Last week the Inland Fisheries Service completed an electro-fishing survey on Tooms Lake.

While overall fish numbers of brown trout were lower than expected, they were substantially higher compared to the last similar survey completed in 2022. The size and condition of both brown trout and rainbow trout in the lake is currently excellent.  Brown trout ranged from 220 mm to 550 mm and rainbow trout from 330 mm to 430 mm.

While Tooms Lake is managed as an assisted fishery - supported by stockings of brown and rainbow trout - some evidence of natural recruitment was observed with several small brown trout (ranging from 220 to 230 mm) captured during the survey.

Water temperature during the survey was 13.5◦C, due to the recent run of unseasonably cool weather, and water clarity was excellent.

Tooms Lake would be a good option to target quality trout over the coming weeks – before we start to observe higher summer water temperatures.  With the current water level and shallow nature of the lake, it will warm quickly over the summer period.

Please take care while boating on Tooms Lake.  Practice minimal impact boating by accelerating gently in shallow water to avoid stirring up the bottom and keep watch for underwater hazards like submerged stumps and logs.