Draft New York Sunfish and Crappie Management Plan 2021 - 2028 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor | Basil Seggos, Commissioner
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Draft New York Sunfish and Crappie Management
Plan
2021 - 2028
Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor | Basil Seggos, Commissioner
Draft New York Sunfish and Crappie Management Plan
2021 - 2028
NYSDEC BOF Report #:
Prepared by:
Bureau of Fisheries
Division of Fish and Wildlife
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
December 31, 2020
Jefferey Loukmas, Warmwater Fisheries Unit Leader
Gregory Kozlowski, Inland Fisheries Section Head
Stephen S. Hurst, Chief, Bureau of Fisheries
Heidi O’Riordan, Region 1 Fisheries Manager
Melissa Cohen, Region 2 Fisheries Manager
Michael DiSarno, Region 3 Fisheries Biologist
Christopher VanMaaren, Region 4 Fisheries Manager
Robert Fiorentino, Region 5 Fisheries Manager
Jana Lantry, Region 6 Fisheries Manager
David Lemon, Region 7 Fisheries Manager
Scott Prindle, Region 7 Fisheries Biologist
Webster Pearsall, Region 8 Fisheries Manager
Michael Clancy, Region 9 Fisheries Manager
Approved by
___________________
Stephen S. Hurst, Chief
Bureau of FisheriesVision
Sunfish and crappie fisheries will be managed to achieve an optimal balance between conservation and
the current views and values of New York anglers for these species. This will include creating a suite of
special opportunities for anglers to sustainably catch large fish in suitable waters.
Management Philosophies
Sunfish are widely dispersed in New York and serve both as a gateway species for introducing new
people to fishing and as a desirable target for anglers seeking quality table fare. Sunfish will be
managed in a sustainable manner to improve population size structure and provide anglers with the
opportunity for recreational enjoyment and equitable harvest. Crappie fill a unique panfish niche in New
York and will be managed for sustainable populations of preferred size fish for recreational enjoyment
and equitable harvest. Where environmental and social conditions are acceptable, both species will be
managed to optimize the size structure of populations to produce unique fisheries that offer anglers the
chance to catch large size fish.
Scope
Sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, and redbreast sunfish) and crappie (black crappie and white crappie)
fisheries statewide, including the Great Lakes.
Need
Sunfish and crappie are widespread and abundant throughout New York and are popular with anglers,
collectively accounting for approximately 900,000 days fished in 2017 (Duda et al. 2019). These
species generally provide harvest-based fisheries, and anglers can have significant impacts on
population structure where bag limits are liberal and harvest is intense (Coble 1988, Olson and
Cunningham 1989, Parsons and Reed 1998, Beard and Kampa 1999). Despite their widespread
prevalence and popularity, sunfish and crappie have received less management attention than other
species such as black bass, walleye, and trout. They are rarely the primary focus of fisheries surveys,
and there are very few special fishing regulations for these species groups in New York, none of which
are specifically designed to improve the size structure of populations. It is incumbent on the NYSDEC
Bureau of Fisheries to periodically review harvest regulations and other management strategies for
these species groups to ensure that management appropriately addresses and reflects current science
and angler views and values.
The statewide sunfish possession limit is 50 per day and has been in place since 1996. This limit was
founded largely on the rationale that 50 fish per day should generally provide sustainable and equitable
opportunities for harvest. There is, however, concern that the existing daily limit could result in
overharvest and lead to less than ideal size structures and lower quality fishing. The use of social
media to quickly draw attention to high quality fishing opportunities and the widespread use of
electronic fish finders and other devices to improve fishing efficiency have added to that concern. In
addition, the daily limit may no longer appropriately represent the current views of New York anglers
about sunfish as a recreationally important species (Loukmas 2020a).
