Large Mouth Bass
This species of fish gets its name from its remarkably large mouth. The large mouth bass usually breeds once in the spring after the water temperature reaches 60F. The males build the nests and defend them against their many predators. The males also guard the brood for about a month after hatching. Large mouth bass prefer murky water and aquatic plants for cover from their predators. They are usually most active during the morning and after sundown, when the water is cooler.

Small Mouth Bass
The smallmouth bass is smaller than the largemouth bass; typical length is 8” to 15” with a weight of three pounds. The fish got its name because it has a smaller mouth than the large mouth bass, which does not extend pass the eyes. This species is indigenous to Smallpox Creek, especially where the bottom is gravelly or rocky. They prefer to hide under logs and other large objects as well as slightly cooler and clearer water than the large mouth bass. When the water temperature is above 60F, they will spawn. The male builds and defends the nest from predators for almost two weeks after hatching, when the fry are big enough to survive without protection.

Walleye
Lake Galena is stocked with walleye, which are one of the most elusive, yet prized game fish in the lake. The fish is a great fighter, and can attain a length of over 30” and weigh over 15 pounds. During the day, the walleye hide under logs, rocks, or in heavy weeds. Walleye have well developed low light vision, and feed in shallow water at dawn and dusk on smaller fish. Their preferred meal is the perch. They spawn when water temperature is 40 to 50F, usually in gravelly areas with fast flowing water to aerate and cleanse the eggs. Neither adult will tend the eggs. During the summer they tend to stay in the cooler, deeper waters.

Bluegill
Bluegills are one of the most successful fish in Lake Galena. Our last fish shocking indicated 84% of the fish in the lake are bluegill. They are usually from 4” to 10” in length, and can weigh up to a pound or more. They are easily identified by the blue spot behind the gill, hence the name “bluegill”. They feed all day long, and usually eat small crustaceans, insects, and other small fish. They spawn in mid spring, and their beds are usually 6” to 12” in diameter. The fish aggressively defend their beds, which make them an easy catch during spawning.

Crappie
Crappie are an easily specie to catch. They can reach 20 inches in length and up to 5 pounds in weight. They feed at dawn and dusk, and usually eat insects, minnows, and other small fish. They mature in two or three years, and generally spawn in May or June when the water temperature ranges from 66 to 68F. The male guard the fry for a few weeks until they become old enough to defend themselves. In Lake Galena, they are an important food source for muskie and both smallmouth and largemouth bass.

Catfish
Catfish are usually found on the bottom of the lake, usually under rocks or logs. They range from 12” to 24” and weigh up to 7 pounds. They feed on almost anything, but prefer insects, worms, small crustaceans, and elm and sliver maple tree seeds. They feed at night, and this is the best time to catch them. Their primary predator is the muskie. When the water temperature reaches 75F, the catfish begin spawning. The male drives the female off after the eggs are laid, and continues to guard them until they hatch.