Fish of Westler Lake: What’s Swimming Beneath the Surface

thewestlerlake
Jul 9
4 min read

An Angler’s Guide to Our Local Fish Species

Westler Lake isn’t just a scenic retreat, it’s also a favorite fishing spot for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, knowing what’s beneath the surface can help you reel in a great catch—and deepen your appreciation for our lake’s natural ecosystem.

Largemouth Bass

A classic catch on Westler Lake, largemouth bass are aggressive feeders often found near shorelines, docks, and submerged vegetation. They’re popular among local sportfishers for their fight and size.

Typical size: 1–4 lbs
Best bait: Plastic worms, spinnerbaits, topwater lures

Smallmouth Bass

Less common but present, smallmouth bass prefer cooler, rockier areas of the lake and deeper water. They're known for their spirited resistance on the line and are a prized catch for experienced anglers.

Typical size: 1–3 lbs
Best bait: Jigs, crayfish imitations, crankbaits

Bluegill & Sunfish

Perfect for family-friendly fishing, bluegill and sunfish are abundant near docks and shallow, weedy areas. They’re especially active during spawning season in late spring and early summer.

Typical size: 4–8 inches
Best bait: Worms, crickets, small jigs

Crappie

Both black and white crappie can be found in Westler Lake, usually in deeper water or near submerged structures like fallen trees or brush piles.

Typical size: 6–12 inches
Best bait: Small minnows, soft plastics, jigs

Northern Pike

Though not as common, northern pike have been spotted in the Indian Lakes Chain, including Westler. These toothy predators are known for their explosive strikes and long, lean bodies.

Typical size: 18–30 inches
Best bait: Large spoons, live baitfish, flashy spinnerbaits

Yellow Perch

These schooling fish are great for panfishing and are often caught near the same spots as bluegill. They’re active in both warm and cold months, even under ice.

Typical size: 6–10 inches
Best bait: Worms, minnows, small jigs

Walleye (Stocked)

Walleye have been stocked in Westler Lake over the past three years, giving local anglers an

exciting new challenge. These elusive fish are often found in deeper water during the day and move shallower in low light.

Typical size: 14–22 inches
Best bait: Nightcrawlers, leeches, crankbaits, jigs with minnows
Best time: Dusk, dawn, or overcast days

Warmouth

Often confused with bluegill due to their shape and size, warmouth are stockier panfish with large mouths—almost like a hybrid between a sunfish and bass. They’re aggressive feeders that love hiding in dense vegetation and around submerged timber.

Typical size: 4–8 inches
Best bait: Worms, small jigs, beetle spins
Where to find them: Shallow, weedy areas and under docks
Fun fact: Their toughness and fight make them a surprising challenge on light tackle.

Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker)

A cousin of the bluegill, redear sunfish are known for the red edge of their gill flap and strong jaws used for crushing snails. They’re often found near the bottom in slightly deeper, warmer waters.

Typical size: 6–10 inches
Best bait: Worms, crickets, small jigs—especially tipped with a wax worm
Where to find them: Near sand or gravel beds in 4–8 feet of water
Fun fact: Redears can help control invasive snail populations in lakes.

Common Carp

Considered both a nuisance and a sportfish, carp are bottom-feeders that root through sediment in search of food. Though not often eaten in the U.S., they offer a serious fight for any angler.

Typical size: 5–20+ lbs
Best bait: Sweet corn, doughballs, bread, worms
Where to find them: Muddy bottoms, shallow flats, or warm coves
Fun fact: Carp are extremely intelligent and can be line-shy after being caught and released.

Suckers

White suckers and redhorse suckers are present in Westler Lake, often overlooked but important to the ecosystem. They feed on organic debris, algae, and insect larvae, acting as natural lake cleaners.

Typical size: 12–20 inches
Best bait: Worms on the bottom, corn, or small doughballs
Where to find them: Slow-moving or shallow water with soft, silty bottoms
Fun fact: Suckers spawn in shallow streams or gravel beds in early spring.

Longnose Gar

This prehistoric-looking fish is rare in the lake but known to lurk near the surface on calm summer days. Gar have long snouts lined with sharp teeth, and their hard, bony mouths make them tough to hook.

Typical size: 24–36 inches
Best bait: Live minnows or soft plastics; often sight-fished
Where to find them: Near weedlines, logs, or basking in the sun along the surface
Fun fact: Gar can breathe air, which helps them survive in low-oxygen waters.

Bowfin (Dogfish)

Often mistaken for invasive snakehead fish, bowfin, or dogfish, are native predators with powerful jaws and a bad attitude on the line. They’re tough, adaptable, and often strike aggressively.

Typical size: 18–24 inches
Best bait: Spinnerbaits, frogs, live minnows
Where to find them: Weedy, shallow back bays and warm-water coves
Fun fact: Bowfin are survivors—they’ve been around since the age of dinosaurs.

Fishing with Care

The diversity of fish in Westler Lake reflects a healthy and balanced aquatic environment. The Westler Lake Association encourages all residents and guests to fish responsibly, observe local regulations, respect the shoreline, and practice catch-and-release when possible.

📸 Got a Great Catch?

Have you landed a trophy fish on Westler? Snap a pic and send it to info@westerlake.com; we’d love to feature it in a future post on the association Facebook!