Fishing Survey
In June of 2022, a fishing survey of Des Moines Lake was conducted by Wisconsin DNR. The findings and opinion of Fisheries Biologist Craig Roberts are below.
Largemouth Bass averaged 11.2 inches, idenitcal to 2009 (11.2 inches) and above the 75th percentile for Simple-Warm Clear lakes. The Largemouth Bass catch rate increased from 67 fish/mile (2009) to 89 fish/mile. This rate is above the 50th percentile for Simple-Warm Clear lakes. Bluegill averaged 6.5 inches, similar to 2009 (6.6 inches), above the 95th percentile for Simple-Warm Clear lakes. The Bluegill catch rate increased from 116 fish/mile (2009) to 147 fish/mile. This catch rate is below the 50th percentile for Simple-Warm Clear lakes. Northern Pike and Black Crappie were caught at lower rates.
Based on our aging data, bass are growing slower than average for Simple Warm-Clear Lakes for most ages. When compared to neighboring Long Lake, bass growth is also slower for most ages. Bass growth did improve for age 4 to age 8 fish when compared to 2009. Bluegill aging data was not finished in time for this summary.
Here is a summary of what DNR found based on my professional opinion as a DNR fisheries biologist. This late spring electrofishing survey is most valuable when assessing Largemouth Bass and Bluegill, which also appear to be the two most abundant species in Long Lake. Largemouth Bass numbers seemed to have increased since implementing a no-minimum length limit in 2012. At the same time, growth did improve for some ages when compared to 2009. However, if lake residents want bigger bass, harvesting small bass should continue to be a goal for those who fish the lake. Bluegill numbers increased while average size stayed the same. Bluegill continue have a good size structure because of high numbers of bass in Des Moines. Walleye and Muskellunge were not observed in this survey. Walleye and Muskellunge also weren’t seen in the latest netting survey (2015). Stocking has not occurred in this lake since 2012. At this point, Walleye and Muskellunge should be considered remnant populations in Des Moines. No future stocking of these species is recommended due to poor survival. Northern Pike and Black Crappie are likely more abundant than this survey suggests. This is because of survey timing. These species spawn much earlier than when we surveyed and likely were in deeper water at the time of the survey. Pumpkinseed and Rock Bass are present at lower rates in Long Lake based on this data.