for
anglers.
Walleye
• Walleye (Sander vitreus) are a predatory fish species found throughout many Wisconsin waterbodies. Typically walleye migrate to spawn in
areas of rock or gravel substrate at approximately 40-50°F water temperatures. Fyke netting and electrofishing are both suitable gears for
capturing walleye; however, electrofishing was not conducted during this survey and all results presented for walleye are from fyke netting
surveys.
YEAR SIZE STRUCTURE METRICS
Total Number
Measured
Average Length
(inches)
Length Range
(inches)
Stock and Quality Size
(inches)
Stock Number Quality Number PSD
Percentile
Rank
Size Rating
100 19.7 14.3 - 25.6 10.0 and 15.0 100 95 95 82
nd
High
RELATIVE ABUNDANCE (CPUE = NUMBER PER NET NIGHT)
Total
Sampled
2013 2017 2022
Historical
Median
2022
Statewide
Percentile
Rank
2022
Abundance
Rating
120 0.1 0.2 1.0 0.2 26
th
Low
2022 Comprehensive Summary Report
Cloverleaf Chain, Shawano County
299000
SIZE STRUCTURE (PSD) TRENDS
PSD by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
100 31 95 95
Photo Credit: DNR Staff
Photo Credit: DNR Staff
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Page 4
Species Summary
• The Cloverleaf Chain supports a low-density muskellunge
population with a catch rate of 0.1 fish per net night. A catch rate
of 0.1 fish per net night ranks in the 9th percentile when
compared to muskellunge catch rates statewide. Relative
abundance estimates have continued to slightly decrease when
compared among recent surveys on the Cloverleaf Chain.
• The size structure of muskellunge in the 2022 Cloverleaf Chain
survey was moderate-high with a PSD of 79, which ranks in the
67th percentile when compared to lakes statewide. This is a slight
decrease from what was found in the 2017 survey but still up from
what was reported in the 2013 survey.
• The Cloverleaf Chain muskellunge population can be
characterized by a low number of larger individuals, resulting in a
low-density but high-quality fishery. There were also a number of
individuals from more recent stocking events represented in the
sample that may supplement the adult population in the future.
• The 2022 muskellunge netting survey on the Cloverleaf Chain
was planned to be year one (marking event) of a two-year survey
protocol used to estimate adult muskellunge population numbers.
However, too few newly captured individuals were handled in the
2022 survey to warrant a recapture sampling. Therefore, no
population estimate was conducted for this survey cycle, and the
population will be re-evaluated in 2026.
Muskellunge
• Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) are a predatory fish species found across the three main drainage basins of Wisconsin but are historically
more common in the northern half of the state. Muskellunge typically spawn in shallow nearshore areas at approximately 50-60°F water
temperatures. Fyke netting is the preferred sampling gear for muskellunge. All results presented for muskellunge are from spring fyke netting
surveys.
YEAR SIZE STRUCTURE METRICS
Total Number
Measured
Average Length
(inches)
Length Range
(inches)
Stock and Quality Size
(inches)
Stock Number Quality Number PSD
Percentile
Rank
Size Rating
20 24.3 12.3 - 47.0 20.0 and 30.0 14 11 79 67
th
Moderate-High
RELATIVE ABUNDANCE (CPUE = NUMBER PER NET NIGHT)
Total
Sampled
2013 2017 2022
Historical
Median
2022
Statewide
Percentile
Rank
2022
Abundance
Rating
21 0.6 0.4 0.1 0.4 9
th
Low
2022 Comprehensive Summary Report
Cloverleaf Chain, Shawano County
299000
SIZE STRUCTURE (PSD) TRENDS
PSD by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
43 91 79 79
Photo Credit: DNR Staff
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Page 5
Species Summary
• The Cloverleaf Chain supports a moderate - high
density largemouth bass population with catch rates of
27.3 fish per mile of electrofishing. A catch rate of 27.3
fish per mile ranks in the 70th percentile among lakes
throughout Wisconsin. Relative abundance
comparisons among years indicate that CPUE was
down slightly from the 2017 survey but similar to what
was found in the 2013 survey. Further, the CPUE of
largemouth bass greater than 14 inches was also
moderate - high when compared to statewide values.
• The size structure of largemouth bass in the Cloverleaf
Chain was moderate with a PSD value of 66, which
ranks in the 60th percentile when compared to
statewide values. When compared to recent surveys
on the Cloverleaf Chain, largemouth bass PSD values
have remained relatively stable, indicating that the size
structure of largemouth bass has been fairly consistent
over the last several years.
