Frances Lake Fishing guide

A standard survey was conducted the week 7 July 2025 to monitor the sport fish populations in Lake Frances using 8 gill nets and 11 trap nets. The next standard survey is scheduled for 2028.

The Largemouth Bass catch rate decreased from 111.6/hour in 2022, to 95.1/hour in 2025. However, size structure of the Largemouth Bass population increased. Largemouth Bass in 2025 ranged from 4.7 to 18.7 inches in length and averaged 12.7 inches. Approximately 68% of Largemouth Bass sampled were greater than 12.0 inches long. The catch rate of 95.1/hour surpassed the goal of 45/hour.

Past catches of Bluegill have consistently been between 15.0/trap net and 30.0/trap net. The 2025 catch rate (12.2/trap net) was the lowest on record and was below the median catch rate (23.1/trap net) for class 24 lakes. Age estimates obtained from scales and otoliths showed 9 year-classes of Bluegills were sampled (2013& 2015-2023), indicating that Bluegills have consistent recruitment and live to old ages in Lake Frances. Bluegills average 5.5 inches. Bluegills were also sampled in gill nets at a rate of 22.4/net and averaged 6.3 inches. Age estimates indicated slow growth of Bluegill in Lake Frances, with fish averaging 4.8 inches at age 4 and reaching 8 inches around 7 years of age.

Walleye have historically occurred in low abundance at Lake Frances, as catch rates have ranged from 2.7/gill net in 1996 to 6.8/gill net in 1986. The 2025 catch rate fell within this range at 3.3/gill net. Scales and otoliths were used to estimate age of Walleye in Lake Frances and fish up to age-10 were observed. Six year-classes of Walleye were sampled including Walleye from 2015, and 2018-2022. Walleyes ranged in length from 12.8 to 23.0 inches and averaged 17.7 inches in gill nets. Walleye grew fast, averaging 17.4 inches at age-4.

Past catch rates of Northern Pike have ranged between 0.9/gill net in 1991 and 7.6/gill net in 2001. In 2025, Northern Pike were captured at a new all-time high rate of 10.3/gill net. The majority of Northern Pike were small, ranging in length from 14.7 to 35.7 inches and averaging 20.2 inches. Ninety-two percent of the Northern Pike captured were less than 24 inches long.

Catch rates of Black Crappie have historically been low in Lake Frances, not surpassing 11.9/gill net or 3.0/trap net. In 2025, Black Crappies were caught at rates of 4.3/gill net and 1.0/trap net. Gill netted Black Crappies were small, ranging from 5.5 to 10.5 inches and averaging 7.0 inches. Five year-classes of Black Crappies were sampled. Black Crappies at Lake Frances grow slower than other area lakes.

Yellow Bullhead were the most abundant fish sampled in gillnets in 2025, with a catch rate of 27.7/net. This was lower than the previous three surveys which averaged 51.6/net. Yellow Bullheads were large, as they averaged 11.7 inches, and had a maximum length of 15.2 inches.

Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Freshwater Drum, Golden Shiner, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker and Yellow Perch were present, but occurred in low numbers.

Water quality at Lake Frances was good, having a secchi depth reading of 9.0 ft. A dissolved oxygen profile was taken on July 7, 2025. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 8.7 ppm at the surface to 0.1 ppm at 24.0 feet of depth and greater. Thermal stratification of the water column occurred between 14.0 and 17.0 ft of depth.

Residential development has disturbed much of the shoreline and riparian zone of Lake Frances. It was estimated that nearly 70% of Lake Frances's shorelines have been disturbed by residential development, which can adversely affect fish habitat by reducing aquatic vegetation, removing woody debris, and destabilizing lakeshores. Natural shoreline is limited (15%), occurring along the west and north shores of the lake. Municipal utilities comprised nearly 5% of the shoreline and include areas such as roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces. Agriculture is common in the area and accounts for approximately 10% of the shoreline. In residential areas, much of the shoreline has been altered with rock riprap or sand blankets and turf grass lawns are maintained to the edge of the water.

Shoreline property owners play an important role in the overall health of an aquatic ecosystem, including the fish population. Natural shorelines, including vegetation, woody debris, and bottom substrates, provide valuable habitat for fish and wildlife, help maintain water quality, and reduce bank erosion. Cattails and bulrushes are particularly beneficial for fish spawning, rearing, and feeding. By leaving natural shorelines unaltered or restoring them to natural conditions, shoreline property owners are doing their part to maintain or improve a healthy ecosystem in the lake and protect the resource for future generations.

-Tyler Fellows, fisheries specialist