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Status of the Fishery (as of 06/30/1997)
Little Bass Lake is primarily a bluegill - northern pike lake which also supports small populations of walleye, crappie and largemouth bass. During this survey, northern pike were sampled in gill nets at a rate within the expected range for this type of lake. Northerns sampled in gill nets ranged from 17.5 to 32.7 inches in length and had a mean length of 21.4 inches and a mean weight of 2.3 pounds. Northern pike appear to grow fast in the first two years and have average growth rates thereafter. Bluegill were sampled in trap nets at a level above the expected range. Abundance appears to have been increasing since 1971. Such an increase can indicate high fishing pressure and usually results in smaller average size fish. The bluegill that were sampled ranged from 3.3 to 8.7 inches in length and had a mean length of 6.1 inches. Growth rates appear average. Walleye abundance in gill nets was low, but a number were sampled in trap nets. Most of those sampled in trap nets were age 1. Because walleye haven't been stocked since 1988, it appears that a small population of walleye is being maintained through natual reproduction. Growth rates of young walleye appears to be above average. Yellow perch, an important prey species for both walleye and northerns, were sampled at a low rate in gill nets. They were small, ranging from 5.0 to 6.8 inches in length. Black crappie were introduced in 1993 and the introduction appears to have produced a naturally reproducing population. Four crappie were sampled in trap nets and 4 more in seines that were produced after 1993. Tullibee were sampled at a rate within the expected range and largemouth bass were sampled in trap nets at a rate below the expected range, but neither of these species are sampled well by our gear. Water quality appears to be relatively good on Little Bass Lake, although phosphorus levels were higher than expected. Lakeshore owners can protect water quality and maintain the aesthetics of the lake by following Best Management Practices on their lakeots. Best Management Practices include such things as minimizing fertilizer use, maintaining or planting shrubs and trees near the lake, updating or improving faulty septic systems and leaving vegetation in the lake. Ultimately, how the land around the lake is treated is reflected in the water quality and the quality of the fishery. You can see the details associated with this summary by going to the DNR Lake Survey site. Click HERE to go to it. |