German Lake Fishing guide

Black Crappies were common in the gill net sample in 2024. A total of 253 Black Crappies were caught for a rate of 31.6/net. The 2024 Black Crappie catch rate was well above the long-term average catch rate of 15.6/net and nearly double the 2021 catch rate of 17.8/net. Black Crappies ranged from 4.1 to 12.3 inches with average of 7.7 inches. Black Crappies from both gears were age-1 to age-7 with 6 year classes present. Approximately 53% of Black Crappies sampled were age-4 or age-5. Black Crappie growth was moderate with fish reaching 10 inches by age-5. Black Crappies are one of the most targeted species in the Jefferson Chain and the 2024 survey results show a population with consistent recruitment and good size potential.

Bluegills dominated the trap net sample in 2024 with a total of 353 caught for a rate of 32.1/net. The 2024 Bluegill catch rate was below the long term mean of 50.1/net. Bluegills varied from 2.6 to 8.7 inches with an average of 7.1 inches. Bluegills were also the most abundant species in the gill nets and ranged from 3.6 to 9.5 inches. Bluegills ranged from age-2 to age-7 with 6 year classes present. Bluegill recruitment appears consistent with most year classes relatively well represented. Bluegill growth was fast with an average length of nearly 6 inches at age-3. The size structure of the 2024 sample was of high quality and should continue to attract anglers to German Lake.

Twelve Walleyes ranging from 16.9 to 28.3 inches were sampled with the gill nets for a catch rate of 1.5/net. The new management strategy of stocking fry every year has produced a slight improvement in terms of a Walleye fishery in German Lake and the Jefferson Chain as a whole. Hopes are high that the Lower Mississippi Strain, which evolved locally, of Walleye will improve Walleye fishing in the Jefferson Chain in time.

A total of 7 Largemouth Bass were sampled using boat electrofishing for a rate of 6.2/hour on-time. This was just the fourth time Largemouth Bass were sampled using boat electrofishing. The other three catch rates were 36.4/hour on-time in 2004, 18.7/hour on-time in 2018, and 26.8/hour on-time in 2021. Overall, Largemouth Bass numbers have been sampled at low to moderate numbers in German Lake. Largemouth Bass lengths in 2024 ranged from 12.0 to 17.7 inches with an average of 14.1 inches. Although sampled in low numbers, the German Lake Largemouth Bass population continues to provide a steady angling target and matches well with the abundant Bluegill population.

Northern Pike were moderately abundant in the gill net sample. A total of 25 Northern Pike were sampled for a rate of 3.4/net. Historically, Northern Pike catch rates have varied from 2.0/net to 9.9/net with an average of 5.1/net. Northern Pike in 2024 ranged from 15.2 to 32.0 inches with an average length of 23.9 inches. Approximately 48% of Northern Pike sampled were larger than the legal minimum length limit of 24 inches. The last time Northern Pike were stocked in the Jefferson Chain was in 2017 which suggests that many fish sampled in 2024 were naturally reproduced and provides evidence of a self-sustaining population.

Yellow Perch were sampled at an all-time high of 26.0/net in 2021, that number dropped slightly to 17.3 in 2024. The long-term mean catch rate is 16.0/net. Yellow Perch ranged from 5.1 to 10.4 inches with an average of 8.0 inches. The 2024 survey shows a dual-purpose Yellow Perch population. One that both provides an abundant prey base for predator species and that also provides sizable fish for harvest.

Freshwater Drum have historically been one of the most abundant species in gill net samples, and that trend continued in 2024. A total of 134 Freshwater Drum averaging 17.2 inches were sampled for a rate of 16.8/net, which was just above the long-term average catch rate of 13.2/net. Freshwater Drum provide an additional angling opportunity in German Lake.

Black Bullheads were scarce in 2024 with just 1 sampled with the trap nets and gill nets and continued a steep declining trend that began in 2013. Yellow Bullheads were common on the other hand, with 25 sampled with the gill nets for a catch rate of 3.1/net. The inverse relationship between bullhead species is something that's been observed in other Waterville Area lakes and should be investigated further to determine the cause.

Just 7 Common Carp were sampled in 2024. Common Carp catch rates have remained low in all 9 surveys dating back to 1994. These fish averaged 24.0 inches in length ranging from 18.1 to 29.1 inches in length. With access to the entire Jefferson Chain, Common Carp appear to prefer the habitat of other lakes over German Lake.

Other Species sampled in 2024 include Bigmouth Buffalo, Bowfin (dogfish), Green Sunfish, Longnose Gar, Pumpkinseed, and hybrid sunfish.

Water clarity was fair with a secchi depth of 5 feet. Dissolved oxygen and water temperature readings ranged from 8.2 ppm and 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit at the surface to 0.2 ppm and 67.5 degrees Fahrenheit at 43 feet. A thermocline was not noticeable.

-Tyler Fellows, fisheries specialist