FTL Fishing Regulations - August 2024
FTL has arguably one of the best lake fisheries in the state. Through targeted management actions, harvest restrictions, and habitat enhancements - we are working to make it even better. Our lake’s regulations, Section III.A.4., allow for periodic changes to fish harvesting requirements as fisheries are dynamic. Current regulations are to be posted on the lake’s webpage. Scroll down for a list of regulations.
We monitor our fisheries’ health using information from professional biologists, our anglers' observations, bass tournament results and fish relative weight measurements. The relative weight tool uses a fish's length to weight ratio to determine its condition. This tool allows us to track fish health (plumpness) over time. Skinny fish generally need more food or are under some kind of environmental stress. The relative weight of our bass has improved over the last few years, which suggests that our structure additions and baitfish stockings are working.
This year, we are implementing a new tool to help us manage the fishery -- a tagging program for largemouth and smallmouth bass. The reporting of tagged fish will allow us to accurately measure and track fish growth rates. This information will allow us to monitor and develop trends that will help us better determine our need to stock sportfish and baitfish. We currently have 1,000 tagged fish in our lake thanks to our most recent stocking efforts. The tag colors that we used for this year are neon orange and neon green. All tags were placed along the top of the fish’s back and are highly visible.
There is no reason to report any tagged fish this year since we just weighed and measured these fish before stocking them; however, if you find a dead fish that has been tagged, please use the tagged fish reporting form below so that we can properly identify this information in our database.
All tagged fish are strictly prohibited from being harvested and we ask that you please handle them carefully and return them to the water promptly.
Current Fishing Regulations are as follows:
(NOTE: These regulations are a combination of both restrictions and guidance. Adherence to both will best serve the fishery.)
Anglers are reminded that the use of live minnows is prohibited, unless the minnows are caught from the lake. This prohibition is intended to protect the lake from the introduction of unwanted species or possible disease.
Yellow Perch - No size or daily harvest limits. Our population and reproduction rates for Yellow Perch are consistently high. Perch are desirable at the dinner table and anglers considering a fish meal are encouraged to harvest them.
Bluegill – No harvest allowed. Bluegill are a primary forage fish for FTL’s Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, as well as Yellow Perch. Bluegill numbers were very low as recently as 2020. They have been restocked the last two years and the population is believed to be recovering.
Largemouth Bass - No harvest allowed. We are trying to allow the fishery to recover after the loss of larger fish in late summer of 2020. Subsequent largemouth stockings have been made with a strain known for high growth potential.
Trout – No restriction. Very few trout survive the summer heat, so their harvest is encouraged.
Smallmouth Bass - Fish less than 13 can be harvested. No restrictions on number per day. Tagged Smallmouth Bass, regardless of size, shall be returned to the water. FTL has a plentiful smallmouth bass population; however, relative weights and the number of larger fish are less than desirable. We believe the population is overcrowded, thus limiting fish growth. Smallmouth Bass populations and growth will be closely monitored as this regulation is implemented. 
Crappie - No harvest allowed. FTL once had a large and thriving crappie population but now very few are left. Recent restocking efforts have not improved the population.
Catfish (all types) - No restrictions. While catfish populations are believed to be lower than in previous years, fishing around one of the lake’s fish feeders can still be very productive.
Grass Carp - No restrictions. Harvesting and removal of all Grass Carp caught in the lake is strongly encouraged. Unlike Common Carp, Grass Carp have no barbels around their mouths. They are a different species entirely. A Grass Carp’s fillets yield flaky white meat with no fishy taste. Check out this great article by the Outdoorsmen Club for how to catch a Grass Carp.