Johnson Lake Fishing guide

The Walleye gill-net catch was typical for the lake and lakes with similar habitat. Four year classes were identified with age 4 fish the most frequently sampled. All fish corresponded to stocked years, although nine of the previous ten years were stocked. Sampled Walleye ranged from 15 to 28 inches with an average length of 20 inches. Growth was average; Walleye averaged 16 inches at age 4. Johnson Lake provides anglers the opportunity to catch an occasional Walleye, though they are not abundant.

The Northern Pike gill-net catch was average compared to similar lakes and had decreased from the three previous surveys. This is considered an improvement, since Northern Pike size quality is generally better when they occur at lower densities. Northern Pike size structure was still fairly poor; sampled pike ranged from 18 to 29 inches with an average length of 22 inches. Ages 2-8 were represented in the sample, with age 3 and 4 fish the most frequently sampled. Pike averaged 21 inches at age 4. Poor size quality may limit the popularity of the pike fishery. The north central pike zone regulation implemented in 2018 requires anglers to release pike from 22-26 inches, while allowing for more harvest of small pike. It is hoped that this regulation will improve size quality on Johnson Lake.

The trap-net catch for Bluegill was the highest on record, but within the typical range for lakes with similar habitat. A trend of increased Bluegill catches has been noted in many area lakes in recent years and is consistent with statewide trends. Size structure was modest. Sampled Bluegill ranged from 3 to 9 inches with an average length of 5 inches. The age distribution suggested frequent but irregular recruitment. Ages 3-10 were represented, with ages 3, 6 and 7 the most frequently sampled. About half the sample was age 6 or older, with average growth. Bluegill averaged 6.5 inches at age 6. Poor size quality may limit the popularity of the Bluegill fishery.

Johnson Lake has generally produced a modest crappie fishery. Gill-net catches have typically exceeded trap-net catches over time. The 2018 gill-net catch was typical for the lake and lakes with comparable habitat. The size and age distributions suggested irregular recruitment and a population composed of mostly young fish under age 5. Sampled crappie ranged from 5 to 10 inches. Growth appeared slow; crappie averaged 7.5 inches at age 4.

Yellow Perch numbers have been quite variable, but generally above the average for similar lakes. The 2018 gill-net catch for Yellow Perch was the lowest on record and below the typical range for lakes like Johnson. A low perch population is likely a limiting factor for production of gamefish like Northern Pike and Walleye.

The Tullibee gill-net catch was typical for Johnson Lake but lower than average compared to lakes with similar habitat. Sampled Tullibee range from 11 to 14 inches. Tullibee are an important prey species in addition to Yellow Perch.

Standard test netting is generally not an effective way to evaluate Largemouth Bass. Largemouth have been sampled in low numbers in previous surveys, and catches in 2018 were within the typical range for similar lakes. Targeted spring electrofishing would likely provide better information on the bass population, but it has not been conducted on Johnson.

Other species sampled in test nets included Bowfin, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead.

In order to maintain or improve fish and wildlife populations, water quality and habitat must be protected. People often associate water quality problems with large-scale agricultural, forestry, urban development or industrial practices in the watershed. In reality, the impact of land use decisions on one lake lot may be relatively small, yet the cumulative impact of those decisions on many lake lots can result in a significant decline in water quality and habitat. For example, removing shoreline and aquatic vegetation, fertilizing lawns, mowing to the water's edge, installing beach sand blankets, failing septic systems and uncontrolled run-off, all contribute excess nutrients and sediment which degrade water quality and habitat. Understanding these cumulative impacts and taking steps to avoid or minimize them will help to insure our quality fisheries can be enjoyed by future generations.