Mazonia 6 - Goose Lake

Largemouth Bass

Poor

The Spring 2023 survey resulted in a total of 18 Largemouth Bass being collected ranging from 3.5 in to 14.5 in, with 15 of those fish > 8.0 in. Average length was 10.1 in. Overall, not much has changed in the Goose Lake Largemouth Bass fishery since the last survey in 2020. Catch rate was slightly higher, though still well below the target of 1.1 fish/minute. Both the PSD and PSD-P are below target levels, and it appears as though the fishery is not expanding either in numbers or size structure. A supplemental stocking of fish may be required to rejuvenate this fishery. Fishing Regulation: 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit).

Yellow Bullhead

Good

The Spring 2023 survey resulted in a total of 9 Yellow Bullhead being collected ranging from 7.1 in to 11.1 in, with 9 of those fish > 6.0 in. Yellow Bullheads have historically been prominent in most surveys and are an underutilized resource.

Crappie spp.

Poor

The Spring 2023 survey resulted in a single Black Crappie being collected measuring 8.7 in. Very few Crappie have ever been collected from Goose Lake but it is likely to support a small population. That fishery would not be considered noteworthy.

Channel Catfish

Fair

Channel Catfish are stocked on a rotational basis to augment the population as natural reproduction and recruitment are suspected to be low. Harvestable-size Channel Catfish are likely removed as they are caught. Fishing Regulation: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.

Bluegill

Poor

The Spring 2023 survey resulted in a total of 19 Bluegill being collected ranging from 1.2 in to 8.1 in, with 16 of those fish > 3.0 in. Average length was 4.6 in. The Bluegill catch rate greatly improved from the 2020 Spring survey though was still pretty poor. Even though the PSD value is still within the target range, such a poor collection of fish makes size structure indices misleading. Similar to Largemouth Bass, a supplemental stocking may be required to get this fishery back on track.