Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLACK CRAPPIE

Fair

Black Crappie ranging from 5.6-7.4” were collected at a rate of 4 fish/hour in 2021. In 2020, Black Crappie were captured at a rate of 18 fish/hour. No Black Crappie exceeded 8” in 2020. Only one Black Crappie was collected in 2019, yielding a catch rate of 2 fish/hour. Sampling crappie species can be challenging with electrofishing equipment since they tend to inhabit deeper waters when water temperatures are warm. There is currently no restriction on crappie harvest at Horton Lake.

BLUEGILL

Average

The Bluegill population at Horton Lake is currently characterized by a high density of fish measuring 3-6” in less than desirable body condition. The Bluegill population may improve now that the Largemouth Bass population has rebounded. The recent reduction in aquatic vegetation should allow higher predation on Bluegill, which should translate into less intraspecific competition amongst Bluegill.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Good

One Channel Catfish was collected in the 2021 survey. It measured 21.7” and weighed 2.8lbs. No Channel Catfish were collected in the 2020 survey. Channel Catfish are stocked from the State Hatchery system on an annual basis. The current Channel Catfish regulation is a 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with No Minimum Length Limit.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

The Largemouth Bass sample met the management goal of 60 fish/hour of electrofishing in 2021. This population has rebounded since the 2014 fish kill. Fish ranged from 3.1-20.0” and weighed up to 5.3lbs in 2021. 35.7% of the catchable Largemouth Bass exceeded 15”. A supplemental Largemouth Bass stocking occurred on 8/31/2021; 1,292 4” Largemouth Bass were stocked. The biggest Largemouth Bass collected in recent surveys measured 20.3” and weighed 6.29lbs.

NORTHERN PIKE

Poor

No Northern Pike were collected in 2020 or 2021, however Northern Pike were visually observed from the boat. One Northern Pike was collected in 2019. It measured 25” and weighed 2.9lbs. Northern Pike are no longer stocked in Horton Lake.

RAINBOW TROUT

Very Good

Rainbow Trout are stocked in the spring and fall in Horton Lake as part of the Catchable Trout Program. This put-and-take fishery offers anglers an opportunity to participate in trout fishing.