Siloam Springs Lake

Crappie spp.

Fair

In 2024, 7 nets yielded 12 Black Crappie for a catch rate of 1.71 fish/net night. These Black Crappie ranged from 9.4 – 16.5”. The largest Black Crappie sampled measured 16.5” and weighed 2.86lbs. No White Crappie were collected during trap netting in 2024.

Rainbow Trout

Excellent

Rainbow Trout are stocked in the spring and fall in Siloam Springs Lake as part of the Catchable Trout Program. This put-and-take fishery offers anglers an opportunity to participate in trout fishing. Rainbow Trout are abundant in the lake; however, we rarely sample them during electrofishing surveys.

Channel Catfish

Fair

One Channel Catfish was sampled during the 2024 day electrofishing survey. This fish measured 18”. Channel Catfish are difficult to sample using electrofishing as they tend to reside in deeper waters. They are especially difficult to sample in clear water. Siloam Springs receives supplemental Channel Catfish stockings on a biennial schedule.

Largemouth Bass

Good

Since 2015, the Siloam Springs Largemouth Bass population has been characterized by many stunted, 9-12” bass, with a few very large individuals. Catch rates have nearly hit the 60 fish per hour mark from 2020-2024 (CPUE range = 57-58 fish/hour) except for 2023 where only 35 Largemouth Bass were collected in one hour of electrofishing. Average relative weights have ranged from 82-89 over the past five years. The largest Largemouth Bass sampled in 2024 measured 21.9” and weighed 6.2lbs.

Redear Sunfish

Very Good

Redear Sunfish were collected at a catch rate of 16 fish per hour of electrofishing in 2024, nearly meeting the goal of 20 fish per hour. Average body condition was good (Wr=94). 25% of the catchable sized fish measured 7” or greater.

Bluegill

Average

The Bluegill catch rate during 2024 daytime electrofishing (CPUE=37) was lower than the management goal of 100 or more per hour of electrofishing. 67% of the catchable sized fish measured 7” or greater. Communications with anglers indicate that Bluegill fishing has improved in the last few years.

Walleye

Developing

Walleye stocking began in 2021. Since the initial stocking began, two Walleye have been sampled. One fish was sampled during spring night electrofishing in 2024 and measured 8.1”. The second Walleye sampled was collect by spring daytime electrofishing in 2024 and that fish measured 10.0”. The IDNR Hatchery has stocked 16,429 1.5-2.0” Walleye since 2021. The Walleye regulation for Siloam Springs Lake is a 14” Minimum Length Limit, 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. Future stockings are planned as hatchery production allows.