Lake Paho

Lake Paho (273 acres) offers fishing, camping (no hookups), and a peaceful natural setting for those wanting to relax in the outdoors. Anglers have long recognized the lake for quality-sized largemouth bass, but recent surveys show a trend towards more but smaller bass. Electrofishing surveys from 2017-2023 showed a significant increase in catch rates for bass, much of that due to bass from 6-12 inches and an increase in the amount of aquatic vegetation. In 2023, several bass in our surveys were in the 15-18” range but a few fish around 20 inches were observed as well. White crappie numbers and sizes in our 2021 trap net surveys show five percent of crappie reach 10” or larger. Characteristically, crappie are located close to shore following a period of stable weather in the spring, then concentrated near submerged brush and in culverts as the seasons progress. Crappie also tend to suspend over deeper channels and feed on juvenile shad during the summer, so drifting or trolling those areas often yield success. Channel catfish are not effectively collected in our electrofishing surveys, but they are stocked every two years and anglers report good catch rates for fish from 14-22 inches, plus the occasional "big fish". Natural baits (worms, liver, dead shad) and stinkbaits are the most popular choices for catfishing. In recent years, aquatic vegetation has re-established in the shallows, providing enhanced spawning and rearing habitat for bass as well as panfish species. Coontail was especially abundant during the last few summers, and it has made access challenging for many anglers. Coontail is a native species which forms dense mats in the shallows during summer and fall.  New brushpiles were added earlier in 2023 around the jetty and southeast arm of the lake.