The statewide fishing regulations for crappie include a possession limit of 25 per day and a minimum
size limit of 9 inches. This minimum size limit allows most crappie to reach at least age-3, the age at
which they typically begin to spawn, before being subjected to harvest. There are relatively few high-
1use crappie fisheries in New York (Duda et al. 2019), most likely due to the limited number of high-
quality fishing opportunities in the state. NYSDEC Fisheries managers have a responsibility to manage
crappie fisheries to provide anglers with sustainable quality fishing opportunities. There is a concern
that the current harvest regulations don’t adequately provide this, and crappie fisheries could improve
with more conservative harvest regulations.
In addition, there are certain waters throughout the state with the potential to provide truly exceptional
fishing for large sunfish and crappie if harvest regulations were designed to provide that opportunity.
These waters are typically very productive and have fast growing fish that are subject to high harvest
rates. More conservative harvest regulations would add the protection necessary to provide sustainable
opportunities to catch memorable size fish (≥10-inch sunfish and ≥12-inch crappie; Gablehouse 1984).
Creating these special fisheries may enhance the diversity of New York’s sunfish and crappie fisheries,
balancing the desires of anglers with the potential of certain waters to provide a special fishing
opportunity.
Literature Review
The traditional belief among anglers that sunfish populations can be improved by “thinning them out”
(i.e. harvesting large numbers) has been largely disproven, as more conservative harvest regulations
have been effective in improving or maintaining sunfish population size structure (Paukert et al. 2002,
Jacobson 2005, Rypel 2015). Paukert et al. (2002) evaluated the effects of an 8-inch minimum size limit
on bluegill size structure in18 Nebraska lakes and found an overall increase in the proportion of
preferred size (≥8 inch) fish, with the highest increases in lakes with the fastest growth and lowest
natural mortality. Jacobson (2005) found that reducing the daily limit for sunfish from 30 to 10 in eight
small Minnesota lakes resulted in increased male size at maturity and significantly improved population
size structure. Rypel (2015) found that a reduction in the sunfish daily limit from 25 to 10 in seven
Wisconsin lakes resulted in higher mean lengths averaging 0.8 inches and ranging up to 2 inches.
For crappie, increases in the minimum length limit are likely to be more effective than reductions in the
daily limit for improving size structure, particularly where growth is fast and angler harvest is high.
Iserman et al. (2002) simulated the effects of 9 inch and 10 inch minimum size limits on Tennessee
reservoir crappie populations and found that, while harvest would predictably decline, numbers of 12
inch crappie would increase, with the largest size increases resulting from a 10 inch minimum size in
lakes with low natural mortality. Webb and Ott (1991) found that implementation of a 10 inch minimum
size limit (from no limit) resulted in a significant increase in preferred size (≥10 inches) crappies in lakes
with high harvest rates. They concluded that minimum length limits may moderate or eliminate age
class variability that is common in crappie fisheries and help maintain a more stable population of larger
crappies. Mosel et al. (2015) simulated the effects of 9 inch, 10 inch and 11 inch minimum size limits
and found that these were always predicted to reduce harvest (22–93% reductions) and increase mean
length of harvested crappies (0.5 – 2.4 inches) compared with no minimum length limit. The 10 inch
and 11 inch minimum length limits were predicted to improve mean lengths of harvested fish by >1
inch.
Angler Opinion
The positive impacts of more conservative harvest regulations can only be realized with angler
understanding and support. The potential support for more conservative harvest regulations on sunfish
was gauged via an online survey of New York sunfish anglers (Loukmas 2020a). Of the more than
1,400 respondents, 77% thought that an appropriate daily limit for sunfish should be 30 or less, and
257% favored 20 or less, indicating that New York sunfish anglers would generally support a substantial
decrease in the statewide daily limit. Also, the large majority (85%) are not motivated to maximize
harvest up to the daily limit and many (48%) preferred to harvest larger sunfish (≥ 8 inches). These
results suggest that anglers are likely to be open to other management options, such as size limits or
reduced daily limits, to maintain or improve sunfish populations in certain waters. Although no formal
angler opinion survey of crappie anglers was conducted, NYSDEC Bureau of Fisheries believes that
New York crappie anglers hold opinions similar to sunfish angers and would be supportive of more
conservative harvest regulations if those changes were likely to provide more sustainable opportunities
to catch crappies of desirable size.
