Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2020

Channel Catfish

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

4000

2021

Channel Catfish

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

4000

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLACK CRAPPIE

Average

The black crappie population has made some improvements in recent years and they have become the more numerous/dominant species. Black crappie average body condition was good and improved above their lake management plan target. Approximately 22% of the adult black crappie collected were over 10” in length. Anglers can expect to see most fish in the 8” – 10” range, with black crappie being the most prevalent species. With only modest growth rates and below optimal size structure, crappie fishing will be fair/good in the coming year. Harvest of smaller crappie at Sam Parr Lake is encouraged.

BLUEGILL

Poor

Size structure of the bluegill population remained stable and poor. Body condition also remained stable, but above the lake management plan target. The bluegill fishery was still comprised almost entirely of fish under 7” in length. Anglers can expect most fish to range from 5” – 7” and weigh from 0.1 – 0.22 lbs.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Very Good

Catfish remain relatively abundant in Sam Parr and should provide good fishing opportunities in the coming year. Most fish will range from 1 – 5 pounds with larger fish up to 10 pounds. This lake provides excellent bank fishing opportunities. The best places to fish include the rip-rap along the dam, the upper ends of the two main arms of the lake, and in the backs of coves. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

The size structure of the bass population remained fairly stable and in good shape. The catch rate remained well above the target. Approximately 37% of the adult bass in the sample were greater than 14” in length. The average body condition fell just below the lake management plan target, but the body condition of bass over 16” was very good. Bass in the 12” – 15” size range had a less than ideal average body condition. The discrepancy in body condition is likely a result of the strong gizzard shad population in the lake. Nearly 50% of the gizzard shad collected in recent surveys have exceeded 7” in length and have not been available as a prey source for the smaller bass. In 2021, anglers can expect to catch a lot of fish 14” – 20” in length ranging from 1.25 – 5.5 pounds with a few larger fish over 6 pounds.

WHITE CRAPPIE

Fair

The white crappie population was comprised mostly of a few larger and older fish. Their catch rates increased in 2020, but remain low. Average body condition for white crappie improved and remained above their lake management plan target. Approximately 79% of the adult white crappie were over 10”. Anglers can expect to see most fish in the 8” – 10” range, with black crappie being the most prevalent species. With only modest growth rates and below optimal size structure, crappie fishing will be fair/good in the coming year. Harvest of smaller crappie at Sam Parr Lake is encouraged.

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