Jericho Lake

Channel Catfish

Average

While no Channel Catfish were captured in this survey, anglers at the boat launch said they had good luck fishing for them in the evening. Electrofishing is not an effective method of capturing Channel Catfish in deep clear water. IDNR stocks non-vulnerable Channel Catfish annually in Jericho Lake. Site Regulation: Six fish daily limit.

Bluegill

Very Good

Bluegill captured ranged in size from 3.7 to 6.8 inches, with an average size of 5.1 inches. 20% of the catch was longer than six inches.

Black Crappie

Poor

Only one 6.8-inch Black Crappie was caught in this survey. Crappie catch rates tend fluctuate greatly from year to year. Crappie over eleven inches have been present in previous samples as recently as 2016.

Largemouth Bass

Very Good

Largemouth Bass were caught at well over what is considered to be a healthy abundance measure. Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 2.7 to 18.9 inches. The average size bass was 11.1 inches. The heaviest bass weighed 3.0 pounds. 10% of the bass captured were over the 15 inch minimum length limit. High relative weight (a measure or “plumpness”) indicates that this population, while abundant, has plenty of forage (food). Forage species include gizzard shad, bluegill, black crappie and golden shiner. Multiple sizes (year classes) indicate successful reproduction and recruitment in this lake.

Common Carp

Good

Common Carp were not overly abundant in this survey. Five Common Carp were captured, ranging in length from 18.6 to 26.6 inches, averaging 22.6 inches. Common Carp have been very abundant in this lake during previous surveys and unlimited harvest is encouraged for this detrimental species.