Pittsfield Lake

Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)

Excellent

No Hybrid Striped Bass were collected during 2020 fish population surveys; however previous surveys suggest that the population is doing well. In 2016, 38 Hybrid Striped Bass were collected in spring trap net surveys and 19 in the fall electrofishing surveys. Fish ranged from 17-28” and weighed up to 12.6 lbs. These fish were in excellent body condition. Hybrid Striped Bass are stocked annually when hatchery production allows.

Channel Catfish

Good

Channel Catfish stocking was implemented in 2019 to compensate for poor reproduction and recruitment of Channel Catfish in Pittsfield Lake. Recent trap net and electrofishing surveys showed a lack of Channel Catfish below 24”, indicating poor recruitment into the population. The 2020 fall electrofishing survey produced 3 Channel Catfish ranging from 10.0-13.8”. 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.

Largemouth Bass

Good

In 2020, we collected 49 Largemouth Bass per hour of electrofishing, falling under the management goal of 60 bass/hr. Bass ranged from 2.8-19.9” and weighed up to 4.8 lbs. The population structure is good with 47.5% of catchable Largemouth Bass measuring over the 14” minimum length limit and 2.5% measuring over 18”. Largemouth Bass body condition was good and within management goals (Wr = 95.4). 1,260 5.3-6.8” Largemouth Bass were stocked from an on-site rearing pond on October 16, 2020.

Flathead Catfish

Excellent

One Flathead Catfish was collected during a supplemental Low-Pulse Electrofishing Run. It measured 12.9”.

Crappie spp.

Good

White Crappie are the dominant crappie species in Pittsfield Lake, which is common in a turbid lake, but a fair amount of Black Crappie are present. A higher abundance of crappie were collected during the fall 2020 trap net survey compared to the fall electrofishing survey. The fall trap netting survey yielded 159 White Crappie and 53 Black Crappie, collectively ranging from 4.7-11.7”. There are no Minimum Length Limits or Daily Harvest Limits for crappie species at Pittsfield Lake.

Muskellunge

Developing

Muskellunge stocking began in 2019 and will continue as this fishery develops and is further evaluated.

Walleye

Very Good

14,770 1.4” Walleye were stocked on June 5, 2020. During the fall 2020 electrofishing survey, 4 Walleye were collected and ranged from 21.8-25.2” and weighed up to 6.1lbs. Walleye will continue to be requested from the State hatchery annually to augment the existing Walleye fishery in Pittsfield Lake.