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    Largemouth bass do best in waters that are somewhat protected from wind, relatively clear (18" or greater of transparency), and have submerged aquatic vegetation.  Largemouth bass will eat whatever is available, including fish, crayfish, and insects.  They spawn in the spring when the water temperature reaches about 65 degrees F.  The male sweeps put a nest in sand or gravel.  After spawning, he guards the eggs and fry.  Largemouth bass will live 16 years and commonly reach 3 to 6 pounds as adults.  Electroshocking in Lamoka and Waneta have produced Largemouth bass in the 10 pound range!
 

Smallmouth Bass

 Smallmouth bass prefer clear, clean water and are seldom found in murky water.  Smallmouth bass will eat whatever is available, but show a definite preference for crayfish, and a variety of small fish.  They spawn in the spring when the water temperature reaches about 60 degrees F.  Their spawning behavior is similar to that of largemouth bass.
 
 

Rock Bass

Rock bass inhabit clear-water lakes and streams and spend most of their time around rocks and boulders.  A rock bass can camouflage itself by changing color and patterns to match its surroundings.  This is why it often has characteristic dark blotches when caught around rocks.  In fact, the greek meaning for rupestris is "living among rocks".  Rock bass feed on inmature insects, but larger ones may eat small minnows.  Rock bass are easily caught by angling and will take bait at any time of day.  Average adult size range from 6 to 10 inches.
 

Black Crappie

Like the white crappie, the black crappie feeds on zooplankton, insects, and fish.  The black crappie is more likely to be found in clearer water than white crappie.  Crappies can have slow growth and "stunt" in small impoundments that do not contain sufficient predators.  Average adult crappies range from 6 to 10 inches with some reaching 15 inches and weights of 2.5 pounds.
 

Bluegill

Bluegills prefer slow-moving or standing water with aquatic vegetation or flodded timber.  Bluegill diet consists mainly of larval and adult insects, plankton, snails, and algae.  Spawning begins on spring when water temperatures reach about 68 degrees F, and may continue to the summer.  Individual fish may spawn more than once during the year.  The male builds a nest on sand or gravel bottom, often near other bluegill nests, and later guards the eggs and fry.  Bluegill growth varies considerably in different bodies of water.  This species often over populates when predator density is low.
 

Muskellunge

The muskellunge (or musky) is related to the northern pike and is known by anglers as the "fish of a thousand casts".  Musky is a lurking predator that feeds primarily on other fish.  Muskellunge spawn in the spring, slightly later than northern pike, and the eggs are scattered over dead vegetation in shallow water.  They should not be confused with tiger muskellunge, which are hybrids between muskie and northern pike.  This spicies is not native to Lamoka and Waneta, having been stocked by the DEC during the 50's and 60's.
 

Chain Pickerel

This species does very well in Lamoka and Waneta Lakes.  Pickerel favor weed beds, fallen trees, undercut banks, and old pilings where they can lie in ambush for passing fish.  They are active year 'round, with best action in early spring and late fall.  They are frequently taken by ice fishermen.  Pickerel will eat most anything available and will strike at most any lure known to man.  Pickerel feed mostly on other fish, nightcrawlers, and frogs.  I do not have information on their spawning habits, but is likely to be similar to the Musky above.
 

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch consume small fishes, aquatic insects, snails, and small crayfish, feeding throught the day in deep water but often moving into shallows during the evening.  Spawning takes place when water temperatures are between 45 and 55 degrees F.  Their spawning habits are unique because they deposit long tubular masses of eggs over submerged vegetation or brush.  Yellow perch are popular with angulars and can exceed 2 pounds.
 

Black Bullhead (Catfish)

Black bullheads feed primarily on insects and fish, but also graze on plant material.  They are abundant in most natural lakes and in some man-made lakes and ponds.  In rivers, black bullheads ar ecommon in backwaters and sloughs and are rarely found in flowing water.  Black bullheads are nest builders and spawn in <ay or June when wter temperature is around 70 degrees F.  They are a popular game fish and can reach 2 pounds or more, but they overpopulate and stunt in certain waters.