LAKE JACKSONVILLE STATUS REPORT SUMMARY
LARGEMOUTH BASS: LAKE JACKSONVILLE (345 collected) This lake consistently supports a good bass population which results in good bass fishing. It has produced moderate to strong hatches of bass each spring with what appears to be a second hatch late in the summer. This second hatch does not appear in the sample since their small size precluded collection with the standard dip net. These fish would run approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in length in early October and relative numbers equal or exceed what is considered the normal spawn. In addition to the in-lake hatches, the bass numbers have been supplemented with stockings from the State hatchery system and from the on-site rearing pond. This combination of lake produced bass and the stocked bass has resulted in strong year classes from 1994 to the present year.
In 2008, sampling of the largemouth bass population in Lake Jacksonville indicated the population to be unbalanced. The PSD value of 77, above the target range of 30-50, indicates the population to be comprised of a higher than desirable number of bass greater than 12 inches in relation to all bass 8 inches or greater. Both RSD16 and RSD18 values are acceptable and show desirable numbers of the larger fish in the population. The YAR value of 0.1 is poor; however, collection efficiency with the mesh dip net bags may be reducing collection catch of young-of-year by simply escaping thru the holes. Recruitment of yoy bass appears acceptable with 1+ and 2+ individuals comprising 20% of the collection. The 13-14 inch largemouth bass comprise 27 percent of the collection and should move into that 16 inch range in 2009. YAR values were not calculated; however, the 10 year average is in the high 90's which is average.
BLUEGILL: LAKE JACKSONVILLE (124 collected) Unlike the bass, the bluegill population is in poor shape. There is a large population of small, slow growing individuals with very few desirable sized fish present. In 2008, only 1 bluegill was captured that measured 6 inches or over. Therefore; the RSD7 value was 0. Competition for food items from yellow bass, carp and gizzard shad may be restricting growth beyond 6 inches. The majority (74%) of the bluegill collected measured between 33/4 and 5"
REDEAR SUNFISH: LAKE JACKSONVILLE (33 collected) The numbers of redear sunfish collected from this lake have dropped severely since the 2000 collection. There has not been an 8 inch redear collected since 1996. Unfortunately, there is little change in the population structure which continues to be in poor. Like the bluegill, the redear population is comprised of small, slow growing individuals. The PSD and RSD8 value of 0.27 and 0 respectively illustrate this condition.
WHITE CRAPPIE: LAKE JACKSONVILLE (97 collected) The downward trend in crappie numbers started in 1995 (204 fish) and has continued over the years. In 2008, the PSD and the RSD9 respective values of 85 and 55.7 both illustrate the white crappie population to be comprised of mostly larger individuals. Reproduction and subsequent recruitment is poor due to egg predation by yellow bass, carp and green sunfish. In 2008, 83% of the white crappie collection measured 8 inches or greater.
CHANNEL CATFISH: LAKE JACKSONVILLE (3 collected) There is little change in the catfish population from year to year. Since 1991, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Hatchery System has stocked non-vulnerable size channel catfish (8 - 10 inch) on an annual basis. In 2008, 11,178 non-vulnerable channel catfish were stocked. Annual stockings and the corresponding 6 fish per day creel and 2 pole and line fishing only have resulted in an excellent channel catfish fishery. During the 2008 fall fish survey, all of the channel catfish collected were greater than 12 inches and appear to exhibit "average" body condition. Channel catfish larger than 16 inches comprised 80% of the collection. In 2008, the average channel catfish was 17 inches in length as compared to 2007 when the average channel catfish collected was slightly over 20 inches in length. In 2008, the average weight dropped slightly to 2.0 pounds as compared to the average weight of 3.0 pounds in 2007 which was also a slight decline from 3.7 pounds in 2006. This gradual decline in average weight is thought to be the result of the three previous years of drought conditions. Low water levels exposed the shallow water habitat that provides feeding areas as well; thereby reducing forage intake and overall weight. In 2008, the largest individual collected was 21 inches in length and weighed 3.3 pounds. Fallen timber and underwater stumps present along the shorelines in Lake Jacksonville provide ideal habitat and cover for this species. With normal rainfall, the channel catfish should fatten up pretty quickly. The most ideal location to pursue these whiskered critters is in the back, shallow coves in the "NO WAKE" area of the lake.
