Lake Shenandoah Biologist Report 2022
On May 3, 2021 department biologists and technicians conducted spring sampling using boat electrofishing gear. Three permanent sites are sampled annually or biannually. Our sites cover a majority of the shoreline habitat circumnavigating the lake. In total, 327 fish were collected during the sample, representing 6 gamefish species (Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Channel Catfish, and Musky). The lake is being carefully monitored ever since it was drawn down due to the flood damage inflicted on the dam’s emergency spillway.
Largemouth Bass
Despite the current lake level, the largemouth population is in pretty fair shape. A total of 130 bass were netted at a catch rate of 175 fish per hour. A majority of the catchable sized bass remain small measuring 8-12 inches in length, but there are quite a few quality sized bass patrolling the shallows. 77% of the bass captured are considered adults or stock sized fish (>8”), within that group 36% are considered quality sized largemouth (>12”), 22% were >15″ and 1% surpassed the 20″ mark. We were impressed with the number of 15-20” bass this small reservoir is currently producing. The lake’s bass have a very hard time spawning due to the overabundance of sunfish present. To help the population grow, biologists stock advanced fingerling largemouth on an annual basis. Due to the low recruitment and high angling pressure, we recommend anglers practice catch and release at Lake Shenandoah.
Bluegill / Redear Sunfish
The sunfish population at Lake Shenandoah is comprised of Bluegill, Redear, Pumpkinseed, and Green Sunfish. The bluegill and redear are the most populous in the lake and they are incredibly numerous and stunted. Anglers can expect to catch sunfish <5”. We recommend introducing new anglers to fishing at Lake Shenandoah. Young anglers may get bored from catching too many sunfish! Try out the floating fishing pier located east of the parking lot, about 100 yards from the gravel boat ramp.
Crappie
Like the sunfish, the crappie have had trouble with growing too numerous and stunting. However, by using strategic lake drawdowns, we have been observing a slight increase in individual growth rates within the population. Now that the lake is permanently drawn down we hope that the population remains balanced. Anglers can expect to see fish ranging 5-8” and should target the dam and fish habitat structures (see fish habitat map) to improve their chances.
Channel Catfish
Lake Shenandoah exhibits an average catfish fishery. Natural Reproduction of catfish is limited to the catfish spawning boxes and only a handful of wild fish recruit to the fishery. To maintain the fishery the Department stocks advanced fingerlings annually.
Muskellunge
Muskellunge are stocked periodically to increase diversity to the fishery, to help reduce the sunfish population, and to provide a challenging trophy fish for anglers to target. Historically, we have seen good numbers of these toothy fish with some growing as large as 48”. However, musky are cool water fish and we worry that the warmer shallow water may have a detrimental effect on their growth and survival. We will be monitoring their population closely over the coming years. Currently anglers can expect to see smaller fish ranging 30-40”.