Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Poor

Bluegill size structure is poor in Super Lake. Nearly all Bluegill collected during surveys have been under 7 inches in length. Poor Bluegill growth is likely a consequence of competition with species such as Gizzard Shad, Yellow Bass, and Common Carp.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Very Good

Super Lake contains a quality fishery for Channel Catfish that does not appear to need supplemental stocking. Past surveys have yielded numbers of catfish in the 3-6 lb. range.

CRAPPIE

Good

The Crappie population is primarily composed of Black Crappie. During the 2023 Muskie trap net survey, 72 Crappie were caught as bycatch. Most fish were over 10 inches and demonstrated good body condition. A few hybrid Crappie were collected, 3 of which measured between 15 and 16 inches long. Anglers can expect to find quality-size Crappie in Super Lake.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

A repeat targeted bass electrofishing survey was conducted during April of 2023. The Largemouth Bass catch rate was good at 103/hour. In addition, the size structure and mean body condition was excellent. Nearly 25% of bass captured were over 18 inches. Overall, the population is in excellent shape and should continue to offer quality angling opportunities.

MUSKELLUNGE

Very Good

Super Lake has been stocked annually with Muskie reared at Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery. Muskie have been collected during trap net surveys up to 45 inches in length. During the 2023 targeted trap net survey, 16 Muskie were captured, all of which had been PIT-tagged. The implanted tags verified that all Muskie captured were from the 2021 year-class (age-2), which were between 24 and 28 inches long. This strong year-class of Muskie is growing well and should offer great angling opportunities in the coming years.

SMALLMOUTH BASS

Developing

Since 2021, about 90,000 Smallmouth fingerlings (1"-2") have been stocked. In addition, 150 adult Smallmouth were stocked during June of 2022, which were frequently caught by anglers for the remainder of 2022. However, targeted bass electrofishing surveys have yet to identify evidence of fingerling survival.

YELLOW BASS

Good

Although considered a nuisance species in most waters, Yellow Bass are fine table fare and a great sport fish when growth rates are sufficient and fish over 10 inches are common. Several Yellow Bass in the 10”-12” range have been collected during surveys at Super Lake.