Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLACK CRAPPIE

Fair

Black Crappie numbers were low in 2021 with only seven Crappie in the sample. This lake is a great example of how quickly Black Crappie populations can fluctuate in small waterbodies. We caught 28 in a similar sample at the same time of the year during our 2017 survey, while only catch 10 in 2013. Size structure was similar as they averaged 7.1 inches in 2021 compared to 7.0 and 7.3 in the two previous surveys. Black Crappie over 14 inches have been collected at this location.

BLUEGILL

Average

Bluegill continue to be very abundant in Cloverdale Pond. A fifteen-minute subsample collected 89 Bluegill for an estimated catch rate of 356 fish per hour. This number has been as high as 522 fish per hour at this location. We like to see the catch rate around 120 fish per hour for a healthy Bluegill population. Only four percent of the Bluegill were longer than six inches. Relative weight was still high, so the abundant Bluegill are getting plenty to eat. Redear Sunfish were collected for the first time in Cloverdale Pond, most likely moving in from Mallard Lake. Redear and Pumpkinseed contribute a small proportion to the panfish catch.

CARP

Excellent

Common Carp are abundant in Cloverdale Pond. Carp ranged in length from 18.1 to 23.0 inches. Common carp dislodge vegetation and cloud the water with their feeding behavior of “rooting” through the substrate. Unlimited harvest is encouraged for this detrimental species.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Fair

One 20-inch Channel Catfish was captured in the survey. Channel catfish are typically not collected in our spring-time electrofishing surveys despite being stocked annually in many area lakes and ponds. Additional Channel Catfish stocking will be recommended to diversify the catch and control the over-abundant bluegill population.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

The Largemouth Bass population looks good in Cloverdale Pond. While slightly lower than the previous survey in 2017, abundance and size structure still looked good in 2021. Bass were caught at a rate of 73 fish per hour. Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 4.8 to 19.9 inches, with the heaviest fish weighing just under five pounds. Nineteen percent of the Bass caught measured longer than 15 inches. Management goals continue to be met for the Largemouth Bass population in Cloverdale Pond.

YELLOW BASS

Very Good

Yellow bass are moderately abundant at Cloverdale Pond. Anglers are encouraged to harvest this species as they have been known to “take over” small ponds.