Chemical Treatment at Pawnee Targets Unwanted Fish

LINCOLN – A chemical was applied at Pawnee Lake in an attempt to remove unwanted white perch and gizzard shad from the fish population, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Rotenone typically is used to eliminate all fish from a body of water; however, a lower concentration of the chemical was applied Nov. 12-13 at Pawnee Lake. The chemical was applied in locations where white perch and gizzard shad, which compete with young sport fish, were concentrated.

While some loss of desirable fish was expected, additional predator fish will be stocked in Pawnee next spring to increase future predation on white perch and gizzard shad. Fish killed by rotenone are not approved for human consumption.

Pawnee Lake is located west of Lincoln in Lancaster County.