Northern Harrier Lake

Bluegill

Good

Bluegill catch rates were the highest they have been in recent years with a catch rate of 245 fish per hour (based on a 20-minute sub-sample). This catch rate higher than our management goal of 120 fish per hour. This high catch rate is most likely due to the timing of the survey with the Bluegill spawning season. Eleven percent of the Bluegill sampled measured longer than six inches. This is great to see high numbers of Bluegill as they are an important prey item for many species!

Smallmouth Bass

Very Good

Smallmouth have been stocked since 2008, with 100 large “retired” brood fish being stocked in 2020. This species has proven difficult to sample in this deep clear lake. Ten Smallmouth Bass were captured in our most recent survey. Eight of these ten fish were between 16 and 18 inches, while two measured between 6 and 8 inches.

Yellow Perch

Improving

Initial stocking of Yellow Perch began in 2010. This species is reproducing in Harrier Lake and will hopefully serve as the primary forage base in years to come. Only five perch were caught in 2020 due to the late sample date. Additional sampling of Harrier Lake has yielded perch over 10 inches with numbers being higher in the early Spring (Late April) and later in the Fall (October). Yellow Perch must be 9 inches or longer to keep.

Walleye

Good

Walleye are stocked annually or biennially based on availability from private hatcheries. Some fish are growing quite large and one Walleye over 23 inches was captured during our 2020 spring electrofishing survey. Thirteen Walleye ranging in length from 9.7 to 23.1 inches were caught in the 2020 survey.