• The current status of the largemouth bass population
on the Cloverleaf Chain looks to be positive. Moderate
- high relative abundance and a moderate size
structure results in angling opportunities to catch
largemouth bass of all sizes.
Largemouth Bass
• Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) are a common predatory fish species found in many Wisconsin waterbodies. Largemouth bass
typically spawn in shallow nearshore areas consisting of sand/mud or gravel substrate at approximately 60-70°F water temperatures.
Electrofishing is the preferred sampling gear for largemouth bass. All results presented for largemouth bass are from spring electrofishing
surveys.
YEAR SIZE STRUCTURE METRICS
Total Number
Measured
Average Length
(inches)
Length Range
(inches)
Stock and Quality Size
(inches)
Stock Number Quality Number PSD
Percentile
Rank
Size Rating
131 11.0 5.0 - 21.0 8.0 and 12.0 100 66 66 60
th
Moderate
2022 Comprehensive Summary Report
Cloverleaf Chain, Shawano County
299000
SIZE STRUCTURE (PSD) TRENDS
PSD by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
50 60 66 60
RELATIVE ABUNDANCE TRENDS (CPUE = NUMBER PER MILE)
CPUE by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
26.4 41.1 27.3 27.3
2022 RELATIVE ABUNDANCE (CPUE = NUMBER PER MILE)
CPUE Total Percentile Rank Overall Abundance Rating Length Index Length Index CPUE
Length Index Percentile
Rank
Length Index Abundance
Rating
27.3 70
th
Moderate - High ≥ 14.0 inches 6.7 75
th
Moderate - High
Photo Credit: DNR Staff
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Page 6
Species Summary
• The Cloverleaf Chain supports a moderate - high density
black crappie population with catch rates of 6.9 fish per net
night from the fyke netting survey and 14.0 fish per mile of
electrofishing from the boom shocking survey. Catch rates
of 6.9 per net night and 14.0 per mile rank in the 65th and
72nd percentiles, respectively.
• The size structure of black crappie in the Cloverleaf Chain
differed by gear. In the fyke netting survey, most individuals
captured ranged from 6-8 inches in length, whereas in the
electrofishing survey, the majority of individuals captured
were from the 8.5 - 10 inch range. This provides a great
example of why it can be informative to use results from
both gears to assess the population status. Length data
from the fyke netting survey resulted in a PSD value of 7
which is in the 4th percentile when compared to fyke netting
data statewide. Length data collected from the electrofishing
survey resulted in a PSD value of 86, which is in the 84th
percentile when compared to statewide values.
• Population trends from previous electrofishing surveys on
the Cloverleaf Chain indicate that the size structure has
improved from the 2017 survey and is similar to the 2013
survey. Moreover, relative abundance estimates have
improved from the 2013 survey but have decreased slightly
from the 2017 survey.
• Growth metrics calculated from age estimates indicate that
black crappie in the Cloverleaf Chain grow moderate - fast
for both male and female individuals up to 8.4 inches.
Growth is slow compared to statewide metrics for both
males and females in the 9.5 - 10.4 inch bin.
Black Crappie
• Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) are a common panfish species distributed widely across many Wisconsin waterbodies. Black crappie
typically spawn in nearshore areas consisting of detritus, sand/mud or gravel substrate at approximately 58-68°F water temperatures.
Electrofishing and fyke netting can be effective sampling gear for black crappie, and therefore, results from both gears are presented for black
crappie.