Approach
The current science on the impacts of conservative harvest regulations on sunfish populations and the
high level of public support for a decrease in the sunfish daily possession limit indicates that
consideration of an adjustment to the current management strategy is warranted. Similarly, an increase
in the minimum size limit for New York’s crappie fisheries would likely improve population size structure
and fishery sustainability. For most of New York’s sunfish and crappie fisheries simple statewide
harvest regulations that appropriately reflect current angler values are likely to be the most effective
management approach. As such, the statewide daily possession limit should be reduced for sunfish
and the minimum size limit should be increased for crappies. For those waters that have the potential to
provide special fishing opportunities for large sunfish and crappie, implementation of more conservative
harvest regulations would add the protection necessary to sustainably provide these opportunities.
A series of 4 online meetings with Regional Bureau of Fisheries managers (or representative Regional
staff) were held from May – July 2020 to discuss panfish management priorities, goals and direction.
The current knowledge and status of New York’s panfish fisheries, including angler use, fish population
data, and management was reviewed, along with the current science on impacts of harvest restrictions
on both crappie and sunfish fisheries. The applicability of statewide regulatory options along with
options for the subsequently named Big Panfish Initiative (BPI) waters was discussed. Decisions on the
most appropriate options for a statewide crappie regulation and for both species groups in the BPI
waters were made. Uncertainty about angler views on the sunfish daily limit led to the development and
implementation of an online angler survey to obtain that information (Loukmas 2020a). The decision on
a statewide harvest regulation adjustment was made based, in part, on the results of that survey (see
Angler Opinion section above). A sunfish and crappie trap netting protocol was also developed to
standardize evaluation of the BPI and statewide regulations (Loukmas 2020b). The intent is to have
both the statewide and BPI regulations in place by January 1, 2022.
Objective 1: Statewide Sunfish Management
Provide sustainable angling opportunities for sunfish throughout the state.
Strategy 1: Adjust sunfish statewide harvest regulations
Action: Implement a statewide possession limit of 25 fish per day.
This reduction in the daily limit more appropriately reflects New York angler views about
sunfish fisheries and will help reduce population impacts due to overharvest in some
situations.
3Evaluation: A combination of angler surveys and fish population surveys will be employed to
evaluate the potential impacts of the reduced daily limit.
Angler satisfaction will be the primary measure of success and will be gauged via online
surveys using Alchemer®. Success will be achieved if at least 66% of survey respondents
are satisfied with this management approach.
Evaluation of statewide regulation changes on sunfish populations will occur
opportunistically as part of management plans for “Destination Fisheries” or “Regionally
Significant Fisheries” program waters, where sunfish are considered an important
component of the fishery.
o Where feasible and practical, the standard sunfish and crappie trap netting protocol
will be followed to collect fish population data (Loukmas 2020b) on some of New
York’s more highly used waters. This will allow for standardized checks on size and
age structures, and direct comparisons with BPI program waters (see Objective 3) to
gauge the relative differences in regulation impacts.
Objective 2: Statewide Crappie Management
Provide sustainable angling opportunities for preferred size crappies (≥10 inches) throughout the state.
Strategy 1: Adjust statewide crappie harvest regulations
Action: Implement a statewide minimum size limit of 10 inches and maintain a possession limit
of 25 fish per day.
The increase in the minimum size limit is expected to improve population size structure,
provides the potential for one additional year of spawning, and should help stabilize year
class variability that is typical in crappie populations.
Evaluation: A combination of angler surveys and fish population surveys will be employed to
evaluate the potential impacts of the increased minimum size limit.
