Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLACK CRAPPIE

Good

A total of 24 Black Crappie (8/net night) were collected in fall-set trap nets and ranged in length from 6-12 inches. Mean relative weight of fall-sampled Black Crappie was right at the management goal of 90, suggesting that growth is not stunted. Relative wights remained relatively stable among all size classes. Population size structure was desirable and met all management goals. Anglers should expect to find quality angling opportunities for Black Crappie in Wesseln Lake.

BLUEGILL

Poor

Size structure and relative weights were poor for both spring and fall sampled Bluegill. No preferred-size individuals (≥ 8”)were collected, indicating poor growth. Bluegill rarely grow well when Gizzard Shad are abundant, which happens to be the case in Wesseln Lake.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Developing

Given the small size of Wesseln Lake, it is unlikely that Channel Catfish recruit naturally. Therefore, Channel Catfish have been stocked annually since 2020. A total of 16 Channel Catfish (8/net night) were collected in fall-set experimental gill nets. Catfish ranged in size from 11-21 inches, the largest weighing nearly 3 lbs. Abundance and size structure should continue to improve as older age classes become established.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

The Largemouth Bass population in Wesseln Lake is impressive, demonstrating very good growth and abundance. A total of 34 bass were collected during the 20-minute electrofishing survey (102/hour), of which 50% were over 15 inches and 26% were over 18 inches. All management goals were met, including size structure, mean relative weight (plumpness), and abundance (catch rate). Relative weights were very good among most larger size classes, but low among size classes under 12 inches. All 34 bass were retained for otolith extraction and aging; growth is somewhat sluggish during the early life stage, but rapidly accelerates after age 3. Sluggish growth during the early life stage is likely a consequence of the dense stock of Gizzard Shad in the lake, which compete with juvenile bass and other game fishes for zooplankton. However, high shad abundance is also a strong driver of bass growth once gape limitations are overcome at larger sizes.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Poor

Size structure and relative weights were poor for both spring and fall sampled Redear. No preferred-size individuals (≥ 9”) were collected, indicating poor growth.