2022 SIZE STRUCTURE METRICS
Number Measured Average Length Length Range Stock and Quality Size Stock Quality PSD Percentile Rank Size Rating Gear
790 6.9 4.4 - 13.0 5.0 and 8.0 776 52 7 4
th
Low Fyke Netting
21 9.1 7.3 - 11.2 5.0 and 8.0 21 18 86 84
th
High Electrofishing
2022 Comprehensive Summary Report
Cloverleaf Chain, Shawano County
299000
SIZE STRUCTURE (PSD) TRENDS FYKE NETTING
PSD by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
45 9 7 9
FYKE NETTING CPUE TRENDS (NUMBER PER NET NIGHT)
2022 Number
Sampled
2013 2017 2022
Historical
Median
2022 Statewide
Percentile Rank
2022
Abundance
Rating
805
23.0 7.8 6.9
7.8 65
th
Moderate
ELECTROFISHING CPUE (NUMBER PER MILE)
CPUE
Total
Percentile
Rank
Overall
Abundance
Rating
Length
Index
Length
Index
CPUE
Length
Index
Percentile
Rank
Length Index
Abundance
Rating
14.0 72
nd
Moderate-High ≥ 8.0 inches 12.0 85
th
High
ELECTROFISHING TRENDS CPUE (NUMBER PER MILE)
CPUE by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
2.0 36.0 14.0 14.0
ELECTROFISHING SIZE STRUCTURE (PSD) TRENDS
PSD by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
100 25 86 86
2022 GROWTH METRICS
Sample (n) Length Bin Mean Age Range Percentile Growth Rating Sex
14 7.5 – 8.4 3.1 3.0 - 4.0 84
th
Fast M
2 9.5 -10.4 8.5 8.0 – 9.0 12
th
Slow M
10 7.5 - 8.4 F 4.0 3.0 - 5.0 64
th
Moderate
14 9.5 -10.4 F 8.8 5.0 - 12.0 12
th
Slow
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Page 7
Species Summary
• The Cloverleaf Chain supports a moderate density bluegill
population with catch rates of 5.4 fish per net night from
the fyke netting survey and 102.7 fish per mile of
electrofishing from the boom shocking survey. Catch rates
of 5.4 per net night and 102.7 per mile rank in the 45th and
56th percentiles, respectively. Catch rates of bluegills
greater than 7 inches in the electrofishing survey was 15.3
per mile, which ranks in the 71st percentile and is moderate
- high when compared to lakes statewide.
• The size structure of bluegills in the Cloverleaf Chain was
characterized as low based on the fyke netting survey and
moderate based on data from the electrofishing survey.
Length data from the fyke netting survey resulted in a PSD
value of 33, which is in the 23rd percentile when compared
to bluegill fyke netting data statewide. Length data
collected from the electrofishing survey resulted in a PSD
value of 43, which is in the 61st percentile when compared
to statewide values.
• Population trends from previous electrofishing surveys on
the Cloverleaf Chain indicate that size structure has
generally remained similar over recent surveys. Moreover,
relative abundance estimates have also remained relatively
similar when compared among past surveys with a slight
decrease from the 2013 survey.
• Growth metrics calculated from age estimates indicate that
bluegill in the Cloverleaf Chain have moderate growth
when compared to growth rates from bluegill populations
across the state. Growth metrics were in the moderate
rating for all compared length bins and for both male and
female sexes.
Bluegill
• Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a very common panfish species distributed widely across many Wisconsin waterbodies. Bluegill typically spawn
in nearshore areas consisting of sand/mud or gravel substrate at approximately 67-80°F water temperatures. Electrofishing and fyke netting can
be effective sampling gear for bluegill, and therefore, results from both gears are presented for bluegill.
2022 SIZE STRUCTURE METRICS
Number Measured Average Length Length Range Stock and Quality Size Stock Quality PSD Percentile Rank Size Rating Gear
621 5.7 3.8 - 8.6 3.0 and 6.0 621 208 33 23
rd
Low Fyke Netting
154 5.6 2.6 - 8.2 3.0 and 6.0 150 65 43 61
st
Moderate Electrofishing
2022 Comprehensive Summary Report
Cloverleaf Chain, Shawano County
299000
SIZE STRUCTURE (PSD) TRENDS FYKE NETTING
PSD by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
40 48 33 40
FYKE NETTING CPUE TRENDS (NUMBER PER NET NIGHT)
2022 Number
Sampled
2013 2017 2022
Historical
Median
2022 Statewide
Percentile Rank
2022
Abundance
Rating
621
30.5 15.3 5.4
15.3 45
th
Moderate - Low
ELECTROFISHING CPUE (NUMBER PER MILE)
CPUE
Total
Percentile
Rank
Overall
Abundance
Rating
Length
Index
Length
Index
CPUE
Length
Index
Percentile
Rank
Length Index
Abundance
Rating
102.7 56
th
Moderate ≥ 7.0 inches 15.3 71
st
Moderate-High
ELECTROFISHING TRENDS CPUE (NUMBER PER MILE)
CPUE by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
130.0 107.0 102.7 107.0
ELECTROFISHING SIZE STRUCTURE (PSD) TRENDS
PSD by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
42 52 43 43
2022 GROWTH METRICS
Sample (n) Length Bin Mean Age Range Percentile Growth Rating Sex
12 5.5 – 6.4 4.2 3.0 - 6.0 58
th
Moderate M
11 6.5 – 7.4 5.1 3.0 – 7.0 60
th
Moderate M
14 5.5 - 6.4 F 4.1 4.0 - 5.0 60
th
Moderate
10 6.5 – 7.4 F 4.9 4.0 - 6.0 65
th
Moderate
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Page 8
Species Summary
• The Cloverleaf Chain supports a high-density pumpkinseed
population with catch rates of 1.4 fish per net night from
the fyke netting survey and 38.0 fish per mile of
electrofishing from the boom shocking survey. Catch rates
of 1.4 per net night and 38.0 per mile rank in the 62nd and
89th percentiles, respectively. Catch rates of pumpkinseed
greater than 7 inches in the electrofishing survey was 9.3
per mile which ranks in the 95th percentile and is high
when compared to lakes statewide.
