CATCH AND RELEASE ALL WIPER FISH

In the fall of 2004, 500 wiper fish (also known as hybrid striped bass) approximately 6-8" were stocked in our lake. A wiper is a hybrid between the white bass and the striped bass. The wipers primarily feed on gizzard shad (a small type of fish) and will hopefully control the overabundant population of white perch in our lake. The wiper is pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting fish stocked in Nebraska waters. Lakes stocked with wipers commonly produce fish in the five to ten pound range, and have the potential to produce fish in excess of twelve pounds.

Please do not harvest the wiper fish. It is very important to not confuse a wiper with a white perch. A white perch should not be returned to our lake, but a wiper should always be returned to the lake.

Wiper  (Do not harvest)

• Usually two tooth patches on tongue
• Broken horizontal lines

White Perch  (Do not return to the lake)

• Second and third anal spine same length
• Sides nearly plain, may have faint stripes