Our last trip to Kahle?

PSU - if the 15 inch bass limit were reduced to the 12 inch limit Statewide limit, then I would predict that you would not be able to catch any bass over 12 inches - they will be removed by the straw hats.  since there's no limits at all on panfish (and even the smallest panfish makes nice ground up meat for patties.) they have dramatically reduced the forage fish base. A major contributor (maybe THE most important contributor) to stunting is lack of forage.
 
I fished there 15-20+ years ago also and did not notice the stunting at all until the straw hats were around - maybe 10 years ago.  Stunting occurred along with a serious reduction in panfish.
 
Unless a size limit of 9 inches for perch, crappie and bluegills is imposed the problems we see now will simply remain after the lake is refilled and re-stocked - only now you'll never catch any bass over 12inces (last week we did catch maybe a dozen in the 13-14 inch range but they would be gone with what you propose.)
 
to me leaving the 15inch bass limit but also imposing 9 (or 10) inch limit on the panfish is the answer.  (The straw hats are VERY honest people and will follow the law.)  this should enable a much stronger forage base and as a result minimal stunted bass.
 
It all depends on what kind of lake the biologist wants - but heavy removal of the forage base must be taken into account.
 
are you sure about the schedule for draining and removal of fish?
 
thanks
phish

We did not see any Amish wagons/boats when we were there last week - assuming they are as good or bad fishermen as we are there would be noting to keep.  
 
Thanks for the heads up on the upcoming drain down and dam repair - it will be interesting to see what goes on in that lake after another few (many?) years.  Not sure if we're gonna be the ones to find out.
 
phish
 
p.s. this board is pretty much dead!

FISHING REGULATIONS LIFTED ON KAHLE LAKE IN CLARION AND VENANGO COUNTIES

 

06/12/2023
 
​HARRISBURG, Pa. (June 13) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is alerting anglers that effective immediately, all seasons, sizes, and creel limits have been lifted on Kahle Lake located in Clarion and Venango counties. 
 
This action is in anticipation of the PFBC's plan to temporarily drain the reservoir to complete dam and spillway repairs and modifications per the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection dam safety standards.  The reservoir currently offers angling opportunities for warm-water sportfish species including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, and catfish.
 
 
"We have lifted the regulations to reduce the number of fish in the lake in advance of a complete drawdown of Kahle Lake tentatively scheduled for 2024," said David Nihart, Chief of the PFBC Division of Fisheries Management.  "We encourage anglers to fish the water and make good use of as many fish as they can prior to the lake being drained." 
The temporary regulations will remain in place until further notice.
 
 
 
 
##
Media Contact:
Sean Gimbel
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
(717) 705-7842
sgimbel@pa.gov
 

The impact of the limit lifted will be minimal so are the fish to be reintroduced ?

 Couple of my sons were there on Saturday. Just asked the the one with me at camp now and he said it seemed normal. Seven kayaks and canoes all Amish fishers near where they were fishing for Gills. He said shoreline was covered in algae and weeds. They ended up going to a strip mine pond after a little bit. 

DEP hasnt issued permits yet to PFBC, guessing they wont even draw down well into 2025.