Drake Lake - 35 Acres

Drake Lake, the last lake built on the site, is progressing as expected.  It, like Gridley Lake, is being managed for large sunfish (redear and bluegill).  The largest redear collected in the Spring 2009 survey were nearly 10” and the largest bluegill were about 9”, so they look good.  The bass started out great but growth rates are starting to slow indicating an overpopulation.  As mentioned in the Gridley Lake narrative, stunted bass lead to high quality pan fish so with a little luck we should get there.  Drake Lake is, in my mind, the prettiest of the lakes on the site.  It is completely surrounded by mature hardwoods.  It has developed a severe underwater vegetation infestation.  I will treat that with herbicide but it will still be hard to control.  Fish this lake in the Spring for the big panfish.  There is a 10 fish per day limit on bluegill and redear.  It too has a concrete ramp, rest rooms and parking lot.  No gas motors, only electric trolling motors are allowed.

(report by fisheries biologist Dan Stephenson - Feb 1, 2010)