Pickerel Lake Fishing guide

The 2014 lake management plan indicated Bluegill and Walleye were primary species, while Black Crappie were a secondary species. Three surveys were conducted on Pickerel Lake in 2018 to monitor various aspects of the fish community. An early-June targeted survey to sample sunfish, an early-July Index of Biotic Integrity survey to sample the near-shore fish community and evaluate the overall lake health, and a standard survey (this report) in mid-July to monitor the fish community for changes in species composition, abundance, size structure and growth.

The Bluegill population has typically had lower density and good size distribution. Past surveys described the population as having moderate recruitment with growth faster than lakes with similar habitat. The trap net catch rate was similar to past surveys. Bluegill lengths ranged from 3 to 9 inches, but the proportions of fish sampled greater than 6 and 8 inches were substantially worse than in past surveys. Size structure had been noticeably better in the spring targeted survey. The size distribution in the summer sample was influenced by a high proportion of age 2 and 3 Bluegill, less than 6 inches. These younger year classes accounted for over 70% of the sample. It is not unexpected that these fish were not as well-sampled in the spring survey, since that assessment targets adult fish moving shallow prior to spawning. Bluegill growth was consistent with previous surveys. Bluegill averaged 7.3 inches at age 6. Due to the lake's small size it is recommended that anglers release sunfish over 8 inches.

The Walleye population has lower density resulting from natural reproduction or migration from adjacent lakes. Past surveys described the population as having low recruitment with growth comparable to lakes with similar habitat. Fry stocking was discontinued in 2011 because it did not appreciably increase the Walleye population. Walleye are limited by low fertility and low perch numbers. The Walleye catch rate was lower than average for lakes with similar habitat, but typical for Pickerel Lake. Ten Walleye were sampled in 2018 that ranged from 7 to 24 inches. Eight year classes from ages 1 to 13 were represented. Growth was slow; Walleye averaged 16.2 inches at age 6.

The Black Crappie population has low density with average size distribution and growth. The trap net and gill net catches were low but similar to lake averages. Eight crappie were sampled in 2018 that ranged from 4 to 12 inches.

The Northern Pike population has moderate density with below average size distribution. The gill net catch in 2018 was similar to the average for the lake and for lakes with similar habitat. Lengths of gill-net sampled pike ranged from 15 to 33 inches with an average of 20 inches. Only one fish over 22 inches was sampled. Due to the lake's small size it is recommended that anglers release fish over 26 inches.

The Largemouth Bass population has never been sampled with spring night time electrofishing, but it is suggested this occur in the future. Prior to the 2018 survey, only five Largemouth have ever been sampled with trap nets or gill nets. Eight were sampled in 2018, which ranged from 7 to 16 inches. Age analysis showed five year classes present from age 2 to 7, with slow growth. Largemouth Bass averaged 12.0 inches at age 6. Due to the lake's small size it is recommended that anglers release fish over 15 inches.

The Yellow Perch population has low density and with few harvestable sized fish present. Ten perch were sampled in 2018, which ranged from 5 to 6 inches. The gill net catch was the lowest ever recorded. Low Yellow Perch numbers likely limit the number of Walleye and other gamefish.

The Tullibee (Cisco) population has remained low since a summer die off reported in 2003. Only one 18 inch Tullibee was sampled in 2018, the second lowest catch rate ever. Smaller Tullibee can provide important prey for predators in addition to Yellow Perch.

Other species sampled in 2018 included Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Tadpole Madtom, Yellow Bullhead and White Sucker.

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.

Anglers and boaters are reminded to help slow and/or minimize the spread of invasive species by removing all aquatic plants from boats, trailers and equipment. All drain plugs must be removed and live and bait wells must be drained before leaving the access. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to power wash and thoroughly dry all equipment prior to use in another water body.