Big Lake (Loon Lake)

Smallmouth Bass

Fair

A total of six (6) Smallmouth Bass were collected in the spring 2024 survey, ranging from 205 mm (8.1 inches) to 385 mm (15.2 inches), with 6 of those fish greater than Stock size (7.0 inches). Average length was 285 mm (11.2 inches). This fishery is not intensely managed, and the population is considered a “remnant” from a stocking that occurred in 1996. Natural reproduction has continued over the years, as fish are routinely collected in electrofishing surveys (never in high numbers).

Bluegill

Fair

The spring 2024 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 86 Bluegill collected ranging from 42 mm (1.7 inches) to 171 mm (6.7 inches), with 66 of those fish greater than Stock size (3.0 inches). Average length was 102 mm (4.0 inches). Bluegill catch rates declined substantially from the 2022 survey, though the size distribution of the population remained largely unchanged.

Redear Sunfish

Fair

Ten (10) Redear Sunfish were collected in the spring 2024 survey, ranging from 182 mm (7.2 inches) to 220 mm (8.7 inches), with 10 of those fish greater than Stock size (4.0 inches). Average length was 198 mm (7.8 inches). The Redear Sunfish catch rate declined from the 2022 survey, though the size distribution was much improved (however the sample size was very small).

Crappie spp.

Average

While they are present, crappie were not sampled during the 2024 electrofishing survey as electrofishing is not a standard gear for evaluating these fisheries.

Largemouth Bass

Average

The spring 2024 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 87 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 102 mm (4.0 inches) to 390 mm (15.4 inches), with 71 of those fish greater than Stock size (8.0 inches). Average length was 273 mm (10.7 inches). Catch rates were slightly higher in the 2024 survey, likely due to the survey being conducted at night. Population size distribution was similar to the 2022 survey though the proportion of fish greater than Preferred-size declined. Sub-stock fish were collected during the survey which indicates that natural reproduction and recruitment is taking place. Age data suggests that the population is experiencing poor growth.

Yellow Bass

Developing

The likely result of an unauthorized angler release, Yellow Bass have established a reproducing and recruiting population. Yellow Bass are highly undesirable due to their added pressure on the lake’s forage base without adding any benefit to anglers. Their presence in Big Lake is an excellent case study of how unwanted and illegal fish introductions can have unintended consequences.

Channel Catfish

Fair

Nonvulnerable Channel Catfish are requested from the state hatchery system on an annual basis. Natural reproduction is not expected, and this fishery could be classified as a “put-grow-take” fishery.