East Fork Lake

Bluegill

Average

Bluegill were not sampled in the 2025 survey. However, trend data suggests that Bluegill fishing will remain good in 2026, despite their overall size structure being hindered by the dense Gizzard Shad population, with most fish 5” – 7” in length and weighing 0.10 – 0.25 pounds.

Channel Catfish

Improving

Channel Catfish numbers have improved in recent years due to stocking efforts, but overall numbers remain low in East Fork Lake. Average body condition declined to the minimum target at Wr=90. Unfortunately, the sample collected in 2025 was dominated by larger fish and many were bigger than most anglers would prefer to harvest, but recent stockings should provide smaller fish for harvest in the coming seasons. Most fish in 2026 will range from 18” – 25” and 2 – 5 pounds, with larger fish approaching 8 pounds.

Walleye

Good

The size structure of the Walleye population remained fair to good in the 2025 surveys and was comprised primarily of larger fish. Average body condition was much higher for Walleye sampled in the spring (Wr=99), than it was for fish collected in the fall (Wr=80). Approximately 86% of the adult fish collected exceeded the 14” minimum length limit. No Walleye were stocked in 2023, but despite this missing year class, East Fork Lake should provide good fishing opportunities in 2026. Most legal Walleye in 2026 should range from 18” – 25” and weigh 2 – 5 pounds.

Largemouth Bass

Good

The size structure of the Largemouth Bass population in 2025 remained consistent with four-year trends. The 2024 survey showed a 30% increase in the percentage of bass in the 12” – 15” size class and a 17% decrease in the percentage of fish in the 15” – 20” size class from the 2023 survey. In 2025, the percentage of adult Largemouth Bass in the 12” – 15” range decreased by 38% and the percentage of fish in the 15” – 20” size range increased by 25%. Approximately 31% of the adult bass collected in 2025 were longer than the 15” minimum length limit. Average body condition for the population decreased to the lake management plan’s minimum target (Wr=90). However, as expected in a lake with a Gizzard Shad forage base, Largemouth Bass longer than 15” were in much better condition than smaller bass. Fishing prospects for the coming year should be good with most keeper bass ranging from 15” – 20” in length and weighing between 1.7 – 4.3 pounds, with a few larger fish over 6 pounds.

Crappie spp.

Good

Black Crappie were more numerous than White Crappie in the 2025 surveys, but the White Crappie sample had a more desirable size structure. Average body condition for both species was below target with White Crappie Wr=82 and Black Crappie Wr=88. Approximately 60% of the adult White Crappie and 18% of adult Black Crappie were longer than 9”, while 27% of White Crappie and only 2% of Black Crappie were longer than 10”. Based on the data from the 2025 surveys, most White Crappie caught in 2026 will be in the 8” – 11” range and weigh 0.22 – 0.63 pounds, although smaller fish are likely to also be prevalent. Black Crappie in 2026 are likely to range from 6” – 10” and weigh 0.10 – 0.45 pounds.