Angler satisfaction will be the primary measure of success and will be gauged via online
surveys using Alchemer®. Success will be achieved if at least 66% of survey respondents
are satisfied with this management approach.
Evaluation of statewide regulation changes on crappie populations will opportunistically
occur as part of management plans for “Destination Fisheries” or “Regionally Significant
Fisheries” program waters, where crappie are considered an important component of the
fishery.
o Where feasible and practical, the standard sunfish and crappie trap netting protocol
will be followed to collect fish population data (Loukmas 2020b) on some of New
York’s more highly used waters. This will allow for standardized checks on size and
age structures, and direct comparisons with BPI program waters (see Objective 3) to
gauge the relative differences in regulation impacts.
4Objective 3: Big Panfish Initiative (BPI)
Establish sustainable fishing opportunities for memorable size sunfish (≥10 inches) and crappie (≥12
inches) in select lakes using the following population metric goals1:
Sunfish: 70 PSD, 30 RSD8, 5 RSD10, 7” at age-5, 40% of the stock population ≥ age-5, 100
Wr
Crappie: 70 PSD, 30 RSD10, 5 RSD12, 10” at age-4, 30% of the stock population ≥ age-4,
100 Wr
Strategy 1: Identify lakes with the potential to provide opportunities for anglers to catch memorable
size sunfish and crappie.
Action: Select lakes based on productivity, fast growth, high angler use, and regional
knowledge of the waterbody and fishery.
Select 15 lakes for initial inclusion in this program: 6 for sunfish, 4 for crappie, and 5 for both
(Figure 1, Appendix A).
Choose at least one lake from every Region, except Region 2 where catch and release
fishing regulations for all species preclude inclusion in this program.
Strategy 2: Implement special fishing regulations designed to maintain or increase the proportion of
memorable size sunfish and crappie in selected waters.
Action A: Implement special sunfish fishing regulations that include an 8-inch minimum size
limit and a daily possession limit of 15.
Action B: Implement special crappie fishing regulations that include a 12-inch minimum size
limit and a daily possession limit of 10.
Evaluation: BPI program evaluation will be conducted through a combination of angler survey
and fish population survey measures (see Timeline for sampling schedule). The success of this
program will be based on both angler satisfaction and the fish population metric objectives listed
above.
Angler satisfaction will be gauged via online surveys using Alchemer®. The angler
satisfaction component of this program will be achieved if at least 66% of survey
respondents are satisfied with this management approach.
Standard sunfish and crappie trap netting protocols (Loukmas 2020b) will be followed to
collect the data necessary to assess BPI fish population metric objectives for selected
waters.
1 These metrics were selected because they represent size structures, growth and condition indicative of populations that
should provide quality fishing opportunities for large fish. Size structure and growth criteria are similar to those used for quality
bluegill and crappie management waters in Minnesota (Weitzel 2013). Proportional stock density (PSD) and Relative Stock
Density (RSD) are size structure indices that provide the percentage of "stock-length" fish that are also equal to or longer than
a specified length (Anderson 1980). Relative weight (Wr) is an index of fish condition and compares the observed weight of a
fish with a standard weight for a fish of the same length. Additional information on these indices can be found in the Black
Bass and Sunfish Electrofishing Protocol for Lakes and Ponds (Brooking et al. 2018).
5Strategy 3: Determine if standard American Fisheries Society fyke nets (Bonar et al. 2009) can be
used as a viable substitute for Oneida Lake trap nets (Forney et al. 1994) for standard sampling of
sunfish and crappie populations for BPI program evaluation (Loukmas 2020b).
Action: Select and concurrently sample a subset of BPI program waters with both gears to
determine if there are differences in the size structures and numbers of captured sunfish and
crappie between gears.
Waters where the fyke net comparisons will be conducted include Blydenburgh Lake,
Muscoot Reservoir, Saratoga Lake and Honeoye Lake.
Three trap net and fyke net pairs will be set and checked for 3 consecutive nights (9 trap net
nights for each net type).
