Fishing East Lake

East Lake transformed dramatically after invasive Eurasian milfoil was controlled in the late 1990s, creating one of the more balanced fisheries in the area. The bluegill population is the standout - averaging 7.7 inches with 99% over 6 inches and growing half an inch faster than the state average (+0.5 growth index). These are quality fish that recovered remarkably from the historically stunted population. Northern pike average 14.2 inches but growth is slow at -3.3 inches below average, with only 5% over 24 inches and most fish running 10-15 inches. The lake hit its pike peak in the early 2000s when a 48-inch fish was caught and limit catches were common during winter ice fishing. Rock bass provide consistent action, averaging 7.5 inches with many master angler specimens and slight above-average growth. Brown bullheads run large at 13.1 inches average, becoming trophy-sized fish. The 122-acre lake sits mostly 5-15 feet deep with good dissolved oxygen down to 14 feet, below which oxygen drops off sharply. About 75% of the lake volume remains fishable year-round. The lake's transformation came after dense Eurasian milfoil was chemically treated - before treatment, predators couldn't swim through the vegetation to control panfish populations. Now native plants like potamogetons are rebounding and fish can move freely. Largemouth bass are scarce but growing exceptionally well (+1.6 growth index) when present, though angling pressure keeps numbers low. The fishery requires ongoing milfoil monitoring and may need large woody structure added along shorelines to shelter small fish and maintain the current balance.