Fountain Lake Fishing guide

Just 3 Channel Catfish or 0.4/net were sampled with gill nets in 2024. This continued a downward trend that began in 2006 with 17.0/net. Subsequent Channel Catfish catch rates were 8.3/net in 2011, 4.3/net in 2015, 4.0/net in 2018, and 1.3/net in 2021. Channel Catfish ranged from 21.1 to 29.5 inches with an average of 26.0 inches. Two additional Channel Catfish were sampled with trap nets and ranged from 18.9 to 21.5 inches. Although sampled in low numbers, the size structure of the Channel Catfish population in Fountain Lake offers great opportunity for those that wish to target them.

A total of 38 Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 4.8/net. Northern Pike catch rates have fallen in the last 3 surveys with a long-term mean of 6.3/net. Northern Pike ranged from 18.1 to 39.3 inches with an average of 27.1 inches. Approximately 76% of the Northern Pike sampled exceeded the legal minimum length limit of 24 inches.

Walleyes were abundant in the 2024 survey with a total gill net catch of 52 fish or 6.5/net. The historic average for Fountain Lake is 8.1/net. Walleyes ranged from 10.8 to 25.8 inches with an average of 19.9 inches. Seven more Walleyes were sampled with trap nets and ranged from 18.7 to 25.6 inches. Walleye were aged using otoliths and ranged from age-1 to age-7 with 6 year classes present. The 2021 year class, which was a year when both fry and fingerlings were stocked, accounted for 63% of the sample. Walleye growth was fast with fish reaching 17 inches before age-3.

A total of 39 Largemouth Bass were sampled with boat electrofishing for a catch rate of 26.3/hour. This was the lowest Largemouth Bass catch rate of the four electrofishing surveys on record. The four-year average was 55.2/hour. Largemouth Bass ranged from 3.2 to 19.3 inches with an average of 8.2 inches. Largemouth Bass recruitment appeared consistent with many size classes well represented in the sample. Largemouth Bass growth was moderate with an average length of 11.7 inches at age-3 in 2021. The Largemouth Bass population in Fountain Lake remains a consistent and quality option for anglers.

Black Crappie were the second most common fish in the trap net sample in 2024 with a total catch of 218 fish and a catch rate of 18.2/net. Black Crappie catch rates have ranged from 1.1/net to 55.8/ net since 1996, averaging 28.0/net over that time. Black Crappies ranged from 5.0 to 12.7 inches with an average of 7.1 inches. Another 68 Black Crappies ranging from 4.8 to 12.4 inches were sampled with gill nets. Black Crappies from both gears were age-1 to age-6 with 6 year classes present. The 2023 year class (age-1) accounted for 47% of the Black Crappie sample. The average length of 8.1 inches at age-3 indicates a moderate Black Crappie growth rate relative to other Waterville Area lakes. The Black Crappie population, largely driven by the abundant age-1 fish, should provide an excellent fishing opportunity in the coming years.

A total of 86 Bluegills were sampled with trap nets for a catch rate of 7.2/net. The 2021 survey yielded 13.1/net, and the long-term average catch rate was 17.0/net. Bluegills ranged from 5.0 to 9.1 inches with an average of 5.4 inches. Another 28 Bluegills ranging from 3.7 to 9.7 inches were sampled with the gill nets. Bluegills from both gears varied from age-1 to age-6 with 5 year classes present. Age-1 through age-3 bluegills made up 89% of the sample. Then number of young Bluegills shows consistent natural reproduction occurs in Fountain Lake. Bluegill growth was moderate with an average length of 6.5 inches at age-3. The deepening of the lake nearshore could have a negative effect on Bluegill numbers through the reduction of quality littoral habitat that is critical for Bluegill reproduction and growth.

Yellow Perch numbers in 2024 fell to 19.6/gill net which is still the second highest on record. An all-time high catch rate of 93.6/net had been set in the 2021 survey. Yellow Perch ranged from 4.6 to 9.7 inches with an average of 6.6 inches. If the numbers of small Yellow Perch persists and grows well into the future, Yellow Perch may also increase in angler creels.

Black Bullhead numbers (131.6/gill net) more than doubled the previous high of 58.4/net set in 2018. Black Bullheads were generally small with a maximum length of 12.5 inches and an average of 6.4 inches. Yellow Bullheads were in low abundance with a gill net catch rate of 4.4/net and an average length of 10.3 inches. The high numbers of Black Bullheads is slightly concerning, as Fountain Lake has been stable over the past few surveys. Anglers looking for bullheads should be able to find good numbers of eating sized fish in the coming years.

Common Carp were sampled at a rate of 3.5/gill net. Common Carp Ranged from 11.6 to 25.4 inches and averaged 16.3 inches. Another 48 Common Carp were sampled with the trap nets and ranged from 12.0 to 29.7 inches with an average of 19.7 inches. In 2021 the high catch rate of Common Carp was due to a large year class of small Common Carp. In 2024, there were not any small carp present, this leads us to believe that spawning and recruitment of carp can be sporadic.

Other species sampled in 2024 include Bigmouth Buffalo, White Crappie, White Sucker and hybrid sunfish.

Water clarity was poor with a secchi depth of 2.0 feet. Dissolved oxygen and water temperature readings ranged from 19.0 ppm and 72.1 degrees Fahrenheit at the surface to 9.4 ppm and 70.3 degrees Fahrenheit at 11 feet. No thermocline was detected.

-Tyler Fellows, fisheries specialist