Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Very Good

The size structure of the bluegill population remained stable. Bluegill will be abundant in the coming year with most keepers 6.5"- 8" in length and averaging 1/3 lb or less with a few larger fish reaching 1/2 lb. With above average growth rates and excellent body condition, the population should continue to provide good fishing in the coming year.

CHANNEL 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. The catch rate for channel catfish increased for the second consecutive year, and remained excellent. The condition of these fish is fair and growth rates are good. In the coming year, channel catfish from 1 – 3.5 pounds should be abundant with larger fish up to 6 pounds common. This lake remains one of the premier channel catfish waters in southern Illinois, and should remain on your list of places to fish for channels in 2017.

CRAPPIE

Improving

The size structure of the crappie population declined significantly in 2013 and 2014, but improved in 2015 and remained stable in 2016. The portion of the crappie population comprised of fish over 10” in length remained at 14%. This is still below the target of 20% of the population, but significantly higher than the low mark in 2014. The catch rate fell from a record high of 123 crappie per net-night in 2014 to 64 per net-night in 2016. This decline combined with the improved size structure of the population suggests mortality and growth rates are both high enough to prevent the population from stunting. With stable growth rates, the size structure of the population should improve even further in the coming year. For 2017, crappie 10"-12" in length and averaging 1/2 to 1+ pound will be abundant enough to provide some quality angling opportunities. Crappie 8”- 10” remain abundant as well and will also contribute to the creel. The number of crappie over 12” in length remains stable and relatively low. The condition of all sizes of crappie remains near the low end of the target range. Crappie reproduction was strong in 2016 for the fourth consecutive year. Regulations will remain unchanged in 2017, but the population will be monitored closely. Site Regulation: White, Black or Hybrid Crappie: 25 daily limit, not more than 10 exceeding 10".

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

The size structure of the bass population improved over the past year, and data from the most recent population survey show all population indices still remained within the target goals and the condition of all sizes of fish is excellent. The percentage of the population exceeding the 14" minimum length limit increased 36%. Currently 38% of the adult bass population exceeds the 14-inch minimum length limit. The excellent bass body condition is the direct result of another large shad population. With the abundant food supply, bass growth rates should be excellent, and this should help to improve the size structure of the population even further in the coming year. Bass fishing in 2017 should be similar to 2016. The majority of fish above the minimum length limit will be 14” – 19” and weigh between 1.5 – 4 pounds. The number of larger bass over 20" in length remains stable but low. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit, 14" minimum length limit.

WHITE BASS

Very Good

The number of white bass collected in the fall 2016 electrofishing survey fell significantly. Difficult sampling conditions likely influenced this decline. Reproduction was good in 2011, 2012 and 2013, and white bass fishing was good throughout most of 2016. Fishing should be good in 2017. Anglers can expect the catchable population to be largely comprised of fish 12”- 16” in length and weighing 0.6 – 2 pounds. A smaller group of fish 6” – 8” in length will also contribute to the creel. Site Regulation: 20 daily limit, not more than 3 exceeding 17".

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