Pine Park Pond: Tiny, but mighty

It's small in size. Just two acres.

Because of that, the lake is managed under Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission catch-and-release regulations.

Add in the fact that it's located in a scenic, wooded area, Pine Township Park Pond near Wexford in Allegheny County is a fine place to fish for fun.

Especially for largemouth bass.

During a survey last month by the Fish and Boat Commission southwest region fisheries team, 90 bass from 7 to 17 inches were uncovered.

'Larger bass were abundant with 41 percent being 12 inches or greater,' said Gary Smith, fisheries technician.

But there were some concerns.

'Some of the bass we observed appeared to be underweight,' Smith said, 'possibility due to their high density.'

The bluegill population also was impressive.

Some 73 were checked, measuring 3 to 9 inches.

'Some 52 percent were greater than 7 inches,' Smith said.

In addition, two yellow bullheads - 11 and 13 inches - plus one pumpkinseed of 9 inches were checked.

'The use of catch-and-release regulations appears to have maintained good largemouth and bluegill populations in the small water,' Smith said.

'Hooking and handling mortality did not negate the benefits of the regulations.'

The Fish and Boat Commission had given township officials several options for managing the lake. 'They picked catch-and-release,' Smith said. The commission agreed.

'We thought that was the better one,' Smith said.

There was a minus.

'Aquatic vegetation was abundant at the time of the survey and recommendations will be made to Pine Township officials to reduce the vegetation,' Smith said.