LAKE PITTSFIELD STATUS REPORT SUMMARY
LARGEMOUTH BASS: LAKE PITTSFIELD (356 collected) During the 2008 fall survey, a total of 356 largemouth bass were collected during 2 hours of daytime electrofishing or 178 bass per hour. This is a noticeable increase from 138.5 bass per hour in 2007 and a slight increase from 177.5/hour in 2006. The largemouth bass population in this lake exhibit a balanced population as illustrated by a PSD value of 41, well within the target range of 30-50 percent. The RSD15 value of 11, within target range, indicates a desirable number of individuals fifteen (15) inches and larger present at the time of the collection. Based upon average state-wide growth rates, the 2008 largemouth bass sample was comprised of 10 consecutive year classes 0+ thru 9+. The population overall exhibited average body condition as illustrated by a MWr value of 98. The bass are reproducing in Lake Pittsfield and illustrated by a YAR value of 0.7. Young-of-year individuals comprised 23% of the 2008 bass collection. Recruitment is good as indicated by 2+ ('06) and 3+ ('05) year classes comprising 56% of the 2008 collection. In 2008, ten (10) consecutive year classes were represented with five (5) individuals 8+ or older all measuring 20 inches or larger.
BLUEGILL: LAKE PITTSFIELD (124 collected) The Bluegill sample in 2008 was the fewest number of individuals collected since before 1999. However; the structural indices are approaching their target ranges. This may be due to the 3 years of drought that reduced normal water levels thereby reducing/eliminating spawning habitat and reducing overall numbers. Fewer individuals would have less competition for available food and consequently would increase growth. In 2008, the bluegill population was nearly "balanced" as illustrated by a PSD value of 28.3, slightly below the target range of 30-50. In this instance, "balance" is a term meant to describe the desirable number of individuals within a specific size range. In Lake Pittsfield, the bluegill are population needs more big adults. The RSD7 value of 6.5, slightly below the target range of 10-20 indicates the same. Aquatic vegetation treatments would improve this population by exposing a greater number of offspring for forage. Coontail reaches nuisance levels each year to the extent that bank anglers are forced to vacate favorite fishing holes.
CRAPPIE: LAKE PITTSFIELD (White Crappie - 32 collected) (Black Crappie - 71 collected)
The white crappie are beginning to show some increase in their general size. Slightly over 50% of the collection ranged between 9 and 10 inches. This is also exhibited by the PSD value of 97.5, indicative of a population comprised of larger individuals. This condition is also evidenced by the RSD value of 51.7, well above the target range of 10-20.
The black crappie population is in a little better shape structurally speaking. The PSD and RSD9 values although borderline, indicate a desirable population. The population is mainly composed of 4 and 5 year old fish. Both species are not showing strong numbers during the surveys; however, catch reports from anglers indicate buckets of 8 - 10 inchers. Fishing for this species is heavy and expected to show further improvement next year.
CHANNEL CATFISH: LAKE PITTSFIELD (13 collected) Flathead Catfish (3) The channel catfish population is heavily fished by the local anglers. Immediately following heavy rains at any time of the year, with the exception of ice on, local anglers flock to the North end of the lake at the road bridge. Muddy water rushing into the lake from the North sediment pond disperses food and attracts the whiskered feeders. Channel catfish natural reproduction occurs in the lake, but not enough to sustain a "quality" population. In 2003, 10,000 channel catfish were stocked into Pittsfield Lake ranging from 6 - 8 inches (#5000) and 8 - 10 inches (#5000) to supplement natural reproduction. In 2008, the average channel catfish measured 24 inches as compared to 25.2 inches in length in 2007. The largest individual channel catfish collected in 2007 measured 29.1 inches and weighed 13 pounds; however, in 2008 the largest channel catfish collected measured 30" in length and weighed 14.3 pounds. Channel catfish are heavily fished in Pittsfield Lake second only to largemouth bass. Local anglers have nicknamed one point "Catfish Point" due to the large numbers of fish caught there. 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.
CARP: LAKE PITTSFIELD (8 collected) The carp, like the channel catfish, show little change. They produce spawns sporadically with light recruitment and no strong year classes evident. These conditions have not produced a strong year class for the past few years and have resulted in a size range that is lacking in small fish. Their growth rate is assumed to be average and their body condition is slightly below average. Carp are sub-sampled and collected mainly to establish a length-frequency distribution.
GIZZARD SHAD: LAKE PITTSFIELD (120 collected) The gizzard shad population is comprised primarily of larger fish that are beyond the optimum size range for good forage. In 2008, fish ranged between 4 inches up to 10 inches. Annual, quality spawns do not generally happen in Lake Pittsfield. Some years are better than others. This lack of small forage has been an ongoing problem in this lake; however, the hybrid striped bass are still utilizing the gizzard shad.
WALLEYE: LAKE PITTSFIELD (60 collected) Walleye continue to do well in this relatively small lake. Pittsfield Lake is a 240 acre, city owned lake and serves the area as a major recreational area, flood control reservoir and primary water source. Steep drop-offs and gradual slopes, to maximum depths of 34 feet offshore of the west bank, provide ideal conditions and habitat for this species during the warmer months. As water temperatures begin to cool, the eastern shallow flats seem to attract this species and may be caught in as little as 1.5 feet of water. In the springtime when water temperatures begin to creep toward the low 50's, the walleye in Pittsfield Lake migrate toward the dam.
This population is expected to continue to be rated as "good", assuming that their numbers are maintained by annual stockings from the Hatchery system. 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.