Nets in each pair will be set 50 – 100 feet apart, depending on site characteristics.
All other aspects of sampling, including data collection and analysis, will be consistent with
the standard sunfish and crappie trap netting protocol (Loukmas 2020b).
Evaluation: Compare size and age structures2 between net types on each waterbody to
determine if there are differences in these metrics.
A determination on the viability and future use of fyke nets for this program will be made
based on a comprehensive comparative review of size and age structures and feedback
from Regional staff about the relative merits (effectiveness and ease of use) of each gear
type.
Timeline
April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021
Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for BPI and statewide changes posted on DEC
website 1/2/21
Assessment of public comment on Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for BPI and
statewide changes 2/20/21
April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022
Sampling of BPI waters to obtain baseline data necessary to evaluate effect of regulations on
fish population status 4/1/21 – 6/30/21
NPR filed with Department of State by 6/29/21
NOA filed with Department of State by 10/31/21
Regulations take effect 1/1/22
BPI technical briefs due from Regions (including net comparison assessments) 1/30/22
Complete baseline report on BPI program 3/31/22
Promote BPI program waters (NYSDEC Fishing Line newsletter, social media and website)
April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023
Promote BPI program waters (NYSDEC Fishing Line newsletter, social media and website)
April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024
2Size structure metrics include PSD, RSDp, and RSDm; age structure metrics include length at age and proportions of age 4
(crappie) and age 5 (sunfish) in the stock-size population.
6 Promote BPI program waters (NYSDEC Fishing Line newsletter, social media and website)
April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Conduct initial assessment of BPI program by conducting standard trap netting surveys to
evaluate fish population changes and collecting angler information via online surveys to
determine their satisfaction 4/1/24 – 7/1/24
Conduct initial angler surveys to evaluate statewide sunfish and crappie regulations 7/24
Angler survey technical briefs due from the Warmwater Fisheries Unit Leader 10/1/24
BPI technical briefs due from Regions 1/30/25
Complete interim BPI program assessment report 3/31/25
April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028
Evaluation of BPI program, including a repeat of the 2024 standard fish population and angler
information surveys 4/1/27 – 7/1/27
Conduct final angler surveys to evaluate statewide sunfish and crappie regulations 7/27
Angler survey technical briefs due from the Warmwater Fisheries Unit Leader 10/1/27
BPI technical briefs due from Regions 1/30/28
Complete final BPI program assessment report 3/31/28
7Figure 1. Locations of Big Panfish Initiative lakes.
8Literature Cited
Anderson, R. O. 1980. Proportional stock density (PSD) and relative weight (Wr): interpretive indices
for fish populations and communities. Pages 27-33 in S. Gloss and B. Shupp, editors. Practical
fisheries management: more with less in the 1980's. Workshop proceedings, New York chapter,
American Fisheries Society, Ithaca, New York, USA.
Beard, T. D., Jr. and J. M. Kampa. 1999. Changes in Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch
Populations in Wisconsin during 1967-1991. North American Journal of Fisheries Management,
19:4, 1037-1043.
Bonar, S. A., W. A. Hubert, and D. W. Willis. 2009. Standard Methods for Sampling North American
Freshwater Fishes. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD.
Brooking, T., Loukmas, J., Jackson, R., VanDeValk, T. 2018. Black bass and sunfish electrofishing
protocol for lakes and ponds. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation,
Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration, F-63-R, Study 2, Job 2-2.3, Albany, New York.
Coble, D. W. 1988. Effects of angling on Bluegill populations: management implications. North
American Journal of Fisheries Management 8:277–283.
Duda, M. D., M. Jones, T. Beppler, S. J. Bissell, A. Center, A. Criscione, P. Doherty, G. L. Hughes, C.
Gerken, A. Lanier. 2019. New York angler effort and expenditures in 2017: Report 1 of 4.
