Pickerel Lake

Largemouth Bass

Excellent

The Largemouth Bass population looks as good as it ever has in Pickerel Lake. Bass were caught at a rate of 117 fish per hour with 29% of the catch measuring longer than 15 inches. The Bass ranged in length between 3.0 and 20.9 inches, the heaviest weighing 5.1 pounds. Largemouth over six pounds have been caught in previous surveys. Pickerel Lake has had a consistently good Bass population over the last ten years (three surveys). Management goals are met every survey!

Bluegill

Good

Bluegill catch rate was high at 132 fish per hour. This is right in line of the management goal of 120 Bluegill per hour. Bluegill ranged in length from 3.1 to 6.9 inches, with an average length of 4.7 inches. Nine percent of the catch was longer than six inches. Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed and Redear Sunfish also contribute to the panfish catch.

Channel Catfish

Average

Channel Catfish are stocked on an annual basis by IDNR. No Channel Catfish were captured in the 2021 survey, but fish up to 25 inches have been sampled in previous surveys.

Northern Pike

Good

Northern Pike have been stocked in six of the last ten years. Two of the recently stocked fish (14 inches) were sampled in the 2021 survey. Larger Pike typically avoid our electrofishing gear. Legal sized Pike (over 24 inches) have been captured during previous surveys.

Common Carp

Excellent

Common Carp are abundant in Pickerel Lake. Carp ranged in length from 18.9 to 21.3 inches. Common Carp dislodge vegetation and cloud the water with their feeding behavior of “rooting” through the substrate. Unlimited harvest is encouraged for this detrimental species.