Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2021

Channel Catfish

Non-vulnerable 8 - 10"

9918

2021

Walleye

Fingerling 1 - 3"

49900

2022

Channel Catfish

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

10000

2022

Walleye

Fingerling 1 - 3"

34680

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLACK CRAPPIE

Excellent

Black crappie are the more dominant species in East Fork Lake. Their population appeared to also be doing well and average body condition improved, remaining above their management target. Black crappie electrofishing catch rates remained high and the majority of the fish were between 8” – 10”. Approximately 22% of the adult black crappie collected in 2022 exceeded 9” long and only 3% exceeded 10” long. If growth rates remain good, the size structure of the populations should improve further in the coming years. Most angler catches in 2023 are likely to be white and black crappie in the 8” – 9” range weighing 0.2 – 0.4 pounds.

BLUEGILL

Good

The bluegill population structure remained in good shape and consistent with recent trends. Average bluegill body condition remained at the lake management target. There was a slight decrease in the number of bluegill greater than 7” and the number of bluegill exceeding 8” remained low at just under 1% of adult bluegill sampled. Angling for bluegill in the coming year should be good with most keepers 5” – 8” in length and 0.10 – 0.33 pounds.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Good

Catfish numbers have improved in recent years due to stocking efforts, but overall numbers have remained low in East Fork Lake. Average body condition remained good and above target. Most fish in 2023 will range from 15” – 22” and 1 – 3.5 pounds, with larger fish over 6 pounds. This lake provides good bank fishing opportunities and drift fishing the main lake is also very productive.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

The size structure of the bass population remained similar to 2021. There was an increase in the percentage of bass in the 12” – 15” size range, and the percentage of adult bass exceeding the 15” minimum length limit decreased slightly from 33% to 31%. The electrofishing catch rate and the average body condition for all sizes of bass remained very good and above their lake management targets. Fishing prospects for the coming year should be good and similar to last year with most keeper bass ranging from 15” – 20” in length and weighing between 1.5 – 4 pounds.

WALLEYE

Good

The size structure and size of the walleye population remained good this year. The catch rate was 14 per hour during the electrofishing survey, 2 fish per net-night in the fall net survey, and 21 fish per net-night in the spring netting survey. Approximately 93% of the adult fish collected were 15” or longer and 96% exceeded the 14% minimum length limit. With many fish in the 2 – 5 pound range, this lake should provide good fishing opportunities for walleye in the coming year.

WHITE CRAPPIE

Good

The white crappie population structure remained good. The average body condition for all sizes of white crappie remained above target. The percentage of white crappie over 10” in length improved to 24%, while approximately 68% of white crappie exceeded 9” in length. Most angler catches in 2023 are likely to be white and black crappie in the 8” – 9” range weighing 0.2 – 0.4 pounds, with some larger white crappie exceeding 10” and 0.5 pounds.

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