LAKE PITTSFIELD STATUS REPORT SUMMARY

CHANNEL CATFISH: The channel catfish population in this 240 acre lakes remains fairly stable from year to year. Natural reproduction occurs in the lake, but not enough to sustain a “quality” population. During the spring 2005 netting survey, a very small channel catfish sample was collected. The average channel catfish collected in the spring netting survey measured approximately 26 inches in length and weighed nearly 8.0 pounds. This is a 3 inch increase in length and nearly a 4.0 pound increase in average weight. In 2003, 10,000 channel catfish were stocked into Pittsfield Lake ranging from 6 - 8 inches (#5000) and 8 - 10 inches (#5000). This fish should be in the 13 - 16 inch range this fishing season. A bonus to the channel catfish anglers, a small, reproducing flathead catfish population is present and occasionally large flathead catfish up to 50 - 60 pounds are caught. This city owned lake has established a 25 horsepower limit with a “NO WAKE” restriction.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: LAKE PITTSFIELD This 240 acre, city owned lake maintains a stable largemouth bass population year after year. During the 2003 fish population survey, 118 largemouth bass were collected per hour of electrofishing. One to three pound individuals dominate the population, but adults in the 5 to 7 pound range are not uncommon. A 14' minimum length limit is in effect with most anglers practicing "catch and release". Overall the largemouth bass population is rated good.

WALLEYE AND SAUGER: Walleye continue to do well in this 240 acre city owned lake. Maximum depths to 34 feet offshore of the west bank provide ideal conditions for this species. This lake has received annual, supplemental stockings of 2 inch walleye fingerlings since 1985. These stockings have produced multiple year classes resulting in a well structured population. During the spring netting survey in 2005, walleye comprised 32% of the sport fish collected. This represents a slight increase from 29% in 2004. Eighty percent (80%) of the walleye collected were larger than 18 inches and thirty-five (35%) of these were larger than 22 inches. During the 2005 spring, netting survey, the average walleye collected measured nearly 20 inches in length and weighing nearly 3.0 pounds. The 2000 and 2001 year classes comprised 52% of the collection. The largest individual collected measured 27 inches in length tipping the scales at 10.5 pounds. Although Pittsfield Lake maintains a good, strong walleye population, fishing for this species is fairly light. Most walleye are incidentally caught by anglers fishing for crappie. A 14" minimum length limit and 6 fish per day creel limit is in effect. There is a 25 horsepower, “NO WAKE” motor restriction.

STRIPED BASS & HYBRIDS: During the 2005 spring netting survey, striped bass hybrids comprised 5% of the collection. All of the hybrids collected ranged in length from 17 inches to 24 inches. The weight range was between 2.5 pounds to 7.5 pounds. The average individual measured 20.5 inches and weighed 4.9 pounds. During the summer of 2005, there was an exceptional gizzard shad spawn, probably the best in the last 4 years. Individuals in the 7 - 8 pound range will hopefully move into the 9 - 11 pound range in 2006. This supplementally stocked species provides anglers with an additional sport fish to pursue that has the potential to reach exceptional size. Most hybrids are caught while trolling spinners deep along the western shelf.

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