According to Smith, 81 walleyes were captured with trap nets and night electro-shocking gear. The majority of the fish were of legal size, 15 inches or greater.

The walleye catch in 2005 was lower than in 1995, but during the time of the 1995 survey, water temperatures were more favorable to capturing walleyes than in 2005.

“Walleye anglers were very successful at Lake Somerset in 2004, and quality-sized fish are still available. Eight of the 81 surveyed walleyes were between 24 and 29 inches,” Smith said.

Since 1988, several management strategies have been implemented at Somerset Lake, including increased stockings of walleyes. In each of the last three years, the lake has received over 10,000 walleye fingerlings.

Lake Somerset is a 252-acre PFBC impoundment in Somerset adjacent to Route 219 in Somerset County. The lake has two boat launches, and motorized boats are restricted to electric motors only.

Southwest Region hotspots recognized by Lorantas as top waters, based on electro-shocking studies, include the Allegheny and Youghiogheny rivers.

SOUTHEAST REGION
Two Southeast Region waters show up on Lorantas’ list of waters exhibiting the best electro-shocking survey results: Lake Galena and Nockamixon Lake.

Admittedly, the warm waters of the state’s southeast corner are not the hottest region to go for walleyes. But both of these Bucks County lakes fare pretty well in walleye studies.

Lake Galena is a 360-acre impoundment in Peace Valley County Park. The lake is in Fountainville between Ferry Road and Route 313. While Lake Galena is relatively small, it does have three boat launches. Only electric motors are permitted.

To use 20-horse motors, travel to the much larger and deeper Nockamixon Lake near Quakertown.

At 1,450 acres, Nockamixon Lake has more of what a walleye angler is looking for, in terms of structure. Toward the lower end of the impoundment, the shores have steep, rocky sides, and the bottom falls abruptly into 30 feet or more. Walleye anglers often troll this section of the lake.

In spring, however, warmer waters flowing from Hay Creek and Tohickon Creek will make walleyes more aggressive. Outside these two feeder streams, the expansive bays are known hotspots for spring walleyes.

To reach Nockamixon Lake, take Route 476 to the Quakertown exit. Follow Route 663 east into Quakertown, where it turns into Route 313. Follow Route 313 to Route 563 to three launches on the northern side. Or you can continue on Route 313 to the first left after the bridge, which is Three Mile Run Road. A launch site is on the south side of the lake.

SOUTH-CENTRAL REGION
Raystown Lake covers 8,300 acres. To find out how walleyes are faring at this large impoundment, PFBC survey teams study Great Trough Creek, a Raystown feeder stream, during the spawning period.

“Walleyes from Raystown Lake run up Great Trough Creek annually to spawn,” said John Frederick, a PFBC Area 7 fisheries technician. “A one-night electro-shocking effort (last conducted in April 2005) provided a snapshot of Raystown Lake’s walleye population.”

Scales taken from the walleyes caught in this survey gave biologists insight into the age, growth patterns and annual recruitment of these fish. Other surveys conducted on the lake also provided additional information on this species.