Fishing Upper Herring Lake

Upper Herring Lake offers an excellent walleye fishery with 90% of fish at legal size and growth rates 1.1 inches above state average. The 2015 survey captured walleye from nine different year classes ranging 7-23 inches, indicating both successful stocking and natural reproduction - about 20% of young walleye are wild origin. Rock bass dominate the catch at 31% by number, growing 1.1 inches above average with some reaching 12 inches. Black crappie are less abundant but exceptional quality, growing 2.3 inches above state average with 95% legal size. Bluegill also grow well at 1.1 inches above average despite lower numbers. Largemouth bass have increased dramatically since 1996 and show good growth, while smallmouth bass are less common but 93% are legal size. Northern pike struggle here with only 8% legal size and below-average growth. The lake holds large longnose gar up to 35 inches and occasional brown trout during cooler periods. Yellow perch are common but slow-growing at 1.2 inches below average. Dissolved oxygen remains good to 19 feet but drops below 1 ppm at 22 feet, concentrating fish in the upper water column during summer stratification. The lake's abundant woody structure - nearly 400 submerged trees per kilometer - provides exceptional fish habitat. Agriculture in the watershed contributes nutrients, supporting a productive but not overly fertile system with 3.9-foot water clarity.