Shields Lake Fishing guide

Black Crappie relative abundance declined from 10.6/trap net in 2017, to 1.4/ trap net in 2023. Eight year classes were present (2014-2022), with age-3 fish representing 42% of Black Crappie sampled. Black Crappie sampled in gill nets averaged 7.6 inches and ranged from 4.1 inches to 11.8 inches. Black Crappies sampled with trap nets averaged 8.4 inches and ranged from 4.2 inches to 12.8 inches.

Bluegill relative abundance in 2023 of 3.1/trap net was the lowest since 1993 (1.9/ Trap net) and down from 14.0/trap net during the 2017 survey. Bluegill ages were estimated using scales and otoliths. Age estimates indicated 8-year classes of Bluegill sampled in Shields Lake (2014-2022), with age-4 or younger fish representing 80% of the Bluegill captured. Size structure of trap netted Bluegill was small, ranging in length from 3.1 to 9.5 inches and averaging 4.0 inches. Bluegills captured in gill nets were larger, ranging in length from 3.9 to 9.7 inches and averaging 7.3 inches.

Northern Pike relative abundance has been variable in Shields Lake for the last 3 decades, ranging between 1.6 and 5.4/gill net. In 2023, Northern Pike were captured at a rate of 2.6/gill net. Northern Pike averaged 27.8 inches and ranged from 22.6 to 39.2 inches in length. Eighty-six percent of Northern Pike sampled exceeded the 24-inch minimum length limit.

Daytime electrofishing was conducted on 30 May 2023 to assess Largemouth Bass relative abundance and size structure. Largemouth Bass were sampled at a rate of 44.4/hour. Largemouth Bass averaged 9.9 inches and ranged from 4.6 inches to 18.2 inches total length.

Walleye relative abundance has historically been low in Shields Lake, not surpassing a catch rate of 7.3/gill net (1993). The trend continued in 2023, as Walleye were caught at a rate of 1.1/gill net. Four year classes of Walleye were present (2010, 2013, 2014, and 2016). Walleyes sampled with gill nets averaged 24.0 inches total length and ranged from 22.1 inches to 26.2 inches.

Yellow perch catch rates have varied from 3.6/gill net in 1981 to 140.6/gill net in 1987. Relative abundance in 2023 was 2.9/gill net. The 2023 relative abundance was the lowest abundance on record for Shields Lake. Size structure of Yellow Perch was small, as lengths ranged from 5.3 to 10.9 inches in length and averaged 7.6 inches.

The 2023 Freshwater Drum (sheepshead) gill net relative abundance (3.9/trap net) decreased from the 2020 assessment (14.1/gill net). Historically, Freshwater Drum have been very abundant in Shields Lake.

Black Bullhead relative abundance 13.9/gill was near the 2020 abundance of 14.1/gill net. However, Yellow Bullhead relative abundance has nearly doubled since the 2020 survey abundance of 14.0/ gill net. Black Bullheads averaged 11.5 inches and ranged from 8.1 inches to 15.6 inches total length. Yellow Bullheads averaged 11.7 inches and ranged from 8.1 to 16.2 inches in length. Two Brown Bullheads were also sampled in 2023.

Bigmouth Buffalo, Bowfin (dogfish), Common Carp, White Bass, and Golden Shiners were present, but occurred in low numbers.

Water quality metrics were collected on 7/17/2023. Shields Lake was experiencing an algae bloom as the water appeared brown/green, and had a secchi depth of 2.5 ft. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 6.1 ppm at the surface to 0.0 ppm at 36.0 ft. The water temperature at the surface was 72.1 degrees, the highest temperature was 73.0 degrees at 9 ft of depth, the lowest temperature was 52.7 degrees at 36 ft. Thermal stratification of the water column occurred at 17 ft of depth as evidenced by a drop in temperature from 71.2 to 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit at 18 ft.

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