Report for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Fish and
Wildlife by Responsive Management. Harrisonburg, Virginia
Forney, J. L., G. Rudstam, D. M. Green and D. L. Stang. 1994. Percid Sampling Manual. Chapter 3 in
Fish Sampling Manual. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany,
NY.
Gablehouse, D. W. 1984. A length-categorization system to assess fish stocks. North American
Journal of Fisheries Management 4:273-285.
Isermann, D.A., S.M. Sammons, P.W. Bettoli, and T.N. Churchill. 2002. Predictive evaluation of size
restrictions as management strategies for Tennessee reservoir crappie fisheries. North
American Journal of Fisheries Management 22:1349-1357.
Jacobson, P. C. 2005. Experimental Analysis of a Reduced Daily Bag Limit in Minnesota. North
American Journal of Fisheries Management 25:203-210.
Loukmas, J. 2020a. New York sunfish angler survey. Report number #. New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Fisheries, Albany, New York.
Loukmas, J. 2020b. New York sunfish and crappie trap netting protocol. Report number #. New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Fisheries, Albany, New York.
Mosel, K. J., D. A. Isermann, and J. F. Hansen. 2015. Evaluation of daily creel and minimum length
limits for black crappie and yellow perch in Wisconsin. North American Journal of Fisheries
Management 35:1-13.
9Olson, D. E., and P. K. Cunningham. 1989. Sport-fisheries trends shown by an annual Minnesota
fishing contest over a 58-year period. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 9:287-
297.
Parsons, B. G. M., and J. R. Reed. 1998. Angler exploitation of bluegill and black crappie in four west-
central Minnesota lakes. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Section of Fisheries
Investigational Report 468.
Paukert, C. P., D. W. Willis, and D. W. Gablehouse, Jr. 2002. Effect and acceptance of bluegill length
limits in Nebraska natural lakes. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 22:1306-
1313.
Rypel, A. 2015. Effects of a reduced daily limit on bluegill size structure in Wisconsin lakes. North
American Journal Fisheries management.
Webb, M. A. and R. A. Ott. 1991. Effects of Length and Bag Limits on Population Structure and Harvest
of White Crappies in Three Texas Reservoirs. North American Journal of Fisheries
Management, 11:614-622.
Weitzel, D. L. 2013. Status Review and Management Outline for Quality Bluegill and Black Crappie
Populations in the Grand Rapids Area. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Grand
Rapids, Minnesota.
10Appendix A. List of waters selected for the Big Panfish Initiative, with notes on program criteria and rationale for program
selection.
High Large Fast
Waterbody Species Region Acres Productive Notes/Rationale
use fish growth
Blydenburgh Lake has an undeveloped shoreline within a county
sunfish park, is a Regionally significant fishery, and is historically known
Blydenburgh Lake and 1 111 y y unk. y for good panfish fishing. Large crappie were collected during a
crappie recent survey (2017) and there is potential for sunfish size
structure improvement.
Lake Welch is a productive lake in Harriman State Park. Large
sunfish up to 9.3 inches were collected during a 2019 Bass and
Lake Welch sunfish 3 205 unk y avg. Y
Sunfish survey. Angler use is unknown, but sunfish are likely
harvested at least occasionally by park patrons.
Muscoot Reservoir is a part of the New York City watershed
system and is accessible via a permit from the City. There are
Muscoot Reservoir crappie 3 1,263 y y unk. y large crappies caught during regional fishing derbies every year.
The Region receives reports of high angler pressure for crappie,
especially during spring. Crappie population data is needed.
Canadarago Lake is productive, popular lake in Otsego County
that well-known as a good panfish fishery, traditionally for yellow
Canadarago Lake sunfish 4 1,917 y y y y perch. Sunfish do well here and are targeted mainly through the
ice. A 2017 Centrarchid survey documented a good number of
quality and preferred size bluegills and pumpkinseeds.
