Pittsfield Lake

Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)

Good

2 Hybrid Striped Bass were collected during the 2025 fall fish population survey. Fish ranged from 22.1 - 22.8” and weighed up to 6.3 lbs. Hybrid Striped Bass are stocked annually when hatchery production allows.

Flathead Catfish

Excellent

IDNR Fisheries completed the Spring Low-Pulse Electrofishing Catfish Survey on Pittsfield Lake on 5/13/2025. 40 Flathead Catfish ranging from 6.2-42.4” were sampled. The top 5 Flathead Catfish weighed in at 47lbs, 42lbs, 26lbs, 26lbs, and 19lbs. All fish were measured, weighed, tagged, and released. If you catch a tagged fish please report the tag by calling the phone number on the tag. Harvesting or releasing a tagged fish is your choice. Pittsfield Lake has a two pole and line only restriction, meaning only two poles allowed per angler. Bank poles, trot lines, and jug fishing are not allowed on Pittsfield Lake.

Bluegill

Poor

The Bluegill population at Lake Pittsfield is characterized by a high density of fish measuring 2.0-6.6” in average condition. Bluegill over 7” are occasionally sampled. Bluegill don’t tend to thrive in fish communities containing Gizzard Shad as they directly compete for the same food source. Pittsfield Lake has historically maintained a strong Gizzard Shad population.

Channel Catfish

Good

Channel Catfish stocking was implemented in 2019 to compensate for poor reproduction and recruitment of Channel Catfish in Pittsfield Lake. The 2025 fall electrofishing survey produced 12 Channel Catfish ranging from 17.0 - 24.7”. Anecdotal reports from anglers indicate that the Channel Catfish stockings have been successful. Pittsfield Lake will continue to receive non-vulnerable sized 8-10” Channel Catfish to supplement the population, if hatchery production allows.

Crappie spp.

Improving

White Crappie have historically been the dominant crappie species in Pittsfield Lake, which is common in a turbid lake, but a fair amount of Black Crappie are present. Collectively, 80 Black Crappie and White Crappie were sample during spring 2025 trap net survey. Fish ranged from 6.0 - 13.6". The largest fish sampled was a Black Crappie and it weighed 1.6lbs. There are no Minimum Length Limits or Daily Harvest Limits for crappie species at Pittsfield Lake.

Largemouth Bass

Very Good

In 2025, we collected 135 Largemouth Bass per hour of electrofishing, exceeding the management goal of 60 bass/hr. Bass ranged from 3.1 - 21.3” and weighed up to 5.7 lbs. The population structure is good with 24.5% of catchable Largemouth Bass measuring 15” or better, and 4.1% measuring over 20”. Largemouth Bass body condition was good and within management goals (Wr = 97).

Walleye

Good

Walleye fingerlings are stocked by the State hatchery annually to augment the existing Walleye fishery in Pittsfield Lake. 9,762 1.4” Walleye were stocked on May 20, 2026. During 2026 spring night time electrofishing survey, 4 Walleye were collected and ranged from 13.9 - 24.4” and weighed up to 6.5lbs. The largest Walleye sampled in recent years was an 11.6lb fish collected during the 2025 spring trap netting survey.

Muskellunge

Improving

Muskellunge stocking began in 2019 and will continue as this fishery develops and is further evaluated. Fish are stocked annually by the State Hatchery at a rate of one fish per acre. The 2025 spring trap net survey yielded 26 Muskie, ranging from 25.6 - 39.2". The largest fish weighed 21.5lbs. Angler fishing accounts indicate that this fishery is doing well.