Centralia, Lake

Bluegill

Poor

The size structure of the Bluegill population has been historically poor. Bluegill were not targeted in the 2025 fall survey. However, based on trends seen in recent surveys, anglers can expect to catch an abundance of Bluegill 5” – 7” in length weighing approximately 0.2 pounds. Unfortunately, the Bluegill population in this lake will likely always be hindered by the presence of Gizzard Shad.

Largemouth Bass

Good

The overall size structure of the bass population was good, but there was a downward shift in size structure. All but one of the population metrics met their lake management plan targets. Approximately 57% of the adult bass collected in the 2025 survey were in the 8” – 12” size range, with an additional 22% in the 12” – 15” size range. The percentage of adult bass in the sample over the 15” minimum length limit increased from 20% in 2024 to 21% in 2025. The catch rate increased again and was very high at 203 fish per hour. Body condition remained above target, but it decreased from Wr=92 in 2024 to Wr=90 in 2025. Fishing prospects for the coming year should be good with most bass over the minimum length limit ranging from 15” – 20” in length and weighing between 1.8 – 5 pounds.

Redear Sunfish

Poor

The size structure of Redear Sunfish population has been poor to fair in recent years. Redear Sunfish were not targeted in the 2025 fall population survey. Recent trends suggest that anglers can expect most Redear Sunfish caught to be between 7” – 10” and 0.25 – 0.65 pounds, with some larger fish exceeding 10” and approaching 0.75 pounds.

Channel Catfish

Improving

As a result of recent stocking efforts, the Channel Catfish population density is improving. The current population exhibits good growth rates and body condition (Wr=93). Approximately 96% of the adult Channel Catfish collected in 2025 were over 16” long and 70% exceeded 18”. Fishing in the coming year should be good and anglers should see most fish ranging from 16” – 22” inches and weighing 1.2 – 3.3 pounds.

Crappie spp.

Poor

Black Crappie and White Crappie are both present in Centralia Lake. Neither species was targeted in the 2025 survey. Black Crappie have historically had higher average body condition than White Crappie, but the size structure of the White Crappie population has been more desirable. Based on recent trends, anglers should expect to catch an abundance of Black Crappie in the 7” – 9” range weighing 0.2 – 0.4 pounds and White Crappie from 7” – 12” weighing 0.15 – 0.85 pounds. Larger White Crappie will be rare but should exceed 1 pound. Harvest of crappie is highly encouraged.

Flathead Catfish

Poor

Three small Flathead Catfish were collected in 2025 with an average length of 9”. Prior to 2025, the only two other Flathead Catfish appearing in IDNR surveys were collected in 2014 and 2015.