Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Poor

Although Bluegill are abundant, the size structure is poor. The majority of Bluegill collected during surveys have been in the 4”-7” range. Very few Bluegill over 7 inches are collected during surveys.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Average

A small number of Channel Catfish have been collected during past surveys. Most individuals ranged in size from 2 to 5 lbs.

CRAPPIE

Excellent

Canvasback Lake is known to harbor a quality fishery for crappies and frequently yields both Black and White Crappies in the 10 to 16-inch range. During the 2023 spring survey, several crappies were collected, ranging from 8 to over 12 inches in length. Multiple brush piles have been sunk in the lake to provide crappie anglers with offshore structure to fish on.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Excellent

During the 2023 electrofishing survey, Largemouth Bass were caught at a high rate of 134/hour. In addition, 50% of bass were over 15 inches, and 27% were over 18 inches. The largest bass collected was 21 inches and weighed 5.6 lbs. Bass anglers should expect quality fishing opportunities in Canvasback Lake.

MUSKELLUNGE

Average

Muskie stockings have been discontinued due to limited growth potential, as no Muskies were ever observed over 36 inches in length. However, some stocked Muskies will likely remain in Canvasback Lake over the next decade.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Fair

Redear Sunfish are less abundant than Bluegill, although their size structure is slightly better. Several Redear were collected which were around 8 inches in length.

SAUGEYE (Walleye/Sauger Hybrid)

Developing

Canvasback Lake is now on the stocking request list for Saugeye fingerlings. Saugeye have been chosen to replace Muskie for stocking due to their success in nearby Mallard Lake, which has a similar size, depth profile, vegetation coverage, and forage base. It is hoped the first year class of Saugeye will be stocked in 2024