Victoria, Lake - SHFWA

Description

Lake Victoria is a long, narrow strip-mine lake with a maximum depth of 26 feet and an average depth of 13 feet.

Fishery History

Recent Past Surveys: In 2020, a late summer D.C. electrofishing survey was used to evaluate the fish population. The Largemouth Bass population was evaluated with 80 bass from electrofishing. The Largemouth Bass sample had a high percentage of fish from 3 to 16 inches in length and a Relative Weight average of 88. In 2017, the bass regulation for Snakeden Hollow SFWA waters were changed from a 3 fish daily harvest limit with only 1 fish greater than or equal to 15 inches, to a protected slot length limit from 14 to 18 inches with 3 fish daily harvest limit. The goal of the new bass regulation is to increase the density of the bass population from 14 to 18 inches. This increased bass density should help create a population that is composed of fish large enough to be efficient predators upon the panfish population. The benefit to bass anglers will be more fish surviving past 15 inches to catch, and for the anglers wanting to harvest bass will be the opportunity to still harvest fish under 14 inches. The Bluegill population was evaluated with 23 fish in the electrofishing survey. The current Bluegill population is rated as very good with the larger fish up to 9.0 inches in length. This population is of high density and in good body condition with the Relative Weight average at 95. The Redear Sunfish population was evaluated with 34 fish in the electrofishing survey. The current redear population is rated as very good with the larger fish over 11 inches in length. This population is of moderate density and in good body condition with the Relative Weight average at 102. In 2017, the Bluegill and Redear Sunfish regulation was changed from a 10 fish daily harvest limit to a 25 fish daily harvest limit. This change will allow anglers the ability to harvest more Bluegill and Redear Sunfish per daily visit to Snakeden Hollow SFWA waters. In 2020, the Black Crappie population was evaluated with a sample of several fish from 7 to 12 inches in length. The body condition was very good at an average Wr of 102. In 2017, the crappie regulation was changed from a 5 fish daily harvest limit, to a 25 fish daily harvest limit with no more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10 inches. The goal of the new regulation is to allow the harvest of more of the slower growing Black Crappie, while maintaining and promoting the population structure of crappie over 10 inches in length. In 2020, the Channel Catfish sample included just 1 fish at 19.5 inches in length in the electrofishing survey. This population is believed to be of low density and in good body condition. The last stocking of Channel Catfish was in 2008. None are scheduled for the future.

Site Regulations

All use other than waterfowl hunting is prohibited from 14 days prior to the start of the regular duck season through the end of the central zone Canada goose season.

Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:

• Recreational Use Restriction: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (see above)
• All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
• Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
• Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
• Large or Smallmouth Bass: Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than 18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
• White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10 inches

 

Additional Information

Planning to eat your catch?  Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page