RACCOON POND
| Raccoon Pond 13.5 acres Laurel Although largemouth bass were fairly abundant at Raccoon Pond (with an electrofishing catch of 81 bass per hour), the size distribution was patchy indicating inconsistent spawning and recruitment. However, a wide size range of fish was present (3 to 18 inches) and average weights were good. Growth was average, with legal length (12 inches) reached by age 3. Although the proportion of fish above 12 inches was high, that was primarily due to the low number of sub-adult fish. Bass from 4 to 8 inches, however, were most abundant so the size distribution should improve. The bluegill population was excellent. Catches were good with above average numbers of fish 8 inches or longer. A strong 2007 year class was also evident. Average weights were higher here than bluegill from any other state pond. Black crappie were abundant with pumpkinseed sunfish less common but also available. Chain pickerel may be more abundant than the electrofishing catch rate (4/hour) would indicate as this species is not effectively collected by electrofishing. Other species included American eel, creek chubsucker, both brown and yellow bullhead, and golden shiner. The primary forage fishes were bluespotted sunfish and golden shiners in addition to juvenile sunfish. Bullheads may be taken with any natural bait fished on the bottom. VEGETATION Although Raccoon Pond was dominated by fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) as recently as the 1990s, a vegetation survey in 2004 revealed no fanwort or hydrilla. Much of the pond consisted of open water in contrast to earlier years, when the native bladderworts grew throughout the pond. Aquatic herbicides have served to control the fanwort, which is a non-native species from the southern US that appears to have extended its range further north. Spatterdock beds provide vegetative fish habitat in many areas of the pond. Watermeal, a smaller version of duckweed, often covers the water’s surface. SPECIAL CONDITIONS There is no boat access area at this small pond, which is owned by the Division of Parks and Recreation. However, car-top boats and canoes may be launched from shore when the water level is sufficiently high. Shore fishing access is limited. All Division of Parks and Recreation rules and regulations pertain here and a park entrance fee is required. A daily fee is charged or you can purchase an annual park pass. Check online (www.destateparks.com) for the opening and closing of the fee season and general park information or contact the Park Office. All state parks are “carry in, carry out” areas meaning that all trash must be taken out of the park property. Information about other park facilities and programs may be obtained from the Trap Pond State Park office (302-875-5153). |
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