NEWTON LAKE STATUS REPORT SUMMARY
CHANNEL CATFISH: Natural reproduction of channel catfish
in this 1,750 acre cooling lake remains very high and, this has produced
an abundance of channel catfish less than 1-lb. Growth rates of these
smaller fish are well below average, but have improved measurably in the
past few years. This has resulted in a significant increase in the number
of fish in the 1 - 1.5 lbs range. Growth rates and condition improve for
fish exceeding 1.5 pounds and fish 2 - 4 lbs are common. Because of their
abundance, there are no daily creel or size limits for channel catfish
in Newton Lake. The warm water temperatures in this cooling lake provide
excellent fishing opportunities year-around. Bank fishing opportunities
have been expanded to include the shoreline bordering all non-restricted
areas of the lake. The lake has a 25 h.p. limit, and the cold arm of the
lake is closed to fishing during the waterfowl season.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: NEWTON LAKE Fishing prospects for 2004
are similar to last year’s with no significant changes in the population.
Despite tough sampling conditions caused by low water levels, catch per
effort decreased by a modest 4%, and the PSD decreased by 19%. However,
the number of larger fish in the population improved, with the percentage
of fish over 15" in length up 48% and the percentage bass over 18"in
length identical to last year. The bass population appears to have stabilized
following the high harvest and thermal related fish kill that occurred
in 1998 1999, improving significantly since 2001. Growth rates for bass
in Newton Lake remain above average, and the mean Wr value for bass over
8" in length is 103. A large portion of the adult bass population
is currently comprised of bass >15" in length. If recruitment
and growth rates remain good and mortality low, the population should
continue to improve over the next few years. Newton Lake has a 25 h.p.
limit, and current regulations include an 18" minimum length limit
and three fish daily creel limit for largemouth bass.
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