• The size structure of pumpkinseed in the Cloverleaf Chain
was characterized as moderate - high based on data from
both the fyke netting survey and electrofishing survey.
Length data from the fyke netting survey resulted in a PSD
value of 64, which is in the 78th percentile when compared
to pumpkinseed fyke netting data statewide. Length data
collected from the electrofishing survey resulted in a PSD
value of 61, which is in the 76th percentile when compared
to statewide values.
• Population trends from previous electrofishing surveys on
the Cloverleaf Chain indicate that size structure has
increased dramatically over recent fyke netting surveys and
increased slightly over recent electrofishing surveys.
Relative abundance has slightly decreased based on data
from the fyke netting survey whereas electrofishing survey
data indicate relative abundance has remained generally
similar with a slight increase from the 2017 survey.
Pumpkinseed
• Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) is a common panfish species distributed widely across many Wisconsin waterbodies. Pumpkinseeds typically
spawn in nearshore areas consisting of sand or gravel substrate at approximately 60-70°F water temperatures. Electrofishing and fyke netting
can be effective sampling gear for pumpkinseed, and therefore, results from both gears are presented for pumpkinseed.
2022 SIZE STRUCTURE METRICS
Number Measured Average Length Length Range Stock and Quality Size Stock Quality PSD Percentile Rank Size Rating Gear
166 6.0 3.6 - 9.0 3.0 and 6.0 166 106 64 78
th
Moderate-High Fyke Netting
57 5.9 3.2 - 7.9 3.0 and 6.0 57 35 61 76
th
Moderate-High Electrofishing
2022 Comprehensive Summary Report
Cloverleaf Chain, Shawano County
299000
SIZE STRUCTURE (PSD) TRENDS FYKE NETTING
PSD by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
16 21 64 21
FYKE NETTING CPUE TRENDS (NUMBER PER NET NIGHT)
2022 Number
Sampled
2013 2017 2022
Historical
Median
2022 Statewide
Percentile Rank
2022
Abundance
Rating
166
3.2 3.5 1.4
3.2 62
nd
Moderate
ELECTROFISHING CPUE (NUMBER PER MILE)
CPUE
Total
Percentile
Rank
Overall
Abundance
Rating
Length
Index
Length
Index
CPUE
Length
Index
Percentile
Rank
Length Index
Abundance
Rating
38.0 89
th
High ≥ 7.0 inches 9.3 95
th
High
ELECTROFISHING TRENDS CPUE (NUMBER PER MILE)
CPUE by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
15.0 30.1 38.0 30.1
ELECTROFISHING SIZE STRUCTURE (PSD) TRENDS
PSD by Year
Historical Median
2013 2017 2022
47 53 61 53
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Page 9
Full Summary
Northern Pike
The Cloverleaf Chain supports a low-density northern pike population with a low - moderate size structure. Although there were
individuals captured up to 28 inches, the majority of the sample consisted of 15 - 20 inch fish. Results from age and growth analyses were
impacted by a small sample size but growth appears to be slow - average for northern pike. Future age and growth work is warranted to
corroborate 2022 findings. Lack of suitable habitat could be one potential factor affecting northern pike in the Cloverleaf Chain. Areas that have
existing emergent vegetation should be enhanced or undisturbed, and interested landowners should consider promoting emergent vegetation
within the littoral zone.
