Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2023

Redear Sunfish

Fingerling 1 - 3"

500

2024

Largemouth Bass

Non-vulnerable 8 - 10"

115

2024

Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)

Fingerling 1 - 3"

9710

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Very Good

The Bluegill fishery in Du Quoin City Lake is relatively good for a lake with an abundance of Gizzard Shad. During the 2023 fall survey, 121 Bluegill were collected while electrofishing, of which 24% were over 7 inches and 1% were over 8 inches. The high density of Gizzard Shad in the lake is likely a limiting factor for Bluegill growth.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Good

Over 11,000 Channel Catfish were stocked from 2020 through 2022 to supplement poor natural recruitment and increase angler satisfaction. For the first time, several catfish were collected while electrofishing during the fall survey, indicating that stockings have been effective at increasing abundance. In addition, baited hoop nets were also set during the fall survey to specifically target Channel Catfish. A total of 53 Channel Catfish were collected in hoop nets. Catfish in the sample ranged from 12 to 26 inches in length, the largest weighing nearly 8 lbs. In summary, survey results suggest the catfish population has been improving due to stocking efforts. In addition to enhancing angling opportunities, it is hoped that larger Channel Catfish will utilize the abundant stock of Gizzard Shad as prey. Catfish stockings will continue to occur each year that surplus fish are available from the state hatchery system.

CRAPPIE

Good

Du Quoin City Lake contains a good crappie fishery consisting of Black, White, and Hybrid Crappie. During the 2023 fall survey, a total of 147 crappie were collected in trap nets, which exceeded the management goal of 10/net night. Of crappie in the sampled, eight were Black Crappie, 130 were White Crappie, and nine were hybrids. About 60% of crappie collected in trap nets were over 9 inches and 31% were over 10 inches. Otolith age data collected during previous surveys showed that growth rates for both Black and White Crappie were relatively good. In summary, the crappie population is in good condition and anglers should expect quality fishing opportunities.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

Bass abundance in Du Quoin City Lake is still relatively low, although size structure is favorable. During the 2023 fall electrofishing survey, bass were collected at a rate of 62/hour, barely exceeding the management goal of 60/hour. Of the bass collected, 17% were at least 15 inches and 5% were at least 18 inches. Body condition of bass in the sample was relatively good. Given that bass abundance is relatively low, but size structure and growth are favorable, regulations were changed to a reduced creel limit of 3 fish daily limit and a 15” minimum length limit, effective as of April 1, 2024.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Excellent

The Redear Sunfish population in Du Quoin City Lake is among the best in Southern Illinois, containing an abundance of adults in the 9–11” range. Of the 44 Redear collected during the 2023 electrofishing survey, 39% were over 9 inches and 16% were over 10 inches. Mean relative weight was excellent, indicating an ample forage base of mollusks in the lake. Anglers should expect excellent angling opportunities for Redear.

SAUGEYE (Walleye/Sauger Hybrid)

Developing

The primary reason for stocking Saugeye is to provide an additional predator of Gizzard Shad. Over 11,000 Saugeye fingerlings were stocked in Du Quoin City Lake during 2022. However, insufficient numbers were available from the state hatchery system for a repeat stocking in 2023. During the 2023 fall survey, one 15" Saugeye was collected. Additional year classes of Saugeye will be stocked if adequate numbers are available from the state hatchery system.

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