I am part owner of a 35 acre lake in Western Kentucky. It was stocked with 350lbs FHM, 14000 CNBG and 1750 RES in the spring of 2017 and them 1500 4" F1 LMB in November of 2018. All based on recommendations from this forum and Bob Lusk phone call. Fishing the lake has been great. Within two years of the stocking I was catching LMB well above the line on the RW chart although I realize now that may have been because the chart is for northern strain bass. The lake is only fished by a few people and so far has been 100% catch and release. The biggest confirmed LMB is 6lbs 2oz, with and unconfirmed 7lb 6 oz. Most fishing trips a few hours long will result in multiple catches of 5+lb LMB. The CNBG population seems numerous, but small, haven't caught one bigger than 6". Have not seen or caught a RES since stocking. Minnow traps set have not caught any FHM. There are Green Sunfish in the lake from the initial body of water that was flooded during build up. Lake has a good amount of wood cover and lily pads. Milfoil is a problem in some areas, but seems less this year. Fertility seems good. Don't have a feeding program and no interest in starting.
My question is how do I keep the good times rolling? I would like to figure out a harvest plan for the LMB so they don't get overpopulated. I also wouldn't mind growing some bigger CNBG if that's possible. I have read many of the posts on here about harvest strategies. All fish under a certain percent of the RW or all fish below a certain length or all fish under 12" until fish until number of under 12" equals 12-15". Honestly I probably haven't caught 10 LMB under 12".
The goal is a good healthy fishery with a lean towards growing big LMB. When and what should I start harvesting?
Thanks
Ken
ps You can read about the initial stocking in the "Stocking 35 acre Lake" thread
