Results from a fish-monitoring program at a popular angling destination just west of Thunder Bay could take some time before they're available for public review.

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) confirmed that "monitoring activities," including setting nets, took place on Shebandowan Lake between June 6-11.

"Generally, it takes one to two years from a netting event on a lake to process, analyze and report on data that was collected," a ministry spokeswoman said this week.

Three previous surveys have been conducted on Shebandowan Lake since 2008.

"Monitoring results from the most recent completed survey (in 2018) demonstrate stable fish abundance and a broad range of size and ages, indicating a healthy fish community," the spokeswoman said.

Survey work that was observed by some area residents earlier this month is part of the province's inland lakes monitoring program, which "helps track the health of about 550 inland fisheries across the province," the ministry says.

"MNR field crews collect information on fish species, water quality, and the presence of invasive species to support sustainable lake management," the ministry said.

Some Shebandowan residents posted on social media they'd observed red, MNR-marked buoys in the water to indicate the presence of nets.

The ministry didn't say what kind of fish were caught, but in general Shebandowan is known to have more than 10 sport and baitfish species.

Anglers know Shebandowan Lake — which is about 40 kilometres long — to be a reliable source of walleye and small-mouth bass. An annual bass-fishing tournament takes place on the lake.

Dave Bel, who lives on Shebandowan, said the fishery seems to be healthy, providing luck for anglers in both summer and winter.

During the warm months, ministry and OPP patrol boats are routinely seen on the lake, which offers public access at its lower section.

Bel, a retired police officer, said most anglers seem to be respectful of catch limits, which may explain why Shebandowan Lake remains plentiful.

There doesn't seem to be as much traffic on the lake as there was once was, perhaps because cottage owners are getting up in years, Bel suggested.