Borah Lake

Flathead Catfish

Average

A small population of Flathead Catfish exists in Borah Lake, but none were collected in the 2025 surveys.

Redear Sunfish

Very Good

The Redear Sunfish population in Borah Lake is doing very well. Average body condition was very good at Wr=98. Electrofishing catch rates decreased from 116 per hour in 2024 to 73 per hour in 2025. Approximately 78% of the adult Redear were longer than 7”, 30% were over 9” long, and nearly 12% exceeded 10” in length. The Redear Sunfish population should provide quality opportunities for fishing in the coming year with some larger fish near 1 pound.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

The size structure of the Largemouth Bass population remained fair and stable compared to four-year trends. Average body condition decreased slightly and fell below the lake management plan target (Wr=89). However, Largemouth Bass longer than 14” exhibited much higher average body condition than bass shorter than 14”. This discrepancy in body condition is largely due to the high number of large Gizzard Shad in Borah Lake that are too big to be eaten by the smaller bass. Electrofishing catch rates remained high at 198 per hour. Approximately 12% of the adult fish in the sample exceeded the 14” minimum length limit and 4% were 18” or longer. A large group of 8” – 13” bass were again sampled in 2025. Bass fishing should be fair to good in 2026 with most bass over the minimum length limit ranging from 14” – 18” in length and weighing 1.3 – 3.2 pounds.

Bluegill

Fair

Bluegill body condition improved to slightly above the lake management plan’s minimum target (Wr=91). Electrofishing catch rates increased from 176 per hour to 204 per hour. Approximately 57% of the adult Bluegill in the sample were over 6” long, but only 7% of those fish were over 7” long and only two 8” Bluegill were collected. Unfortunately, the Bluegill population size structure in this lake will likely always be hindered by the presence of Gizzard Shad and an abundance of small crappie. Bluegill fishing in 2026 should be good for catching abundant numbers of smaller fish, but larger Bluegill will be rare. Bluegill in the 5” – 6” size group should weigh 0.08 – 0.16 pounds, with fish over 7” weighing approximately 0.25 pounds.

Crappie spp.

Fair

Both Black Crappie and White Crappie are abundant in Borah Lake and the size structures for both of their populations are poor. Approximately two-thirds of the adult crappie collected were longer than 8”, but only 10% of the adult White Crappie were over 10”, and only 8% of the adult Black Crappie were over 9”. Black Crappie were more numerous in the electrofishing survey, while White Crappie were more numerous in the trapnetting survey. Average body condition remained stable for both species, but Black Crappie exceeded their minimum target, while White Crappie remained below target. Fishing should be good in the coming year for catching abundant numbers of fish, but the size structure of fish caught will likely be poor. Most crappie in 2026 are expected to be between 6” – 9”, with a few White Crappie exceeding 10” and weighing more than 0.5 pounds. Harvest of smaller crappie is encouraged.

Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)

Developing

Saugeye were first stocked in Borah Lake in 2024. Fifteen Saugeye were collected in the 2025 spring netting survey, and one was collected in the fall electrofishing survey. Saugeye collected in the spring averaged 10” – 12.5” long and the fall Saugeye was 15.5” long. Saugeye are being stocked in Borah Lake to provide an additional predatory fish to prey on the overabundant shad and crappie populations. Catch and release is encouraged, but Saugeye are subject to the statewide 14” minimum length limit and a 6 fish daily harvest limit.

Channel Catfish

Fair

The Borah Lake Channel Catfish population is in fair shape. Average body condition in 2025 declined to Wr=93. Electrofishing catch rates remained high at 18 per hour, but unfortunately the sample was dominated by larger fish and 97% of the adult Channel Catfish were longer than 18”. Smaller Channel Catfish are present in the lake due to annual stocking events but they were not collected in the 2025 fall electrofishing survey. Channel Catfish angling opportunities should be good in 2026, but the average size of the fish might be bigger than most anglers would prefer to harvest. Most Channel Catfish caught in 2026 should be between 2 – 4 pounds, with the largest fish exceeding 7.5 pounds.

Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)

Developing

Hybrid Striped Bass were first stocked in Borah Lake in 2024. One Hybrid Striped Bass was collected in the 2025 spring netting survey and five were collected in the fall electrofishing survey. The fish collected in the spring netting survey was 7” long. In the 2025 fall survey, the 2024 stocked fish were 10” – 11” long and the 2025 stocked fish were 5” – 7.5” long. Hybrid Striped Bass are being stocked in Borah Lake to prey on the overabundant shad population. Catch and release is encouraged, but Hybrid Striped Bass are regulated by the statewide limits. There is no daily limit on Hybrid Striped Bass less than 17 inches, but only 3 fish per day 17 inches or longer may be harvested.