Lake Laura Biologist Report 2022
On May 11, 2021 department biologists and technicians conducted spring sampling using boat electrofishing gear. Four permanent sites are sampled annually or biannually. Our sites cover a majority of the shoreline habitat circumnavigating the lake. In total, 498 fish were collected during the sample, representing 8 gamefish species (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, and Yellow Perch). The lake is being carefully monitored ever since it was drawn down and dredged to improve aquatic habitats.
Largemouth Bass
Since the lake was dredged, the Largemouth Bass population is slowly rebounding and there are high numbers present. A total of 213 were captured at a catch rate of 213 fish per hour. A majority of the catchable sized bass remain small measuring 8-12 inches in length. 47% of the bass captured are considered adults or stock sized fish (>8”), within that group 35% are considered quality sized largemouth (>12”) and 7% were >15″. Unfortunately, no trophies were captured. Anglers will need to be patient as the bass continue to grow and mature in the coming years. There are plenty of young bass in the system and the population is expected to continue to grow nicely. Smaller lakes like Lake Laura can easily become overpopulated with bass. We recommend anglers harvest bass <12” to help balance the population.
Sunfish
The sunfish population in Lake Laura is comprised of Bluegill, Redear, Pumpkinseed, and Green Sunfish. The bluegill and redear are the most populous in the lake and their populations look strong. Anglers can expect good numbers of 5-7” fish and new and novice anglers should have good opportunities to catch their fill.
Crappie
Lake Laura has historically had a modest crappie population. Only small numbers of crappie have been sampled by biologists during electrofishing and netting surveys since the department began managing the fishery. This spring biologists captured 22 individuals with an average length of 9”. Anglers should target the fish habitat structures (see fish habitat map) to improve their chances. During our survey, a majority of the crappie were captured on the west bank near structures 2, 3, and 4.
Channel Catfish
Lake Laura exhibits a quality catfish fishery. Natural Reproduction of catfish is limited and to maintain a fishery the Department stocks fingerlings annually. Catfish up to 27 inches have been sampled by biologists in recent years.
Yellow Perch
The Perch are back! They may be small now, but in the coming years there should be quality perch coming to a frying pan near you. This spring biologists caught high numbers during their sample at all four sites averaging 8″ in length. During past samples only a handful were typically collected, so biologists are excited to see where the perch fishery goes in the coming years.
