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COUGAR LAKE (SIUE)
Lake Information
County: Madison
Acreage: 77
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? No
Boat Ramps? No
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? No
Camping? No
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Poor | Bluegill were collected in lower numbers than the previous survey. The average length was a about the same and the condition was poor. The gizzard shad present in the lake are likely still impacting the bluegill quality. Gizzard shad compete with bluegill for available food and bass prey heavily on gizzard shad when present which may limit the predation on the bluegill. | |
Good | Catch per Effort is good at 33 bass per 30 minutes. This is above the standard goal of 30 per 30 minutes. The size distribution of the largemouth bass collected shows a high percentage of larger fish. The condition of the fish was good. Some natural reproduction is evident but the gradual drop in bass numbers over the past several years suggests that it may be limited. | |
Good | Redear sunfish collected in this survey were between 4-8 inches and in good condition. | |
Location: Cougar Lake is located on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Description: This 77-acre lake does not have good public access. However, people do walk in and bank fish.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The results of the 2021 electrofishing survey suggests a healthy, well balanced fish community. The number and size quality of the largemouth bass look good. The bluegill numbers are lower and the size quality is still poor. This year there wee high numbers of redear sunfish. If they become more established, they can provide an additional fishery for quality sized panfish since they often grow well even when bluegill do not. Channel catfish and crappie are both present and should provide additional angling opportunities.
Contact Information: IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Eric Ratcliff 618-931-4217
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