Pyramid State Park - Field 20 Pond
Location 3.5 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Fair
The initial fish population assessment, completed during 2024, indicated suboptimal bass abundance for a 4-acre pond. The bass catch rate of 56/hour was less than half the management target of 120/hour. The few bass in the sample ranged in length from 2.2" to 15.2". Bass recruitment is clearly poor and is likely a consequence of Gizzard Shad presence. Gizzard Shad should never be introduced to small ponds, as they typically become numerous and cause significant declines in bass recruitment and Bluegill growth.
Redear Sunfish
Poor
Similar to Bluegill, size structure of Redear Sunfish was very poor. Of the 13 Redear captured during the electrofishing survey, the largest only measured 5.5".
Bluegill
Poor
The initial fish population assessment, completed during 2024, yield an extremely high catch rate of Bluegill at 888/hour. The size structure was very poor, with a mean length of 3" and only one individual in the sample that measured 6". The high abundance and poor size structure of Bluegill is a consequence of Gizzard Shad being present, which not only compete directly with Bluegill, but have also caused bass recruitment to plummet in this case. Gizzard Shad should never be introduced to an impoundment this small.
Contact
Description
The Field 20 Pond is a shallow, 4-acre impoundment that is surrounded by grass, which is occasionally mowed to maintain bank access. There is no boat or kayak launch, but shore anglers can park directly adjacent to the pond along Elk Road.Fishery History
The initial fish population assessment for Field 20 Pond was completed during 2024, and it consisted of 7.5 minutes of electrofishing. Unfortunately, survey results indicated the fish community is severely out of balance due to the presence of Gizzard Shad. Bass abundance was well below the desired range for a small pond, indicating poor recruitment, a typical symptom of a shad infestation in small impoundments. In addition, Bluegill and Redear Sunfish size structures were very poor, as almost none exceeded 6 inches in length. A complete renovation of the pond (drained dry) will be necessary to eradicate shad and restart a desirable fish community.
Site Regulations
There is no motor horsepower limit at Pyramid, however all boats must be operated at no-wake speed.
Fishing is prohibited from November 1 through the last day of February.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Recreational Use Restriction: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (see above)
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing; bow fishing is allowed
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page