Lake Patterson

Largemouth Bass

Good

Population indices for Largemouth Bass in 2023 suggest that abundance is higher than in 2018, however size structure was better in the 2018 survey. A catch rate of 94 fish per hour was higher than the LMP goal of 60 fish per hour. Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 4.8 to 16.3 inches in length, with an average length of 11.6 inches. The largest bass weighed 2.0 pounds, but fish over five pounds were reported in the 2018 survey. We look at size structure in a population to determine availability of desirable fish for anglers as well as the general health or balance of the fish community. A proportional size distribution (PSD) indicates that of all the bass over stock size (8 inches) in the sample, 52% were of quality size (12 inches) or greater. The high PSD value indicates that there are plenty of fish large enough to spawn as well as offering anglers fish of a quality size. These PSD number is within the range considered “Good” according to the LMP but lower RSD’s suggest there are fewer bass in the “preferred” length range (over 15 inches) available to anglers. We estimate a fish’s “health” by its plumpness based on its length. This measure is a condition factor called relative weight (Wr). The relative weight of the average Largemouth Bass (Wr = 97) was within the range that we like to see in a healthy population. A high Wr suggests that bass have an ample forage base and the fish have fattened up for spawning. Relative weights have increased in the last three surveys suggesting lower abundance is providing more opportunity for foraging. We also measure recruitment in the population, simply defined, is the number of fish that survive their first winter. Our measure of recruitment is the ratio of bass under 3 inches compared to the number over six inches. The young to adult ratio in this sample was 0.04 which is much lower than the “goal” range of 1-3 and is considered poor. There is some sampling bias in trying to capture small (less than three inch) bass early in the spring. It is better to look at this ratio in the fall of the year when more young fish are vulnerable to our electrofishing gear. The fact that bass aren’t stocked in this lake and is self-sustaining is always better measure of recruitment! While we didn’t sample any large fish in this survey, Patterson Lake seems to have a good number of fish and the newly refurbished boat ramp makes them a little more accessible!

Northern Pike

Fair

One Northern Pike was caught in this survey. The Pike measured 34.6 inches and was in good condition at 9.6 pounds. Northern Pike are stocked as a “bonus” fish and help keep panfish population under controll.

Bluegill

Excellent

The Bluegill catch rate of 180 fish per hour is a little higher than the management goal, but not high enough to cause concern. Bluegill abundance was good in 2014 with a catch rate of 156 fish per hour and dropped to 96 fish per hour in the 2018 survey. Size structure of the Bluegill looked good based on the small sample. Bluegill ranged in length from 2.7 to 6.8 inches, with an average length of 4.8 inches. The Bluegill population exhibited a PSD of 37, which is higher than the management goal of 15-30. A proportional size distribution (PSD) of 37 indicates that of all the Bluegill in the sample of stock length or greater (4 inches), 37% were greater than 6 inches. In the two previous surveys we did see fish over 7 inches, but none were sampled in 2023. An average relative weight (Wr) of 115 suggests that we got most of these fish prior to them spawning.

Common Carp

Fair

Common Carp were not over-abundant in this sample. Thirteen Common Carp were removed during the survey. The longest carp was just under 29 inches. Since carp can damage aquatic vegetation and centrarchid (bass and Bluegill) nesting with their feeding behavior as well as compete for resources with other species, they are considered a nuisance. Carp should be removed from the lake when caught.

Channel Catfish

Improving

Channel Catfish were not captured in this survey. Channel Catfish were stocked in 2012 and 2014 which means there should be some very large catfish available in this lake. We rarely see Channel Catfish in our springtime electrofishing surveys. Patterson Lake is on the list of fisheries for stocking when our hatcheries produce surplus Catfish.

Black Crappie

Excellent

Only three Black Crappie were found in this survey, but 54 Black Crappies were caught in the 2014 survey. Twenty percent of that sample was over nine inches, with the longest being 11.5 inches. Only one of the Crappie collected in 2023 was over nine inches long. Black Crappies tend to be very cyclical in their population numbers. We typically don’t manage for or stock Crappies in small lakes as they can become over-abundant and compete with young of year Largemouth Bass.