Fishing Big Bradford Lake

Big Bradford Lake offers a solid mixed fishery anchored by Northern Pike and improved by successful walleye stocking. The 2007 population estimate found 610 adult pike (2.7 per acre) with 443 legal-size fish, and pike growth runs 1.3 inches above state average. Yellow Perch historically showed exceptional growth, averaging 2.5 inches above state average in the 1980s, though the population declined in the 1990s due to overfishing and pike predation. Since walleye stocking began in 2012 on alternate years, angler reports indicate improved panfish size structure and good walleye fishing with fish over 20 inches not uncommon. The stocked walleye grow 0.6 inches above state average and appear to provide the predation pressure needed to balance the panfish populations. The lake's substantial depth of 106 feet provides good coldwater habitat, with dissolved oxygen remaining above 8 ppm down to 45 feet before dropping off sharply below 75 feet. This depth structure supports both coldwater and warmwater species, though repeated rainbow trout stocking attempts from 1968-2001 failed due to pike predation. The thermocline forms around 17 feet, creating distinct thermal layers that concentrate fish at predictable depths. Rusty crayfish and zebra mussels are present, and the lake association treats for Eurasian watermilfoil around the 5-foot contour. Bottom composition includes chara beds, and 25 aquatic plant species were identified in a 2013 survey. With 4.06 miles of shoreline and a public boat launch on the southeast side, the lake provides good access for the 15,000+ annual boat angler hours it supports.