East Jefferson Lake Fishing guide

Black Crappies were the most abundant species in 2024 in gill nets with a catch rate of 22.9/net and a trap net catch rate of 22.2/net. Since 1994, trap net catch rates have increased in each subsequent survey, most recently from 6.6/net in 2013 to 18.1/net in 2018, to 30.9/net in 2021, before a slight drop in 2024. Lengths of Black Crappies sampled with gill nets varied from 4.5 to 10.9 inches with an average of 7.1 inches. Lengths from the trap net sample ranged from 6.9 to 12.4 inches with an average of 9.4 inches. Black Crappies from both gears ranged from age-1 to age-7 with 7 year classes present. On average, Black Crappies exceeded 8 inches by age-4. The increasing abundance, good growth and consistent natural reproduction should lead to excellent angling opportunities for Black Crappies in East Jefferson Lake for years to come.

Bluegill was the most abundant species sampled with trap nets in 2024. A total of 305 Bluegill were sampled for a catch rate of 30.5/net. Catch rates have ranged from 3.9/net in 1997 to 44.8/net in 2002 with an average of 24.1/net since 1994. The three previous surveys yielded catch rates of 16.6/net in 2013, 26.0/net in 2018, and 43.7/net in 2021. Bluegills ranged from 3.0 to 8.4 inches with an average of 7.0 inches. An additional 170 Bluegills ranging from 4.8 to 8.5 inches were sampled with the gill nets. Bluegills ranged from age-2 to age-7 with 5 year classes present. Age-3 and age-5 Bluegills accounted for approximately 70% of the sample and age-4 Bluegills were also well represented. Growth rates were modest, with an average length of 6.6 inches at age-4. The scarcity of Bluegills larger than 8 inches is a concern but Bluegills remain a popular target in East Jefferson Lake.

A total of 61 Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 6.8/net was above the long-term average of 4.4/net. Northern Pike ranged from 12.4 to 34.8 inches with an average of 19.8 inches. Approximately 23% of the Northern Pike sampled exceeded the legal minimum length limit of 24 inches. Twenty more Northern Pike ranging from 12.4 to 32.5 inches were sampled with trap nets. The 2024 survey offers strong evidence of natural reproduction and a self-sustaining Northern Pike population without the need for supplemental stocking.

Largemouth Bass were sampled using spring boat electrofishing, yielding 20 fish and a catch rate of 14.1/hour. The 2018 catch rate was 42.0/hour, and the 2021 catch rate was 22.4/hr. Largemouth Bass ranged from 3.6 to 17.6 inches with an average of 11.2 inches. East Jefferson is a popular lake for tournaments. Many are held each year. The typical winning 5 fish limit approaches or exceeds 20 pounds. Our sampling does not seem to sample these larger fish.

A total of 7 Walleyes were sampled in gill nets for a catch rate of 0.8/net. Since 1994 Walleyes have been sampled in low numbers with a peak of just 2.6/net in 1997 and 2021 and an average of 1.6/net. Walleyes sampled in 2024 ranged from 19.3 to 27.8 inches with an average of 23.5 inches. Five additional Walleye were sampled with the trap nets. These fish were similar in size to gill netted fish.

Walleyes ranged from age-4 to age-10 with 2 year classes present. Walleye growth was fast with fish exceeding 18 inches by age-3. Approximately 75% of Walleyes sampled were age-10 and part of the non-stocked 2014 year class. This 2014 year class was also prominent in the 2018 and 2021 surveys and according to genetic analysis, was mostly Lower Mississippi Strain (LMS) and produced naturally within East Jefferson or German Lakes. Due to this finding, efforts should be made through stocking to boost the LMS population with the ultimate hope of creating a self-sustaining Walleye population in the Jefferson Chain.

Yellow Perch were sampled in low abundance in 2024. A total of 51 Yellow Perch were caught for a rate of 5.6/net. The 2021 catch rate was 9.3/net and since 1994 Yellow Perch catch rates have been highly variable with a range of 3.9 to 99.1/net and an average of 32.7/net. Yellow Perch ranged from 5.8 to 9.5 inches and an average of 7.8 inches. Yellow Perch are an important prey species for Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Walleye and hopefully numbers trend toward the higher end of the historical catch range in future surveys.

Freshwater Drum were common in the gill net sample with a total of 38 fish caught for a rate of 4.2/net. Since Freshwater Drum catch rates have ranged from 2.7/net to 17.5/net with an average of 9.1/net since 1994. Freshwater Drum of preferred length were abundant.

Just 5 Black Bullheads were sampled in 2024 for a catch rate of 0.6/net, which falls below the previous all-time low in 2018 of 1.9/net. The decline follows a similar area-wide trend of declining Black Bullhead numbers. Conversely, Yellow Bullheads were common with a catch rate of 5.6/net. This inverse trend in bullhead numbers can be explained by a shift in lake habitat and increased stability that now favor Yellow Bullheads.

Common Carp numbers were low with just 6 fish sampled for a gill net catch rate of 0.7/net. The Jefferson Chain offers plenty of opportunities for Common Carp to spawn and persist, yet they largely remain at sub-nuisance levels in East Jefferson Lake.

Other species sampled in 2024 include Bigmouth Buffalo, Bowfin (dogfish), Longnose Gar, Pumpkinseed, White Crappie, and hybrid sunfish.

Water quality measurements included water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and secchi depth. Water clarity was poor with a secchi depth of 2.5 feet. Dissolved oxygen and water temperature readings ranged from 7.9 ppm and 77.5 degrees Fahrenheit at the surface to 0.1 ppm and 67.3 degrees Fahrenheit at 35 feet. A thermocline was detected around 17 feet.

-Tyler Fellows, fisheries specialist