Milliken, Lake

Black Crappie

Average

The Fall 2023 Crappie trap netting survey resulted in a total of 131 Black Crappie collected ranging from 3.1 in to 10.5 in, with 127 of those fish > 5.0 in. Average length was 7.4 in. Black Crappie catch rates were pretty good (13.1/net-night) but nowhere near as high as pre-Winterkill levels. The proportion of adult fish over 8 inches was 52% (which is good), though the proportion of fish over 10 inches was quite low (1%). Length-frequency distribution suggests that natural reproduction and recruitment are taking place.

Bluegill

Improving

The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 137 Bluegill collected ranging from 1.6 in to 6.2 in, with 124 of those fish > 3.0 in. Average length was 4.6 in. Catch rates drastically improved from the 2021 survey to 4.6 fish/minute. The proportion of adult fish over 6 inches rose from 2% to 7%, but fish over 8 inches are still absent. The number of fish over 3 inches rose since 202 and many smaller fish indicate natural reproduction and recruitment are taking place.

Common Carp

Good

Due to an extended period of high water, Common Carp gained access to the lake from the nearby creek. Efforts have been initiated to remove/reduce the Common Carp population due to their negative impacts to the aquatic vegetation and sportfish population (through increased siltation). Targeted electrofishing has been conducted since 2015 to remove these fish from the lake, and over 60 fish were removed in 2023 (52 in the Spring and 14 in the Fall). Removal efforts will be an ongoing management activity.

Largemouth Bass

Developing

The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 21 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 4.1 in to 22.7 in, with 18 of those fish > 8.0 in. Average length was 12.1 in. The catch rate of Largemouth Bass remained largely unchanged from the 2021 survey (0.70 fish/minute). The proportion of adults over 15 inches (PSD-P) decreased from the previous survey and the actual number of fish over 15 inches remained low (n = 6). While the overall number of fish over 8 inches remained about the same, two fish over 18 inches were collected. Length-frequency distribution suggests that natural reproduction is taking place but there could be issues with fish recruitment. Vegetation enhancement efforts are currently underway to help this fishery develop. Fishing Regulation: 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit)

White Crappie

Average

The Fall 2023 Crappie trap netting survey resulted in a total a total of 133 White Crappie collected ranging from 4.1 in to 11 in, with 129 of those fish > 5.0 in. Average length was 7.5 in. White Crappie catch rates were pretty good (13.3/net-night) and much higher than pre-Winterkill levels. The proportion of adult fish over 8 inches was 26% (which is low), and the proportion of adult fish over 10 inches was also quite low (5%). Length-frequency distribution suggests that natural reproduction and recruitment are taking place.

Channel Catfish

Average

Channel Catfish are requested from the State Hatchery System on an annual basis. These fish are typically 8 – 10 inches and immediately provide anglers the opportunity to bring home their catch. A baited-hoop netting survey needs to be conducted to formally evaluate this fishery. Fishing Regulation: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit