Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2021

Black Crappie

Fingerling 1 - 3"

78386

2021

Blacknose Crappie

Fingerling 1 - 3"

35045

2022

Black Crappie

Fingerling 1 - 3"

43918

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Poor

The bluegill population is in extremely poor condition. High summer temperatures (Newton Lake has very little thermal refuge) and a dense population of shad contribute to poor reproduction and slow growth. The majority of the bluegill collected were less than 6” in length and very few bluegill over 7.5” were collected. This lake is not recommended for bluegill.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Very Good

The size structure of the channel catfish population has improved in recent years. Although still dominated by smaller fish, the population contains an adequate number of large fish to provide a good quality fishery. Approximately 92% of the adult channel catfish in the survey were at least 14” long and 33% exceeded 18” in length. High natural reproduction and recruitment in Newton Lake have historically produced large numbers of channel catfish annually and sampling catch rates in 2022 remained high. Average body condition remained very good. For 2023, catfishing should be good, and the majority of the catfish caught will be 1 – 4 pounds with some larger fish up to 5.5 pounds.

CRAPPIE

Improving

Black crappie population numbers continued to improve as a result of recent stocking efforts, but catch rates remained low. Growth rates were good and body condition remained above target. Despite the relatively low numbers, some anglers successfully target crappie each year and consistently catch limits. Best fishing is around treetops and the docks in the warm arm. Blacknose crappie are also present in the lake as a result of 2019 and 2021 stockings. A small remnant population of white crappie still exists in the lake, but only two were collected in the 2022 sample.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

The overall size structure of the bass population collected in Newton Lake remained fairly stable from 2021 to 2022. The percentage of adult bass in the 12” – 15” range increased from 27% in 2021 to 34% in 2022, while the percentage in the 15” – 20” size class remained stable at 37%. The percentage of adult bass greater than the 18" minimum length limit remained stable at 11% of the sample. The CPUE decreased to 246 bass per hour, but all size structure indices met their target goals. This lake continues to support a very good bass population. However, the fishery is slowly beginning to show signs of change. Recent changes to the operation of the coal fired power plant have significantly reduced the amount of hot water discharged into the lake. This has resulted in a reduced growing season, and a shorter spawning season for prey species, especially gizzard shad. In short, it is transitioning from a cooling lake to an ambient lake. However, bass recruitment continues to be high, body condition is good, and growth rates remain at, or above, average. For 2023, Newton Lake will provide very good angling opportunities. Anglers can expect to catch large numbers of fish from 15” – 20” in length ranging from 2 – 5 pounds. The majority of bass exceeding the 18” minimum should weigh 3.5 pounds or greater.

WHITE BASS

Very Good

The white bass population has successfully recruited each year since they were first discovered in 1994. With few exceptions, their numbers have remained relatively constant. However, the electrofishing and netting catch rates increased in 2021 and electrofishing catch rates increased again in 2022. The population continues to exhibit good growth rates and body condition. One large class of fish will contribute to most the fishery in 2023. Most of these fish will range from 13” – 16” with larger fish up to 17”. Fish the main lake points or troll the flats to locate fish and then cast to schools.

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