Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2022

Channel Catfish

Non-vulnerable 8 - 10"

7000

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Poor

The size structure of the bluegill population remained poor. All of the bluegill collected in the sample were less than 7” in length. Body condition remained stable, but poor, and growth rates remained below average. The bluegill population in this lake will likely always be hindered by the presence of gizzard shad. Anglers can expect to catch an abundance of fish 5” – 7” in length.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Developing

Channel catfish numbers are low in Lake Sara due to low natural recruitment. Recent supplemental stocking may help to improve numbers in the coming years. In 2022, growth rates remained average and body condition was just above the lake target. Anglers can expect to see most fish in the 1 – 3-pound range, with some fish over 5 pounds.

CRAPPIE

Good

Both black and white crappie are present in Lake Sara, but white crappie are the dominant species. Data collected from the annual population survey indicated that 33% of the adult white crappie were greater than 10” in length and 55% were in the 8” – 10” size range. Average body condition for white crappie remained stable, but it was below the lake management plan target. Black crappie collected in 2022 also had poor body condition and all black crappie collected were less than 9.5” in length. Crappie fishing in the coming year should remain good with most fish weighing 0.2 – 0.5 pounds and a potential for an occasional larger fish near 1 pound.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Improving

In an attempt to improve the size structure of the population, regulations were changed in April 2017, to a 15” – 18” protected slot limit. Early results indicate that the regulation appears to be working. In 2022, the percentage of the adult bass in the sample over 15” was 21% and 4% exceeded 18”. Bass over 15” were in good condition. Bass numbers below the slot remained high and body condition was still poor, but should improve with time and increased harvest. For 2023, the majority of bass below the slot should range from 0.5 – 1.5 pounds, while those exceeding 18” should be 3 pounds or greater. Harvest of bass below the slot limit (less than 15”) is encouraged.

WHITE BASS

Fair

White bass numbers decreased slightly in 2022, but they remained abundant, and average body condition improved. Angling opportunities for white bass should be fair/good in 2023 with most larger fish between 10” – 14” long and weighing 0.6 – 1.1 pounds. Harvest of white bass in Lake Sara is encouraged.

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