Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2024

Black Crappie

Fingerling 1 - 3"

41960

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Poor

The bluegill population is in extremely poor condition. High summer temperatures and a dense population of shad contribute to poor reproduction and slow growth. The majority of the bluegill collected were less than 6” in length and very few bluegill over 7.5” were collected. Only 2% of the adult bluegill sampled were over 7” long. This lake is not recommended for bluegill fishing.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Good

The size structure of the channel catfish population has improved in recent years. Although still dominated by smaller fish, the population contains an adequate number of large fish to provide a good quality fishery. Approximately 77% of the adult channel catfish in the survey were at least 14” long and 32% exceeded 18” in length. High natural reproduction and recruitment in Newton Lake have historically produced large numbers of channel catfish annually and sampling catch rates in 2024 remained high. Gillnetting catch rate remained stable at 28 fish per net-night, but electrofishing catch rates declined from 16 per hour in 2023 to 9 per hour in 2024. Average body condition remained above target at Wr=90. For 2025, catfishing should be good, and the majority of the catfish caught will be 1 – 2 pounds with some larger fish over 5 pounds.

CRAPPIE

Improving

Black crappie population numbers have improved in recent years, but the population is primarily sustained by annual stocking efforts and exists at a low density. Spring gillnetting and electrofishing catch rates were lower than average. However, fall trapnetting catch rates were consistent with four-year trends at 3.15 crappie per net-night. Growth rates were good and body condition remained above target. Despite the relatively low numbers, some anglers successfully target crappie each year and consistently catch limits. Blacknose crappie are also present in the lake as a result of 2019, 2021, and 2023 stockings. A small remnant population of white crappie still exists in the lake, but none were collected in the 2024 sample.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

The overall size structure of the bass population collected in Newton Lake declined from 2023 to 2024. The percentage of adult bass in the 12” – 15” range increased from 32% in 2023 to 48% in 2024, while the percentage in the 15” – 20” size class remained stable at 38%. The percentage of adult bass greater than the 18" minimum length limit decreased by 40% from 10% of the sample in 2023 to 6% of the sampled fish in 2024. The electrofishing catch rate decreased to 243 bass per hour, but all size structure indices met, or exceeded, their target goals. This lake continues to support a good bass population, however, the fishery is showing signs of change. Changes to the operation of the coal fired power plant have significantly reduced the amount of hot water discharged into the lake. This has resulted in a reduced growing season, and a shorter spawning season for prey species, especially gizzard shad. In short, it is transitioning from a cooling lake to an ambient lake. However, bass recruitment continues to be high and average body condition is above target (Wr=92). For 2025, Newton Lake will still provide good angling opportunities and anglers can expect to catch many fish from 14” – 20” in length ranging from 1.3 – 4.75 pounds. The majority of bass exceeding the 18” minimum should weigh 3.2 pounds or greater.

WHITE BASS

Very Good

The white bass population has successfully recruited each year since they were first discovered in 1994 and their numbers have remained relatively constant. However, sampling catch rates increased in 2021 and they increased again in 2022. The catch rates in 2023 decreased to rates more consistent with long term trends. The 2024 survey collected white bass at similar rates to the 2023 survey and was consistent with long term trends. The population continues to exhibit good growth rates and body condition (Wr=99), likely due to the abundant threadfin shad forage base. One large size class of fish in the 13” – 16” range will continue to comprise most of the fishery in 2025 and most fish in that size group should weigh 1.12 – 2.12 pounds.

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