Pyramid State Park - Bufflehead Lake

Largemouth Bass

Good

Results from the 2022 electrofishing survey suggest that Largemouth Bass abundance is limited. A total of 10 bass (40/hour) were collected, which is below the management goal of 60/hour. However, average size of bass in the sample was good and management goals for mean relative weight (plumpness) and size structure were met. Mean relative weights exceeded the goal of 90 among nearly all size classes. Bass growth in Bufflehead Lake is likely driven by the abundance of Gizzard Shad in the lake.

Channel Catfish

Developing

No Channel Catfish were collected during 2022, although several were collected during the 2012 trap net survey. Due to the small size of Bufflehead Lake, annual stockings of non-vulnerable size Channel Catfish are slated to begin during 2023 to ensure adequate recruitment. Growth of stocked catfish should be good considering the abundance of small Bluegill and Gizzard Shad.

Crappie spp.

Good

A total of 13 crappie were collected during 2022 surveys, including nine Black Crappie, three White Crappie, and one hybrid. Most crappie in the sample were under 8 inches in length. However, trap net catches are inherently inconsistent in strip mine lakes and it is likely the crappie population was not adequately represented in the survey given our small sample size.

Bluegill

Poor

Bufflehead Lake does not appear to have a good fishery for Bluegill. A total of 46 Bluegill were collected during spring electrofishing and fall trap netting. All Bluegill collected were under 6 inches in length. Given that Gizzard Shad are abundant in the lake, it is unlikely the Bluegill fishery will improve.