Pyramid State Park - Wesseln Lake

Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)

Developing

Hybrid Striped Bass were initially stocking in 2024 and will be stocked annually given sufficient hatchery production. An evaluation of stocking success is planned to occur during spring of 2026.

Channel Catfish

Good

Given the small size of Wesseln Lake, natural recruitment of Channel Catfish is likely limited. Therefore, Channel Catfish have been stocked annually since 2020. Although no catfish were collected during the 2024 survey, prior surveys which utilized gill nets yielded a desirable number and size structure of Channel Catfish and indicated that stocked fish were surviving and growing well.

Black Crappie

Good

Several Black Crappie in the 8-12" range were collected during the 2024 fish population survey. Anglers should expect good opportunities for "eater" size Black Crappie.

Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)

Developing

Saugeye were initially stocking in 2024 and will be stocked annually given sufficient hatchery production. An evaluation of stocking success is planned for the fall of 2026.

Largemouth Bass

Good

Wesseln Lake harbors a quality bass fishery with desirable numbers and size structure. Of the bass collected during the 2024 electrofishing survey, 38% were over 15 inches and 7% were over 18 inches. Bass relative weight dramatically increased at 14" and is likely attributed to full utilization of the Gizzard Shad forage base at that length.

Bluegill

Poor

Size structure of Bluegill is poor in Wesseln Lake, as none over 7" were collected in the 2024 fish population survey. Body condition also generally decreases with increasing length, indicating stunted growth. Bluegill rarely grow well when Gizzard Shad are abundant, which happens to be the case in Wesseln Lake.

Redear Sunfish

Poor

Size structure of Redear is poor in Wesseln Lake, as very few grow to 8" and none have been observed to reach 9". Body condition also sharply decreases with increasing length, indicating stunted growth.