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GCSP - HORSE CAMP POND
Lake Information
County: Union
Acreage: 2
Average Depth: 0.00 feet
Recreational Amenities
Boat Ramps? No
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2024 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
60 |
Additional information for stocking on GCSP - Horse Camp Pond
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Very Good | During the 2021 spring survey, a total of 36 Bluegill were collected during 10 minutes of electrofishing. Bluegill in the sample ranged from 4.5 inches up to 8 inches in length. The largest Bluegill were just over 8 inches in length. In summary, the Bluegill fishery in Horse Camp Pond is characterized by moderate abundance and growth. All 36 Bluegill in the sample were retained for aging using otoliths. Bluegill growth was minimal after age 4, at which they reached 8 inches in length. Bluegill up to 9 years old were still barely over 8 inches. Fortunately, Bluegill growth plateaued at a desirable length. Therefore, the current population structure for Bluegill is desirable in Horse Camp Pond, as the primary management goal is to maintain a quality panfish fishery with opportunities for Bluegill at least 8 inches in length. | |
Good | During the 2021 spring survey, five Channel Catfish were collected during 10 minutes of electrofishing. Lengths ranged from 16 to 17.5 inches. The largest catfish was just under 17.5 inches and weighed 1.7 lbs. The fishery for Channel Catfish is popular among anglers and is maintained by annual stockings. | |
Good | During the 2021 spring survey, a total of 48 Largemouth Bass were collected during 10 minutes of electrofishing. The majority of bass were between 10 and 14 inches in length The largest bass was just over 14 inches and weighed 1.3 lbs. The electrofishing catch rate for Largemouth Bass was high at 288/hour. In summary, Largemouth Bass are very abundant in Horse Camp Pond, but growth is relatively poor. However, the current population structure for bass is desirable, as high bass abundance helps drive a quality size structure for Bluegill, which is the primary management goal in Horse Camp Pond. | |
Developing | No Redear have ever been collected from Horse Camp Pond. Redear are commonly stocked in ponds to provide additional angling opportunities with little impact to other species. An initial year class of Redear was stocked in Horse Camp Pond in 2022 to hopefully establish a population. | |
Location: Giant City State Park is located south of Carbondale, IL in Jackson and Union Counties. Horse Camp Pond is located adjacent to the horse campground on the west side of the park.
Description: Horse Camp Pond is a 2-acre impoundment managed for quality Bluegill fishing. The perimeter of the pond is mowed periodically to allow access to anglers. The pond can be accessed by a short walk from the horse campground through site-maintained trails.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The most recent electrofishing survey of Horse Camp Pond occurred during spring of 2021. Horse Camp Pond offers good opportunities for shore anglers to target quality-size Bluegill, in addition to Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish. Nonvulnerable size (8-10-inch) Channel Catfish are stocked annually to maintain a fishery for them. An initial year class of Redear was stocked in Horse Camp Pond in 2022 to hopefully establish a population.
Additional Lake Information: Site Regulations:
All fish - 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Largemouth Bass: 15" minimum length limit
Bluegill/Redear: 15 fish combined daily limit
Contact Information: Giant City State Park 618-457-4836IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Nick Abell618-967-0952
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