Walleye
Data from the 2022 Cloverleaf Chain survey indicates that the walleye population has improved from the 2017 survey. Although relative
abundance is considered low when compared to walleye populations statewide, the Cloverleaf Chain has seen a vast improvement. Moreover,
the PSD value of 95 indicates a high size structure rating. The 2022 netting survey resulted in one of the highest total catches of walleye
recorded on the Cloverleaf Chain. However. a population estimate was not conducted due to the inability to use electrofishing equipment on the
required waterbodies. A fall electrofishing survey was conducted in an attempt to capture young of the year walleye and document reproduction,
but no individuals were captured. The Cloverleaf Chain walleye population has seen a positive response from stocking efforts, and stocking
should continue to benefit the walleye population.
Muskellunge
The muskellunge population in the Cloverleaf Chain is a low-density population with a moderate - high size structure of individuals. The
2022 survey was the first netting survey of a planned two-year mark-recapture survey to estimate the number of adult muskellunge in the
Cloverleaf Chain. However, too few new individuals were marked to effectively conduct a mark-recapture survey. There were also several
smaller fish captured that were from recent stocking cohorts that have yet to recruit to the adult population. These individuals should recruit to
the adult population in the coming years. The 2022 survey results indicate that the Cloverleaf Chain adult muskellunge population is composed
primarily of a low density of large, old individuals that has decreased over the past several surveys. A discussion with the local stakeholders
should be held to determine a direction to pursue for the muskellunge population.
Largemouth Bass
The Cloverleaf Chain largemouth bass population has remained relatively consistent over the past several surveys, maintaining a
moderate - high density and a moderate size structure. Overall, the largemouth bass population is healthy, with optimal numbers of individuals
to maintain positive population characteristics and help keep panfish populations from becoming overabundant through predation. The
largemouth bass population provides a high-action fishery with an above-average proportion of 14-inch or greater fish available for anglers.
Population levels should be maintained for largemouth bass; however, pending the next survey, regulation changes may be considered. A
larger sample of largemouth bass age structures would benefit this determination.
Black Crappie
The black crappie population in the Cloverleaf Chain is healthy and should provide an excellent angling opportunity. The 2022 survey
results indicate that black crappie population levels were moderate - high when compared to waterbodies throughout Wisconsin. Further, the
catch rate of black crappie greater than 8.0 inches was high compared to black crappie catch rates statewide. In addition to the high relative
abundance of larger black crappie, the 2022 survey results also indicate a strong year class of 6.5 –7.5 inch fish that should recruit to desired
lengths for harvest in the near future. The moderate - high relative abundance, along with the current high abundance of target size ( > 8-inch)
individuals and strong year classes of smaller fish, should promote a healthy black crappie fishery on the Cloverleaf Chain for the next several
years.
Bluegill
Bluegill population characteristics quantified in the 2022 Cloverleaf Chain survey appear to have remained relatively similar to past
surveys. Relative abundance and size structure metrics have both remained moderate. Growth was assessed on bluegill using age estimates
from otolith cross sections, and results indicate bluegills have average growth in the Cloverleaf Chain compared to waterbodies statewide. It is
likely still too early post-regulation to determine potential impact of the regulation change on the bluegill population but 2022 survey results did
indicate that the catch rate of bluegills > 7-inches was moderate - high when compared to bluegill populations statewide. Although size structure
of bluegill could still improve, the Cloverleaf Chain does provide a high-action bluegill fishery with a good number of > 7-inch individuals.
Nearshore habitat is lacking around a majority of the Cloverleaf Chain and interested landowners should consider adding fish sticks/tree drops in
the littoral zone or leaving timber that naturally recruits to the lake undisturbed.
Pumpkinseed
The Cloverleaf Chain pumpkinseed population has seen a positive improvement compared to previous surveys, with a high relative
abundance and high size structure rating observed in the 2022 survey. Further, the number of > 7-inch size individuals was exceptionally high
when compared to statewide pumpkinseed populations. Similar to the bluegill population, it is too soon to attribute positive or negative population
impacts to the regulation change. However, recent survey data indicate the pumpkinseed population is trending positively in the Cloverleaf
Chain. Improvements to nearshore habitat, such as the addition of tree drops or fish sticks, could benefit both panfish and predatory species in
the Cloverleaf Chain.
2022 Comprehensive Summary Report
Cloverleaf, Shawano County
299000
