Newton Lake

Crappie spp.

Developing

Black Crappie population numbers have improved in recent years, but the population is primarily sustained by annual stocking efforts and exists at a low density. The size structure of the Black Crappie population sampled in 2025 was dominated by smaller fish, but approximately 29% of the fish collected were longer than the 10” minimum length limit. Average body condition continued to be higher in the fall survey than in the spring survey. Blacknose, White, and Hybrid crappies also exist in Newton Lake, but at much lower densities than Black Crappie.

Channel Catfish

Very Good

The Newton Lake Channel Catfish population is self-sustaining and yearly recruitment is high. The number of catfish sampled in the netting survey decreased from 2024 to 2025, but the number collected with electrofishing increased. Average body condition improved from Wr=90 to Wr=101. The overall size structure of the Channel Catfish population in 2025 declined, but the percentage of adult Channel Catfish over 14” long remained very high at 70%. Approximately 9% of the adult catfish sampled were longer than 18”. Although dominated by smaller fish, the population contains an adequate number of larger fish to provide a quality fishery, and plenty of smaller fish for anglers to harvest. For 2026, the majority of the Channel Catfish collected should range from 0.5 – 2 pounds with some larger fish weighing over 5 pounds

White Bass

Good

The White Bass population has successfully recruited each year since they were first discovered in 1994 and their numbers have remained relatively constant. However, sampling catch rates increased in 2021 and 2022, but decreased in 2023 and have since remained consistent with long-term trends. The size structure of the sample collected in 2025 was comprised entirely of fish longer than 12”, with 46% of those fish also exceeding 15”. In 2026, anglers could expect most fish to range from 13” – 16” and weigh 1 – 2 pounds.

Largemouth Bass

Good

The Largemouth Bass survey in 2025 showed mixed changes for the population’s size structure. The percentage of adult bass collected over 12” long decreased from 87% in 2024 to 81% in 2025. Along with this decrease, the percentage of adult bass in the 12” – 15” size range decreased to 38%, while the percentage of bass in the 15” – 20” size range increased to 43%. Approximately 44% of the adult bass collected were longer than 15”, but only 7% exceeded the 18” minimum length limit. The population’s average body condition score improved from Wr=92 in 2024 to Wr=96 in 2025. Prior to 2018, the dominant forage species in Newton Lake was Gizzard Shad. Threadfin Shad were first observed in 2018 and have increased dramatically in abundance since then. Along with this shift in the dominant forage species, the amount of hot water being discharged into the lake has decreased in recent years. The powerplant is still currently in operation and discharging hot water in the lake. However, the powerplant is slated to be decommissioned in the future and the lake will finalize its transition from a cooling lake to an ambient lake. This transition has been occurring for several years and has resulted in a reduced growing season for the sport fish and forage fish in the lake. The Threadfin Shad have been able to find warm enough water to overwinter thus far, but they are expected to die off when the lake is no longer artificially heated through the winter. As this change occurs, we expect Gizzard Shad to become the dominant forage species once again. For 2026, the Largemouth Bass population in Newton Lake is expected to provide good angling opportunities. Anglers should expect to catch large numbers of fish from 14” – 20” in length ranging from 1.4 – 4.5 pounds. Bass exceeding the 18” minimum length limit should weigh more than 3.23 pounds.

Bluegill

Poor

The Bluegill population has been in poor condition and was not sampled in 2025. Historically high summer water temperatures and dense populations of shad contribute to poor reproduction and slow growth. This lake is not recommended for Bluegill fishing.