Goodyear Lake is a productive reservoir in the upper
Susquehanna River with a popular sunfish fishery. A special
sunfish regulation of 25/day is in place due to concerns about
Goodyear Lake sunfish 4 235 y n y y overharvest. Sunfish tend to be somewhat small, but because
the reservoir is productive growth is likely to be fast (data are
lacking). An 8" minimum size limit will help to improve size
structure.
Saratoga Lake is the 15th most fished waterbody in New York
sunfish and is one of the most popular lakes in the state for both
Saratoga Lake and 5 4,339 y y n y crappies and sunfish. To maintain the high-quality sunfish fishery
crappie a special regulation 15/day is in place. Large sunfish are
abundant (mean lengths >7 inches for bluegills, pumpkinseeds
11and redbreast sunfish from a 2015 Centrachid survey). No recent
targeted crappie sampling has occurred and data are lacking.
Sixtown Pond is a productive eutrophic lake in Jefferson County
that is accessible via a DEC hand launch. Surveys include two
General Biological Surveys (1992 and 2013) with trapnetting and
Sixtown Pond sunfish 6 169 y y unk. y
electroshocking. Both surveys indicated good numbers of
bluegill and pumpkinseed >8”. This water is used by
commercial fisherman – but – so are many others in R6.
Red Lake, one of the Indian River Lakes, is 366 acres and has a
DEC beach launch. It is the Indian River Lake known to have
Red Lake sunfish 6 366 unk. y unk. y
larger sunfish which is consistent with data collected during
Percid Sampling.
Delta Lake is a productive reservoir with a concrete ramp at
Delta Lake State Park. Surveys indicate a population of black
crappie and to a lesser extent white crappie that can reach sizes
of >14”. There is an ice fishery for crappie. A concern is that
Delta Lake crappie 6 2,289 y y y y crappie use some of the small ponded areas in Delta Lake State
Park to spawn and current water level procedures by NYS
Canals lowers the water in these ponded areas in late fall/early
winter which results in killing a large number of fish including
young of year crappie.
Cazenovia Lake is a productive, mesotrophic lake in Madison
County that was historically a popular destination for crappies. Is
a high use water, with a lot of evening and night fishing and ice
fishing for crappies. A 2012 gill net survey found good numbers
sunfish of crappies 10 inches and larger (up to 13 inches) with fast
Cazenovia Lake and 7 1,164 y y y y growth.
crappie
A 2012 centrarchid survey found abundant populations of
bluegills and pumpkinseeds, with a high percentage of large fish
(RSD8 > 45) for both species. Growth was typically fast for both
species.
Otisco Lake is one of the most popular sunfish and crappie
sunfish fisheries in the state (Duda et al. 2019). Bluegill are abundant,
Otisco Lake and 7 2,200 y y avg. y but there were few over 8 inches in a 2014 survey. Growth was
crappie average, thus high angler harvest of larger fish was the likely
cause of the lack of large fish. Otisco Lake supports both white
crappie and black crappie populations. Good numbers of 10 inch
12or more crappie were caught in the 2014 survey. Growth was
average for both species.
Waneta and Lamoka lakes support popular crappie fisheries.
Waneta/Lamoka lakes crappie 8 1,401 y y y y These are highly productive lakes and crappie are abundant.
Crappie >12 inches are in both lakes and growth is fast.
Honeoye Lake is one of New York’s best waters for both sunfish
sunfish
and crappie. A top ten water for angler effort for both species
Honeoye Lake and 8 1,670 y y y y
groups (Duda et al. 2019). Highly productive, with good numbers
crappie
of large fish and fast growth for both species groups.
Silver Lake is highly productive with abundant bluegill and
Silver Lake sunfish 9 836 y y unk. y pumpkinseed populations, with good numbers of large fish. The
sunfish fishery is popular, especially during ice fishing season.
Bear Lake supports an abundant population of crappies, with
good numbers of large fish. This relatively small water has good
Bear Lake crappie 9 114 y y y y
public access and is considered to have the best potential for this
program in R9.
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