LAKE BLOOMINGTON STATUS REPORT SUMMARY
CHANNEL CATFISH: This lake has always been known for
its good catfish fishing. Catfish in the 4 to 16 pound range are not uncommon.
The upper end of the two arms and the area by the dam provide good places
to catch this species. The population is naturally reproducing, and appears
to provide good year classes almost every year. Channel catfish fishing
is expected to continue to be good. This lake also hosts good numbers
of large flathead catfish which can add additional excitement to your
fishing trip. Lake Bloomington has a two pole and line only restriction.
Lake Bloomington has one boat ramp and charges an access fee. Boats are
limited to 40 horsepower. For information on fees and Lake Bloomington
call 309/747-2615.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: LAKE BLOOMINGTON A cooperative stocking
program between the City of Bloomington, the Bloomington Normal Bass Club,
the Lake Bloomington Lake Association and the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources has been responsible for producing a high density bass population.
Each year the IDNR stocks 15,875 four inch largemouth bass. Fall surveys
yielded catch rates from electrofishing of 272 bass per hour in 1998,
229 in 1999, and 285 per hour in 2001. This catch rate declined to 128
per hour in 2002 and 133 per hour in 2003. However, a catch rate of 60
bass per hour is considered good. Prior to 1990, the catch rate rarely
exceeded 20 bass per hour. The increase can be attributed to the stocking
program.
The size structure of the population remains fair with 30% of bass being
over 12 inches and 12% over 15 inches. The bass regulation on Lake Bloomington
is a 15" minimum length limit with a 6 fish daily creel limit.
STRIPED BASS (HYBRIDS): LAKE BLOOMINGTON - The hybrid
striped bass population in Lake Bloomington is still developing as a fishery.
Only a few individuals are collected during surveys. The State Hatchery
System stocked 1,778 two-inch hybrid striped bass in 1999; 3,175 in 2000;
and 3,175 in 2001, 2002, and 2003. The fishing regulation for hybrid striped
bass on Lake Bloomington is a 17" minimum length limit with a 3 fish
daily creel limit. Lake Bloomington has one boat ramp and charges an access
fee. Boats are limited to 40 horsepower. For information on fees and Lake
Bloomington call 309/747-2615.
WALLEYE: Walleye were first stocked into this lake in
1984 and has received approximately 25,000 two inch walleye every year,
except in 1985. Starting in 1998, 2400 8-inch walleye were stocked each
year. The 2004 night survey resulted in 38 walleye per hour of sampling.
Based on the 2004 survey, size structure is dominated by smaller walleye.
Only 11% of the walleye collected were larger than 15 inches. There have
been several 10 pound plus walleye caught in Lake Bloomington since 2001.
The fishing regulation for walleye is a 14" minimum length limit
with a 6 fish daily creel limit. Lake Bloomington has one boat ramp and
charges an access fee. Boats are limited to 40 horsepower. For information
on fees and Lake Bloomington call 309/747-2615.
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