Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Good

The 2020 survey had another good Bluegill collection, with 9% of the adult fish over 8 inches. Body condition was good for all size groups.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Poor

Since 2008, there has been little evidence of Channel Catfish reproduction and/or recruitment. The average size for Channel Catfish collected in IDNR surveys has steadily increased. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily creel.

CRAPPIE

Good

In a turn of events, Black Crappie greatly outnumbered White Crappie in the 2020 survey. The biggest Crappie for both species were ~13 inches. The Crappie fishery appears to exhibit respectable growth. Black Crappie from the state hatchery system are stocked on an annual basis. Site Regulation: 15 fish daily creel.

HYBRID STRIPED BASS (WIPERS)

Good

Electrofishing catch rates fell slightly in the 2020 survey, but 12% of the adult fish were trophy size (over 25 inches). The average size of all fish was 21.5 inches. Body condition was good for most size groups. Hybrid Striped Bass from the state hatchery system are stocked annually. Site Regulation: 10 fish aggregate “striper” daily creel with only 3 fish 17 inches or longer.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Improving

Largemouth Bass catch rates greatly improved in the 2020 survey. While the number of fish over 8 inches declined slightly, it was still well above the long-term average. Young fish (particularly young-of-year) contributed greatly to the total catch. It appears the 2017 supplemental stocking of 30,000 fingerlings has had some initial success at revitalizing the population. Overall, 47% of the adult fish caught were over 15 inches and 2% were over 18 inches. All size groups had good body condition (i.e., plumpness). Site Regulation: 12 to 18 inch protected slot; 2 fish under 12 inches, 1 fish over 18 inches.

MUSKELLUNGE

Good

Sizes ranged from 21.1 to 46.7 inches in the Fall 2020 survey. Muskie from the state hatchery system are stocked on a triennial basis, with the next stocking scheduled for 2022. Site Regulation: 48 inch minimum length limit.

SMALLMOUTH BASS

Very Good

Smallmouth Bass experienced a comeback in the 2020 survey, as the overall catch increased by 220%. While 66% of the total catch fell within the protected slot limit (12 – 18 inches), 45% of the adults were over 14 inches and 9% were ~17 inches. Other than an improvement in overall numbers, the size distribution remains largely unchanged. Site Regulation: 12 to 18 inch protected slot; 2 fish under 12 inches, 1 fish over 18 inches.

WALLEYE

Very Good

Walleye catch rates improved in the 2020 survey, and 92% of adult fish were legal size. Six percent (6%) of the adult fish were over 25 inches. Average length of all fish was 16.3 inches. Body condition was good for most sized groups. Walleye from the state hatchery system are stocked annually. Site Regulation: 16 inch minimum length limit; 3 fish daily creel.

WHITE BASS

Good

White Bass catch rates remained unchanged in 2020. Average size of all fish was 12 inches, and 19% of the adult fish were over 15 inches. Body condition was good for all size groups. Site Regulation: 10 fish aggregate “striper” daily creel with only 3 fish 17 inches or longer.

YELLOW BASS

Good

Largest Yellow Bass caught in 2020 was 11.7 inches (state average is 6.5 inches). Heidecke Lake has historically had a solid Yellow Bass population. Note: Yellow Bass are not included in the aggregate “striper” limit.