Fishing

The main target species at Lake Orange are Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass. The majority of the fishing pressure is placed upon these species. The lake provides angling opportunities for Walleye, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish and Chain Pickerel. Yellow Perch, White Perch, Warmouth and Common Carp also provide some action.

Largemouth Bass

The Largemouth Bass fishing is very good at Lake Orange. There are numerous bass in the 10 to 12 inch size range with a decent number in the 15 to 18 inch size range.

Due to desirable attributes including fast growth, good genetics, and ample forage, it was determined that this fishery was a good candidate for a “trophy” Largemouth Bass regulation (meaning that production of exceptional fish was likely given a reduction in harvest of large fish). The Largemouth Bass population has produced fish in the 11-12 pound range. In order to protect larger bass while encouraging the harvest of smaller bass, a new regulation was established in 2004. The regulation is a 16″ to 22″ protective slot, which means bass less than 16″ or larger than 22″ can be harvested (however, only one bass larger than 22″ can be harvested per day). Daily creel limit remains at 5 bass. Lake Orange bass feed heavily upon schools of Gizzard Shad. The abundance of shad in the lake has made fishing for bass a little more difficult. Anglers should try using crankbaits and other artificial lures that resemble a shad pattern and shape. Jigging spoons through schools of bass feeding on shad is another good pattern. A good fish finder will allow for finding schools of shad.

Black Crappie

The Lake Orange crappie fishery is in good condition with a healthy and abundant population. Anglers consistently catch crappie in the 1-pound range. Anglers do well catching crappie off of the fishing pier, fish attractors, or near the many beaver lodges. Anglers are encouraged to try various crappie style jigs until they find a pattern that works best. A good technique for Lake Orange crappie is using light jig heads tipped with small minnows.

Walleye

Lake Orange offers a decent Walleye fishery. It was initially stocked with Walleye in 1977. The lake has been stocked annually (except 1983, 1993-1995) at a rate of 100 Walleye/acre. Stocked Walleye usually measure about 1.5 inches in length. Due to the difficulty and cost of raising Walleye to larger size in hatcheries, biologists have decided to stock higher numbers of small fingerlings in hopes they will survive to keep the fishery alive. Walleye in the 4 to 5 pound range have been routinely caught at Lake Orange.

Channel Catfish

Lake Orange provides a good Channel Catfish fishery. Channel Catfish have been stocked since the lake was first impounded in 1964. The lake has been stocked annually at 20 fish/acre since 1986 (except 1996 and 2000) and the lake annually produces numerous catfish in the 2-pound-plus range.

Bluegill

The Bluegill population is abundant with fish averaging in the 6–7″ size range. The Bluegill fishery has suffered the impact of the Gizzard Shad introduction and proliferation. The Gizzard Shad population has fully established itself in Lake Orange. Largemouth Bass feed heavily upon the shad and less on the Bluegill. This switch in the food chain is causing an increase in the survival rate of Bluegill. As a result, more Bluegill are surviving to spawn and larger year classes of Bluegill are being produced. The biomass of Bluegill over the course of time, if not thinned out by predators or angler harvest, will lean toward slower growth and smaller size, a stunted population. Anglers are encouraged to harvest Bluegill.

Biologist Reports

• 2021 Lake Orange Management Report
• 2015 Lake Orange Management Report