Bay Creek Lake
Info / Pope County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Non-motorized only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 110 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Good
Bluegill numbers at Bay Creek are good. Bluegill size structure remains constant as most catchable fish are between 6.0 and 7.5 inches. Bluegill fishing at Bay Creek Lake is expected to be fair to good.
Channel Catfish
Good
Anglers continue to report good catches of Channel Catfish. Many fish reported and collected during electrofishing surveys are 16 inches or longer. Fishing prospects for Channel Catfish are expected to be good.
Crappie spp.
Fair
Black and White Crappie are present in Bay Creek Lake and fishing as reported from anglers has been fair. Anglers should target crappie around structure and the creek channel using minnows and jigs.
Largemouth Bass
Good
Many fish between 0.5 to 1.5 pounds are present with larger bass sampled and reportedly being caught by anglers. Bass fishing is expected to be good.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 1450 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 522 |
| 2023 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 1450 |
Contact
Description
Bay Creek Lake was constructed in 1975 as a flood control reservoir in the Bay Creek watershed. The lake is owned by the U.S. Forest Service and is surrounded by expanses of timbered land. At normal pool, Bay Creek Lake has a surface area of 110 acres, a maximum depth of 15 feet, and an average depth of 6 feet. Shallow shoreline areas become filled with extensive submerged vegetation and the lake is fertile enough to support light to moderate plankton blooms during summer months.Fishery History
Recent survey data suggests Bay Creek Lake is currently supporting a balanced fishery.Site Regulations
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large, Small or Spotted Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit