Evaluation of Lake Trout Spawning Reef Suitability in Illinois Waters of Lake Michigan

FWS Agreement Number

30181-9-G032

Study Objectives

1. Develop high resolution bathymetric and substrate maps for Julian’s and Waukegan reefs using geo-referenced sonar readings, sidescan sonar, and underwater video to update the Lake Michigan GIS.
2. Identify suitable spawning habitat for lake trout at Julian’s and Waukegan reefs using the collected bathymetric and substrate data. Utilize this information to determine egg deposition sampling sites by September 2009.
3. Measure lake trout egg deposition with egg traps deployed during the 2009 and 2010 spawning seasons to empirically evaluate the suitability of spawning habitat as determined by bathymetry and substrate collection in objective 2.