REND LAKE STATUS REPORT SUMMARY
Largemouth Bass - good - Supplemental stocking efforts have helped to improve and stabilize the Rend Lake bass population. Over 473,000 bass fingerlings have been stocked in the last eight years including over 88,000 this year alone. These fish have had a significant impact on the density and size structure of the population, and population indices have improved significantly. Data from the most recent population survey show all population indices met the target goals, and the condition of all sizes of fish is excellent (mean Wr 100). Bass numbers remain strong, and growth rates continue to be good. Excellent sampling conditions and persistent stocking resulted in a 21 percent increase in catch per effort. The total number of bass collected in the recent population survey was at a six year high with a catch rate of 121 bass per hour of electrofishing. Overall, the size structure of the population remains very similar to last year. The PSD and RSD 15 declined slightly due in part to the large number of smaller fish entering the population. However, the percentage of the total population exceeding the 14" minimum length limit remained almost identical to the previous year. Currently 31% of the adult bass population exceeds the 14-inch minimum length limit. This number should further improve over the next two years. The number of bass over 20" in length also remains low but stable and if growth rates remain good and mortality low this number should also improve next year. Overall, bass fishing in the coming year should be similar to last year with significant improvements in 2011. Tournament permits are available at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, 618/629-2320.
Crappie - good - The length and creel regulations enacted in 2002 have had a significant impact on the size structure of the population. In the 7+ years since the regulations went into effect, the crappie population has improved dramatically and remained stable. However, data from the 2009 population survey show some changes in the size structure of the population for the coming year. A large year class of two year old fish have entered the population. These fish averaged just over 7" in length in the fall of 2009, and comprised a significant portion of the population. As a result, population indices have declined. Only 19 percent of the adult crappie were greater than 10 inches in length and the percent of fish exceeding 12" in length has declined by 50% from its 10 year high. A similar situation occurred in 2005. These fish grew rapidly and as a result the size structure of the population recovered the following season. Regulations will remain unchanged next season, but this latest large year class will be watched closely and if growth rates decline future changes may be necessary. For 2010, crappie 10"-14" in length and averaging 1/2 to 1+ pound will make up 22% of the population, and will provide excellent angling opportunities. Crappie 8"- 10" are also abundant (28% of the population) and should contribute to the creel.
White Bass - fair - The number of fish collected in the fall 2009 electrofishing survey declined sharply. The significant decline in CPUE was unexpected due to good recruitment in 2007 and 2008, and may be. Most of the fishery in 2009 will be comprised of fish from the 2007 and 2008 year classes. These fish are in excellent condition, will range from 10" - 20" in length, and weigh from 0.5 to 1.5 pounds.
Hybrid Striped Bass - fair - The number of hybrid striped bass remains low. Due to short supply, a total of only 3,400 hybrid stripers were stocked in Rend Lake from 2001 - 2007. To improve the status of this fishery, approximately 51,800 hybrids were stocked in June 2008 and another 37,800 in June of 2009. These fish were only 1- inch long when stocked, but are growing rapidly with some of the 2008 year class already 14" in length. As they continue to grow they should significantly improve significantly over the next 2-3 years. Establishing an annual or semi-annual stocking regime is essential to developing and maintaining a quality fishery for this species, and this is dependant on availability.
Channel Catfish / Flathead Catfish - excellent - The fishing prospects for channel catfish remain excellent for the coming year. Natural reproduction and recruitment continue to be very strong, and are responsible for maintaining the large population of fish in the lake. Data from the 2009 population survey show catch rates for channels remain above the 10 year average. Channel catfish from 1 - 2 lbs are abundant, and larger fish up to 7 lbs are common. The condition of these fish remains fair and growth rates are good. This lake remains one of the premier channel catfish waters in southern Illinois, and should be on your list of places to fish for channels in 2010.
The catch rate for flathead catfish was up by 55% from last year and was the highest in over 13 years. Recruitment has been excellent the last few years, and this has led to a significant increase in the number of fish up to two pounds. The size structure of the rest of the population remains stable with fish up to 20 lbs not uncommon. Flatheads over forty pounds are also present. The large number of smaller flatheads should help to keep the population stable and provide excellent fishing in the coming years.
Bluegill - good - The size structure of the bluegill population showed improvement for the second consecutive year. Bluegill will be abundant in the coming year with most keepers 6"- 7.5" in length and averaging 1/3 lb or less. The number of fish over 8" in length has improved slightly with some reaching 1/2 lb. These improvements are encouraging, and with the above average growth rates and excellent condition for fish over 5" inches in length, the size structure of the population could improve significantly in the coming year.
