Labelle Lake Fishing Spot
- Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/18/09 03:35 PM
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Fish Species
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Largemouth bass are very abundant with plenty of fish smaller than 14 inches and good numbers in the 14 to 18-inch protected length range. In fact, one of every four bass caught should be at least 15 inches long, and one of every 20 should exceed 18 inches long. To reduce bass abundance and maintain good bass growth, anglers are encouraged to keep bass less than 14 inches long, up to their daily limit of six. The bluegill population has improved with excellent numbers of fish 6 to 8 inches long and many over 8 inches. One of every three bluegill should be over 8 inches. Redear sunfish up to 11 inches long are also moderately abundant. In recent years, this lake has become a hotspot for crappies anglers, and crappie anglers can expect another good spring season in 2008. Black crappie over 9 inches long are common and easy to catch during the spring. Channel catfish will also provide excellent fishing opportunities during 2008. Good numbers of catfish up to 18 inches long are present.
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Children, elderly, and disabled anglers will enjoy using the new barrier-free fishing dock recently constructed on the west side of the lake. Brush piles have been sunk below the covered dock to attract big panfish.
Labelle Lake Description
LaBelle Lake is 2 miles south of LaBelle on Highway D, then .6 of a mile east on gravel road 212. This area includes a boat ramp, picnic area, and pavilion along with the lake (112 acres). LaBelle Lake (112 acres) was designed and built as a water supply lake by the city of LaBelle in 1979. The initial fish stocking by the City occurred in 1980 and included largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and black crappie. In 1983 the City entered into an agreement with the Department through the Community Assistance Program to manage the fishery. The Department reimbursed the City for developments on the lake, which included a concrete boat ramp, privy, and gravel parking lot. The Department managed the lake during those years to provide high quality largemouth bass fishing. When the city of LaBelle discontinued use of the lake as a water supply, the Department purchased the lake and surrounding 234 acres from the city in 2003. At that time, improvements were made to the boat ramp and an additional privy was installed. For boaters there is a concrete ramp and an idle speed regulation for motors over 10hp. Bank fishing is good especially along the dam.