Johnson Lake - Banner Marsh

Largemouth Bass

Very Good

The Largemouth Bass population was evaluated by 81 stock size bass from electrofishing with 86 minutes of effort. The Largemouth Bass population appears to be defined by a high percentage of fish from 6 to 20 inches in length with good average Relative weights. In 2000, the bass regulation for the Marsh was changed from a 14-inch minimum size limit and 1 fish per day - to a 12 to 18 inch protected slot length with a harvest of 3 fish under or over the slot per day. The 2024 electrofishing survey indicated a size structure that has maintained a consistent level since 2007. The PSD of 79, RSD14 of 54, RSD16 of 43 and the RSD18 of 28 are very good and at all high times for the last 10 years. The average body condition was at a Wr of 94. The goal of the protected slot length limit was to create a high-density bass population that is composed of fish large enough to be efficient predators upon the high density of slow growing panfish and the rough fish population. The benefit to bass anglers will be more fish surviving past 14 inches to catch, and for the anglers wanting to harvest bass will be the opportunity to harvest more fish.

Channel Catfish

Good

The Channel Catfish population was sampled by 10 fish in 2024. These fish ranged in size from 15.9 to 23.0 inches and were in good body condition with a Wr average at 102. A low-density population is present and an annual stocking of 800 fish is scheduled. In 2012, 684 fish were stocked at 8 to 10 inches long. 527 in 2013 and 800 in 2014, 2015 and 2016. 513 fish were stocked in 2017. 657 fish were stocked in 2018. 560 fish were stocked in 2019. 1003 fish were stocked in 2020. 1596 fish were stocked in 2021. And 800 fish were stocked in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Walleye

Average

In 2024, the Walleye population was sampled by 4 fish in 16 net nights of effort (.25 fish per net night). These fish ranged from 22.5 to 26.5 inches long. The body condition of these fish was very good at an average Wr of 99. At this time the stocking of 2-inch Walleye may have variable recruitment to the lake’s Walleye population. Several factors have probably contributed to this variability. They include: the increased density and size structure of the bass population and the esocid population, and the small size of the Walleye being stocked. The bass, and maybe the esocids are probably out competing and also eating the small Walleye being stocked. In 1997 and 1995, 4-inch Walleye were stocked and in 2000, 316 Walleyes at an average size of 8 inches were stocked into Johnson Lake from the site rearing ponds. The survival of these fish should be very good, but the numbers are limited. No Walleye stocking occurred in 2011 due to a shortage from the state hatchery system. In 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 over 19,000 Walleyes at 1.25 to 2 inches were stocked each year. In 2016 through 2022, over 24,000 Walleyes at 1.5 inches were stocked each year. In 2023, 23,120 fish at 1.9 inches long were stocked and 24,323, 1.8-inch fish in 2024.

Crappie spp.

Average

In 2024, 5 stock size black crappie were sampled in the spring trap nets with a PSD of 50, RSD9 of 50, RSD 10 of 50, and RSD 11 of 50. Only 1 white crappie were sampled in 2024 at 13.6 inches in length. Black crappie had poor average WR value of 84 while the white crappie was good at a 98 Wr. In 2018, the crappie harvest regulation changed to a harvest limit of 25 fish per day with only 10 fish over 10 inches allowed. Anglers should be able to concentrate on crappie with the flooded brush providing excellent habitat. In 2024, 500 Hybrid Crappie (F1 Blacknose Male x White Crappie female) were stocked into Johnson Lake from the site rearing ponds. A majority of these fish have the Blacknose color trait and can be identified in the future surveys.

Bluegill

Poor

The Bluegill and redear sunfish populations were not sampled in 2024. The current Bluegill and redear condition is of a poor state with a poor growth rate. The competition with the gizzard shad and carp have maintained this growth slowdown.

Muskellunge

Very Good

The muskie population was sampled by a total of 6 stock size muskie by the spring of 2024 trap net survey (1.3 fish per net night) and 3 fish in the fall electrofishing survey. These fish ranged from 13.5 to 47.2 inches long. The body condition of these fish was average with an average Wr of 85. In 2001, a total of 2,174 muskie at an average size of 11.4 inches were stocked, in 2002, 725 muskie at an average size of 10.9 inches were stocked and in 2003, 1333 muskie at an average size of 10 inches were stocked into Johnson Lake. No muskie were stocked in 2004, but 600 at 10 inches long were annually from 2005 through 2014. No muskie were stocked in 2015 or 2016. In 2017, 602 fish at 12.4 inches were stocked. No muskie were stocked in 2020 due to COVID-19 hatchery production and brood fish collection. In 2021, a stocking of 5,570 fish at 3 inches long occurred on 6/3/2021 and a stocking of 738 fish at 13 inches occurred on 9/7/2021. In 2024, 603 fish at 12.85 inches were stocked on 9/17/2024. A triennial stocking is now scheduled to maintain a moderate density of healthy muskie.