Bassless Waters

[MNSlaunch]

There’s no hiding it anymore, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), releases “Fisheries Lake Surveys” that disclose trapnet and gillnet data of lakes near you. This data breaks down the size structure of all species of fish found in a specific body of water, essentially pre-fishing lakes for you.

It has become increasingly common for people to utilize this resource to search for lakes with high numbers of above average fish. Specifically when talking about Large and Smallmouth Bass, people will typically check the net data for the number of 15”-19” fish that were caught the year the survey was done. A high number of fish in this particular size range would indicate a healthy fishery, sure to put a bend in your rod. While this works great in many applications, it could also be causing you to overlook lakes that have extreme big fish potential.

One day when I was investigating some possible new lake options nearby, I decided to search the data on lakes that I had fished in the past and knew held giants. I was surprised to find that the net data revealed zero bass being caught, essentially bassless waters. Now this was not a one-time event, nearly every one of these lakes had the same results. What this really indicates to me is that these waters may have low populations of bass, but the ones you catch are absolute freaks.

Lakes with high numbers of fish can suffer from stunted growth; this same idea can be observed in your fish tank at home. If you were to put 20 goldfish in a single fish tank, you’d notice that the maximum size they reach is fairly limited. If you take the same fish tank and put a single goldfish in it, over time that fish would grow to be of much larger size. There are many factors that impact this, however, one that’s more apparent is that there is less competition for food which may result in faster growth rates.

The next time you’re scanning through online fishery surveys, don’t overlook these bassless waters. If you are the “quality over quantity” kind of person you may have just found your new favorite lake, but there's only one way to find out for sure.

Minnesota DNR Lakefinder: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/index.html

[biff]

I've noticed this too. Bass tend to be net shy and don't survey well. The survey results don't often match with fishing experiences.

[ConnorMN]

It does state this on many lake surveys. Chances are if you've found a lake that has higher numbers in the survey they have done electro-fishing - usually stated in the survey notes.

[Nick Kuhn]

I've noticed this too. Bass tend to be net shy and don't survey well. The survey results don't often match with fishing experiences.

This is true. However electrofishing does a really good job of sampling them. Wisconsin samples them this way, and Wisconsin's published numbers are actually very consistent with the actual fishing experience.

[th64]

Some surveys how electofishing data-very time consuming to electofish-nets survey walleyes and other fish well and thats what most people care about. Lakes with low #s of bass can have real pigs. Lakes with stunted populations here in the metro include:Turtle, White Bear, and Big Marine good luck getting a pig out of any of those lakes.

[RK]

Whether or not they include data from electrofishing seems to kind of depend on who's writing the summary for that body of water, so it can really vary from area to area. So looking at lake assessment data sometimes becomes more art than science when it comes to judging potential for bass. I look at other species that tend to correlate with a good bass fishery.

Of course you can always just pick up the phone and call the area fisheries office. I've had some pretty funny conversations with fisheries guys who were kind of put on the spot about lakes they like to fish themselves...

You know...generally speaking, I think a lot of fishermen would have very different opinions of the DNR if they'd take the time to actually talk to the fisheries folks.

[Juan Grande]

Yep, I've emailed the Montrose Fisheries office about certain lakes and they always respond promptly and with good info.

[th64]

Fishery folk have always been very helpful-they are all fisherman-COs are a mixed bag, some are Andy, and some are Barnie.

[Bobby Bass]

Some of my best Bass water are waters where the DNR survey showed nothing. I always try and add a few new lakes every season to look over and some may get a return trip and others are put on the down the road list. But after fishing for bass going on 40 years I have seen a lot of lakes that have cycled over. I guess one advantage of getting to be an old fishermen..

[tolle141]

Yeah with some species they have to use other sampling methods. You may read about it in the comments at the bottom of the survey. Bass they electrofish. Muskies they do special nets and occasionally electro (i believe?).

Anyone else notice a correlation between rock bass and mega bass?