Sabre Lake Fishing guide

Walleye catch rates in Sabre Lake have remained relatively stable throughout the survey history, averaging 3.7 fish/gill net. The 2021 survey yielded 6.7 fish/gill net, which was a historic high for Walleye catch rate in Sabre Lake. Walleye were moderate sized, ranging from 10.4 to 25.6 inches and averaging 16.4 inches. Forty of the 47 Walleye aged were determined to be 2 or 3 years of age. These strong year classes were the result of stocking events in 2018 and 2019.

Twenty-two Yellow Perch were sampled in the 2021 survey at Sabre Lake. The gill net catch rate was 3.1 fish/net which was below the long-term average of 4.9 fish/net. Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 6.9 to 10.8 inches and averaged 9.3 inches. The Yellow Perch population was sustained through natural recruitment and is likely an important food for predators in Sabre Lake.

Northern Pike abundance has varied throughout the survey years, ranging from 1.0 fish/net in 1986, 1989, and 1994 to 6.7 fish/net in 2009. The 2021 Northern Pike catch rate was 9.1, which was the highest on record for Sabre Lake. Northern Pike lengths ranged from 15.6 to 34.5 inches and averaged 21.7 inches. An additional 15 Northern Pike were sampled in trap nets and ranged in size from 15.8 to 41.9 inches in length. Northern Pike ranged in age from 1 to 7 years with 7 year classes represented. Growth was relatively slow as Northern Pike averaged only 25.7 inches at age-4. The Northern Pike population is improving and may be of high quality soon. Sabre Lake is included in the Southern Zone Northern Pike regulations. Anglers are limited to 2 Northern Pike daily and fish must be at least 24 inches to harvest.

Historic Black Crappie catch rates in Sabre Lake have been variable, ranging from zero fish in 2009 to 9.2 fish/net in 1999. The 2021 Black Crappie catch rate was 19.0 fish/net. Black Crappie ranged from 1.0 to 13.3 inches and averaged 9.7 inches in length. Black Crappies ranged in age from 1 to 8 years with the majority being 3 or 4 years old. Black Crappies grew relatively fast and averaged 10.5 inches at age 4. The Black Crappie population in Sabre Lake is of high quality at this time.

Bluegill abundance has been low throughout the survey history of Sabre Lake. The 2021 Bluegill catch rate was no different, at 2.3 fish/net, which was below the long-term lake average of 4.4 fish/net. Bluegills ranged from 7.5 to 9.8 inches and averaged 8.9 inches in length. Although Bluegill size structure was favorable in Sabre Lake, overall abundance appeared to be low compared to other lakes in the Cannon River watershed.

Black Bullhead catch rates have steadily decreased since the peak in 1968 (186.0 fish/net). Only 2 Black Bullheads were sampled in 2021, which was well below the long-term average of 49.6 fish/net. Black Bullheads from gill nets and trap nets ranged in length from 7.7 to 12.3 inches and averaged 10.0 in length.

Other fish species sampled from the 2021 survey included Freshwater Drum (sheepshead), White Sucker, Common Carp, Bowfin (dogfish), Channel Catfish, Yellow Bullhead, and Bigmouth Buffalo.

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.

-Tyler Fellows, fisheries specialist