George, Lake

Muskellunge

Good

The Muskie population is consistent with catch rate of 1 fish per net night in the spring trap net survey. The average size was 35 inches with fish as big as 41 inches being sampled. Gizzard Shad are the main forage for these fish.

Crappie spp.

Good

The Crappie population was sampled with a total of 10 nets per day for a grand total of 20 net nights. A total of 74 Crappie were sampled by trap nets. White Crappie were the dominate species with 58 sampled. Lake Georges lack of vegetation and lake structure will tend to favor the White Crappie over the Black Crappie. The 2024 survey did show a stable crappie population with better relative weights than the 2022 sample.

Walleye

Excellent

The population of Walleye are in good-to-excellent condition, with good numbers of fish over 18 inches. Fish can be found in the woody structure in fall.

Largemouth Bass

Very Good

Largemouth Bass were sampled in the spring of 2024 to determine age and growth characteristics. Largemouth Bass show excellent growth with fish reaching 14 inches in 3.8 years. Regionally, this very fast growth compares with Largemouth Bass from Shabbona Lake. Smaller lakes in the region have an average length at age 3 of 9 inches. It is interesting that since 2020 when E. milfoil was identified at the lake, more prominent age classes seemed to develop. The 2025 Fall survey showed very little changes from 2024 Fall survey. The survey does indicate another better than average recruitment year for Largemouth, and the Strong year classes of 2023 and 2024 are starting to move up in size classes as indicated by the higher-than-average CPUE of fish in the 8–12-inch range. This class will need to be monitored in the future. E. Milfoil had taken hold in almost all areas of the lake less than 6 ft deep. Relative weights for all size classes sampled were good indicating ample food and space requirements.

Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)

Excellent

Hybrid Striped Bass have been stocked to help control Gizzard Shad numbers in Lake George. Anglers can expect excellent numbers of fish from 17-21 inches.

Bluegill

Average

Bluegill at Lake George have a long history of being dominated by fish in the 3-6 inch range. The 2024 survey resulted in the 2nd highest catch rate numbers for Bluegill, which could be due to increased aquatic vegetation in Lake George. Bluegill were sampled in the spring of 2024 to determine age and growth characteristics. Growth is moderate with a mean length at age 2 of 3.5 inches and up to 6 inches at 2.5 years. Growth slows in age 3 and 4 with a max fish size of 6.75 inches.