Middle Jefferson Lake Fishing guide

Bluegill were the most commonly sampled fish with the trap nets with a catch rate of 50.7/net, which indicated high numbers were present. In three surveys since 2008, this was the largest catch rate on record. The average catch rate during that time was 33.6/net. Lengths ranged from 2.8 to 8.2 inches with an average of 6.0 inches. An additional 53 Bluegills ranging from 3.7 to 8.8 inches were sampled with gill nets. Approximately 60% of the sample was 4 years old. Although size structure could improve, Middle Jefferson Lake supports a healthy Bluegill population.

Black Crappies were the most common fish sampled with gill nets with a total of 351 and a catch rate of 70.2/net, which indicated high numbers were present. Prior catch rates in 2008 (1.0/net) and 2013 (14.5/net) were much lower than in 2018. Lengths ranged from 4.3 to 12.4 inches with an average of 5.9 inches. Another 141 Black Crappies ranging from 4.2 to 11.8 inches were sampled with trap nets. Fish from both gears ranged from 1 to 6 years old with five year classes present. Most of the fish were small and young. Middle Jefferson Lake offers valuable habitat for these fish, which likely migrate throughout the chain, as they get older.

Twenty-eight Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 5.6/net which was greater than in 2008 (0.0/net) and 2013 (5.5/net). Lengths ranged from 19.3 to 29.3 inches with an average of 24.2 inches. Approximately 46% of the sample exceeded the legal minimum length of 24 inches. Ages ranged from 1 to 4 years old with 4 year classes present. Over 80% of the sample was 3 or 4 years old. Northern Pike grow quickly in Middle Jefferson and likely exceed 24 inches during their third year of growth. Southern Zone Northern Pike regulations are in effect for Middle Jefferson Lake. Anglers are allowed two fish per day. All fish under 24 inches must be immediately released.

Largemouth Bass were sampled with spring boat electrofishing for the first time in 2018. Eighty-five fish were sampled with a catch rate of 58.4/hour on-time. Lengths ranged from 3.3 to 19.7 inches with an average of 9.2 inches. Of catchable size fish (? 8 inches), approximately 42% were larger than 15 inches. Middle Jefferson Lake offers quality habitat for Largemouth Bass and should be sampled with spring boat electrofishing in all future surveys.

Just 10 Walleyes were sampled with gill nets in 2018 for a catch rate of 2.0/net, indicating low numbers were present. Catch rates in 2018 were greater than in 2008 (1.0/net) and 2013 (0.0/net). Lengths ranged from 17.6 to 20.0 inches with an average of 19.2 inches. Nine of the ten fish were aged and were all 4 years old. No Walleyes were stocked in 2014 in Middle Jefferson Lake however; a number of fingerlings were stocked into adjacent West Jefferson Lake that year. It is possible these fish came from that stocking event and migrated into Middle Jefferson at some point.

A total of 43 Black Bullheads were sampled for a catch rate of 8.6/net, which was the lowest of the three surveys on record and indicated low to moderate numbers were present. Meanwhile, Yellow Bullheads increased from 0.0/net in 2008 to 3.0/net in 2013 to 16.0/net in 2018. This inverse relationship is common and is indicative of an increasingly stable environment where Yellow Bullheads are better suited. This should continue in the absence of winterkill or other lake wide disturbances.

Common Carp are also on the decline in Middle Jefferson Lake. Just 2 fish were sampled with gill nets in 2018 compared to 34.0/net in 2008 and 1.0/net in 2013. Like Black Bullheads, Common Carp thrive in highly degraded systems that experience frequent winterkill. As long as Middle Jefferson remains stable and healthy, Common Carp numbers should remain low and not interfere with game fish management.

Other species sampled in 2018 include Bowfin, Freshwater Drum, Golden Shiner, Pumpkinseed, White Bass, Yellow Perch, and hybrid sunfish (Lepomis spp).

Water quality measurements included water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and secchi depth. Water clarity was poor with a secchi depth of 1.8 feet. Dissolved oxygen and water temperature readings ranged from 9.6 ppm and 83.1 degrees Fahrenheit at the surface to 6.7 ppm and 80.8 degrees Fahrenheit at 6 feet. No thermocline was detected.

Shoreline property owners also 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.

-Sky Wigen, specialist