Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Poor

The bluegill population remains stunted and relatively poor. All Bluegill collected during 2022 were under 7 inches and demonstrated poor body condition. The abundance of Common Carp, small Yellow Bass, and other non-game species is the likely reason for poor Bluegill growth.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Very Good

Dongola City Lake contains a good fishery for Channel Catfish and is supplementally stocked with at least 500 8-inch catfish annually. A total of 27 were collected during the 2022 electrofishing survey and an additional 7 were collected during the fall netting survey. Channel Catfish ranged in length from 8 to 23 inches, the largest weighing 3.5 lbs. Catfish over 8 lbs. have been captured during past surveys. Anglers should expect good opportunities for Channel Catfish in Dongola City Lake. Please note that a 6/day harvest limit on Channel Catfish goes into effect on April 1, 2023.

CRAPPIE

Poor

The crappie population is poor in Dongola City Lake. During the 2022 fall trap net survey, 26 Black Crappie, 1 White Crappie, and 2 Hybrid Crappie were collected. Nearly all were under 8 inches in length except for a 12-inch hybrid and a few fish in the 8”-9” range. Anglers are encouraged to harvest all crappie they catch.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

Dongola City Lake has a very good bass population. During the 2022 fall electrofishing survey, 48 bass were collected (96/hour), of which 17% were over 15 inches and 6% were over 18 inches. Mean Wr for Largemouth Bass in the sample was 92, which exceeded the goal of 90 and indicates relatively good body condition and growth.