fish population

Any size lake can be 'fished out' if enough fish of any species are removed so as to affect their population dynamics. Every lake is different as to the biomass it can support and the amount of spawning habitat that is available for the various species that reside within it and most fish populations are moderately to highly cyclical. Some 20 acre lakes can withstand a lot more exploitation while others can barely withstand any.

The Turtle Flambeau Flowage at 15,000+ acres was essentially 'fished out' for panfish, mainly by ice anglers about a decade or two ago. Since the panfish regulations were changed to a 10 fish total daily limit and a 10" size limit for crappies, it has shown a remarkable comeback.

Every 20 acre lake isn't the same, just as every 2,000 acre lake isn't the same.