Edwin A. Pape Lake

Largemouth bass fishing should continue to be good for both legal (greater than 15-inch) fish and sublegal (less than 15-inch) fish. The bass population is one of low density, yet high quality. Anglers report catching good numbers of all sizes of bass up to 20+ inches. Bass sampled in 2021 were in good condition with a few over 20-inches long. Try fishing with spinnerbaits, crankbaits and soft plastic worms off of points and near structure on the south side of the lake. Crappie fishing should be fair. The crappie population is stunted and there are numerous small, slow growing crappie less-than 8-inches in length. Anglers should expect to catch a lot of 5 to 7-inch crappie and are encouraged to harvest all sizes up to their daily limit of 30. Anglers report good fishing in the spring along the road bridge and in the cove with the jetty using jigs and/or minnows. Fishing for bluegill should be fair with fish up to 6.5 inches in length. Try fishing off of the bank with worms.

Catfish should continue to be good during the summer; please note that pole and line fishing is the only legal method to catch catfish. Each year, approximately 2,400 channel catfish (8-12 inches) are stocked in the fall. There are good numbers of all sizes of channel catfish up to 5+ pounds! Try fishing off of and around the dam and from the bank, with worms, dough bait and cut baits. Flathead catfish were stocked several years ago; there is some limited natural reproduction and flatheads up to 40+ pounds may be found. Try fishing with live bluegill, shad or cut bait off of and around the dam, and in the upper lake.

Good bank fishing can be found along the dam and on the north side of the lake.  Anglers are reminded that in addition to a fishing permit, a city use permit is required to fish the lake.  Permits can be purchased from numerous businesses in town.  Remember to use proper handling techniques when releasing fish back to the water to ensure their survival.