Carthage Lake

Bluegill

Fair

The Bluegill population at Carthage Lake has historically been characterized by fish measuring less than 7”. In 2024, fish measured 1.6 – 6.5”. 13.3% of the catchable Bluegill population exceeded 6”.

Largemouth Bass

Improving

The Largemouth Bass fishery has improved in recent years. The Largemouth Bass sample exceeded the management goal of 60 fish/hour in 2024. 68 fish were collected per hour of electrofishing. Fish ranged from 6.8 – 19.2”. 25.0% of the catchable Largemouth Bass exceeded 15”. One supplemental Largemouth Bass stocking occurred in 2024 with 2,530 4.2” Largemouth Bass stocked.

Crappie spp.

Very Good

Black Crappie and White Crappie are abundant in this lake; however, electrofishing surveys do not reveal what the true population looks like. 1 Black Crappie and 1 White Crappie were sampled during the spring electrofishing survey. Spring trap netting was started in 2024 to better assess the crappie fishery. 124 Black Crappie were collected during the spring netting survey. Fish ranged from 4.1 – 11.6”. 52 White Crappie were collected, ranging from 2.0 – 7.6”. Only 1.6% of the catchable-sized Black Crappie exceeded 8”. No White Crappie exceeded 8”. A fall trap netting survey was also completed to collect age and growth data. 60 Black Crappie and 77 White Crappie were collected. Fish in both species groups measured 4.3 – 14.5”. There is currently no restriction on crappie harvest at Carthage Lake.

Channel Catfish

Very Good

16 Channel Catfish were collected in 2024, yielding a rate of 32 fish per hour of electrofishing. Fish ranged from 11.1 – 16.9”. 12.5% of the catchable-sized Channel Catfish were 16” or longer. Channel Catfish are stocked from the State Hatchery system on an annual basis. The current Channel Catfish regulation is a 6 fish daily limit with no length limit.