Bluegills were the most abundant species collected with the trap nets in 2005. A total of 96 bluegills were captured with 39% greater than 7 inches. Lower numbers of black crappie and yellow perch were found with almost 30% of those species 9 inches or greater. Brown bullheads were collected in good numbers and sizes. The panfish population at Laurel Hill Lake was satisfactory and would provide some good fishing opportunities.

Fisheries Biologist Aide Matt Somogyi with a 29 in. 6 lb. northern pike

Only two northern pike were captured in the trap nets in 2005. The larger of the two fish was 29 inches, 6 pounds. Saugeye (a walleye/sauger hybrid) fingerlings have been stocked twice since 1992 with the last stocking in 1998. We did not collect any saugeyes in 2005.

An interesting catch during our 2005 trap net survey was a large spiny softshell turtle. It had a shell length of 15½ inches. Maximum shell length for spiny softshell turtle is 17 inches.

Fisheries Biologist Aide Matt Somogyi with a large spiny softshell turtle

We conducted a night electrofishing survey at Laurel Hill Lake in 2002 (see the Laurel Hill Lake survey summary in 2002). Laurel Hill Lake contained a moderate density of largemouth bass with 31% of the bass greater than 12 inches. The largest bass collected in 2002 was 19 inches long and weighed 4.6 pounds.

Laurel Hill Lake provides angling opportunities for trout, bass, bluegills, crappies, yellow perch, bullhead catfish, and northern pike. It is most noted for its stocked trout fishing.

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