Argyle Lake

Largemouth Bass

Excellent

The 5-year averages for Largemouth Bass show that 70.8% are over 12 inches, 43.8% over 15 inches and 5.3% over 20 inches in length with good body condition. The average collection rate is 76 bass per hour. In 2017, the bass regulation for Argyle Lake was changed from a 1 fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and/or 5 fish less than 12 inches daily, to a protected slot length limit from 14 to 18 inches with 3 fish daily harvest limit. The goal of the new bass regulation is to increase the density of the bass population from 14 to 18 inches.

Muskellunge

Good

A low density of quality size muskie are present. A 5-year survey average shows 93.3% over 30 inches, 40.2% over 38 inches and 3.6% over 42 inches in length. Stockings occur annually. In 2017, the Muskie harvest regulation was changed from the statewide 1 fish daily harvest at a 36-inch minimum size, to a 42-inch minimum and 1 fish per day harvest limit. The goal of the new regulation is to protect the fish for at least 1 more year from angler harvest.

Redear Sunfish

Poor

The Redear Sunfish population is rated as below average with the few fish exceeding 8 inches in length. This population is of very low density and in poor body condition.

Bluegill

Poor

The current Bluegill population is rated as below average with the most fish being under 7 inches in length. This population is of moderate density and in good body condition. The competition with the Gizzard Shad has reduced the Bluegill condition and growth rate.

Channel Catfish

Good

The current Channel Catfish population is rated as excellent with approximately 43.5% of the fish over 16 inches in length, and fish up to 26 inches present. This population is of high density and in good body condition. Stockings occur biennially.

Rainbow Trout

Good

In 2025, Jake Wolf Hatchery stocked 4,004 Rainbow Trout at an average size of 11 inches. These fish are annually stocked for the catch able trout program.

Crappie spp.

Good

The Black Crappie population is of a lower density than the White crappie, with most fish being under 10 inches and in average body condition. The 5-year average shows that 78% are over 8 inches and 5.5% are over 10 inches in length. The White Crappie population has a 5-year average of 79.7% over 8 inches, 32.2% over 10 inches and 10.8% over 12 inches in length. Very large hybrid crappie have been sampled each year during the spring trap net surveys. In 2024, one fish reached 18.3 inches in length at 4.3 pounds! In 2017, the crappie regulation was changed from a 9-inch minimum length limit and 10 fish daily harvest limit to a 25 fish daily harvest limit with no more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10 inches. The goal of the new regulation is to allow the harvest of more of the slower growing black crappie, while maintaining and promoting the population structure of crappie over 10 inches in length. To evaluate the ability to enhance this part of the crappie population, a hybrid crappie stocking project was started in 2023. On 10/27/2023, approximately 1000 2-inch (Blacknose Male x White Female) F1 hybrid crappie were stocked into Argyle Lake. A majority of these fish will display the “blacknose” trait for future identification.

Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)

Excellent

The current Saugeye population is rated as excellent with the larger fish up to 29 inches in length. The 5-year average shows 83.4% over 14 inches, 60.6% over 18 inches, 29.5% over 22 inches and 6.6 % over 27 inches in length. An annual stocking of 10,000 saugeye at 2 inches is requested each year. In 2024, the new state record saugeye was caught by Mr. Michael Farniok on 6/2/2024. The fish weighed 10.85 pounds and was 29 1/8th inches long!