(Provided by Indiana DNR

Indiana alters bass, crappie size limits at Dogwood, Hardy

The bass size limit has been reduced from 15 to 14 inches at Dogwood Lake in Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area and a 9-inch crappie size limit will go into effect at Dogwood and Hardy Lake State Recreation Area.

Dogwood is in Daviess County while Hardy is in Scott County. Both lakes are frequent vacation destinations of Michiana anglers.

In 1998, the DNR implemented a 15-inch bass size limit to maintain a population of fast-growing bass. Based on decades of bass surveys and bass tournament monitoring, the bass population growth has slowed, as has the amount of bass being harvested by anglers.

The 14-inch size limit will align with statewide bass regulations and will allow for improved bass growth while still maintaining adequate predation on panfish.

Crappie population modeling over several years indicates that a 9-inch minimum size limit would increase the quality of crappie fishing at Dogwood and Hardy.

Crappie growth for these two lakes is fast. Based on survey age and growth data, crappie can reach the 9-inch minimum size limit between ages 2 and 3.