Cherokee Lake - Trap Netting 2012
The TWRA netted Cherokee in mid-October of 2012. The 76 net-night sample collected 428 black, 10 black-nose, and 10 white crappie. The catch rate chart below indicates that the population is holding steady or is slightly on the increase. The length frequency graphs indicate that the numerous sub-legal fish observed in 2011 grew to legal size in 2012. Nearly 60% of the black crappie collected were greater than the 10-inch minimum length limit.
Enough young-of-the-year (YOY) were collected to indicate a relatively good spawn occured in 2012. The numerous 9- to 11-inch fish were likely the result of a significant 2010 spawn.
It will take several more years of successful spawning to boost crappie numbers back to where the TWRA would like them to be. Stocking can never achieve the results that a good natural spawn can and we hope environmental conditions continue to cooperate in the future. You can view summaries of TWRA's crappie and other fish stockings via this webpage.
Trap Netting Demonstration Video
Black crappie length frequency 2012
Black crappie length frequency 2011
Black Crappie catch rates
Catch rate of young-of-the-year crappie
A young-of-the-year (YOY) white crappie
A hybrid crappie (7 dorsal spines, faint vertical bars, and odd body shape)
