Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Poor

This population is poor. The relative weights are average, but no fish collected exceeded 7”. In lakes where Gizzard Shad are present Bluegill tend to exhibit slow growth due to competition for food resources.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Very Good

The 2022 spring netting survey turned into a great catfish survey. Channel Catfish measured 8.0-26.0” and weighed up to 7.0lbs. 22 Channel Catfish exceeded 16”, 14 exceeded 20”, and 5 exceeded 24”. Thirteen Channel Catfish were collected during the 2020 electrofishing survey. 33% of the catchable Channel Catfish population exceeded 18”. Historically the Channel Catfish population has been excellent both in quantity and quality. Channel Catfish are collected every year in good numbers and are typically in excellent body condition.

CRAPPIE

Very Good

10 trap nets were set on Mauvaise Terre Lake in South Jacksonville from 4/4-5/2022 to better evaluate the crappie fishery. 220 White Crappie and 3 Black Crappie were measured, weighed, and released. Black Crappie measured from 8.8-15-1”. The largest crappie sampled was a Black Crappie measuring 15.1” and weighing 2.0lbs White Crappie ranged from 5.7-13.3”. 61 fish exceeded 9”, 43 exceeded 10”, and 3 exceeded 12”. Various size classes of White Crappie were collected. During the fall 2020 electrofishing survey, 38 White Crappie were collected with 70% of the catchable population exceeding 9”, and 8% exceeding 12”. Average body condition was improved from 2019 (Wr = 93) to 2020 (Wr = 98). 16 White Crappie were collected in 2019. These fish measured 5.9-11.0”. The 2018 survey yielded similar results to 2019, where 15 fish were collected, ranging from 6.5-12.1”. The 2015 fall fish survey showed a catch rate of 33 White Crappie per hour of electrofishing ranging in size from 6.0-12.0”. Only one Black Crappie was collected in 2020, measuring just over 6”. The largest White Crappie ever collected during an electrofishing survey measured over 15” and weighed 1.8 lbs.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

Largemouth Bass catch rates have improved since 2015. In 2015, the catch rate was poor (CPUE = 26). Surveys conducted in 2018 (CPUE = 60), 2019 (CPUE = 45), and 2020 (CPUE = 78) yielded improved catch rates. Ideally, 60 or more Largemouth Bass would be sampled in one hour of electrofishing. 34.2% (13 fish) of catchable size fish in the 2019 sample reached 15”. 5.3% (2 fish) exceeded 18”. Body condition was average in 2019 (Wr = 103). In 2020, nearly 38% of the catchable bass population exceeded 15”, and 10% exceeded 18”. Relative Weights remained high in 2020 (Wr = 104).

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