Turnstone Lake

Channel Catfish

Developing

No Channel Catfish were captured in this survey. This pond is scheduled to receive Channel Catfish every other year from the IDNR’s catfish stocking program. Channel Catfish are difficult to sample with our electrofishing gear as they are typically using deeper habitat than we sample. Since catfish stocking began in 2012, there should be plenty of large Channel Cats swimming in Turnstone Pond.

Bluegill

Fair

Bluegill were captured at a rate of 444 fish per hour Bluegill ranged in length from 2.0 to 6.6 inches, with an average size of 4.5 inches. Only one Bluegill measured longer than six inches (the length considered harvestable). The Bluegill population would benefit from harvest of small (less than six inch) Bluegill.

Largemouth Bass

Excellent

In our 2020 electrofishing survey, we captured Largemouth Bass at a rate of 114 fish per hour. This is higher than the 60 fish per hour, considered to be a healthy abundance measure. The average bass was 12.7 inches long and size ranged from 2.8 to 18.2 inches. Multiple sizes (year classes) indicate successful reproduction in this lake with no need for supplemental stocking. Abundant forage species (gizzard shad, bluegill, black crappie and golden shiner) keep the bass in this lake well fed healthy.

Common Carp

Excellent

CCommon Carp were abundant during this survey, like in 2016. Twenty-two Common Carp were captured in the most recent survey. They ranged in size from 17.0 to 19.4 inches, averaging 18.1 inches. The heaviest one weighed 3.7 pounds. Common Carp are very abundant in this pond and unlimited harvest is encouraged for this detrimental species.