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GCSP - DEER POND


Lake Information

County: Jackson

Acreage: 1

Recreational Amenities

Boat Ramps? No

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No




There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Lake Status Summary  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Excellent

During the 2021 spring survey, 20 Bluegill were collected during 6 minutes of electrofishing. Bluegill in the sample ranged from 5 inches up to 8.75 inches in length. The larger Bluegill was 8.75 inches and weighed 0.65 lbs. Bluegill body condition was considered very good, indicating fast growth. In summary, the Bluegill fishery in Deer Pond is considered excellent, possessing both good numbers and size.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Good

No Channel Catfish were collected during the spring survey. However, the fishery for Channel Catfish is popular among anglers at Giant City State Park and is maintained by annual stockings.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

During the 2021 spring survey, a total of 38 Largemouth Bass were collected during 6 minutes of electrofishing. The majority of bass were between 9 and 12 inches in length. The largest bass was over 16 inches and weighed over 2 lbs. Body condition was relatively good in comparison to bass in other Giant City ponds. In summary, Largemouth Bass are abundant and demonstrate moderate growth potential in Deer Pond. The primary goal for the bass population is to maintain high bass abundance, which helps drive quality size structure for Bluegill and Redear.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Excellent

A total of 21 Redear were collected during the spring survey. Redear in the sample ranged in length from 5.5 to over 9 inches. The largest Redear was just over 9 inches in length. Redear body condition was considered desirable, indicating good growth rates. In summary, the Redear population structure is very similar to Bluegill and compliments the panfish fishery well.

WHITE CRAPPIE

Good

During the spring survey, a total of 13 White Crappie were collected. White Crappie are not a desirable species to have in a small pond environment, as they can easily become overpopulated and negatively impact other species. Therefore, the goal is to maintain a low population density of preferred (10 in.) and memorable-size (12 in.) crappie that will complement the fishery but will not negatively impact the fish community. Fortunately, this goal appears to be met, as most fish in the sample measured between 11 and 13 inches. In addition, the CPUE of 130/hour was much lower than it was during the prior survey in 2014, a good indication that White Crappie are not overpopulating.

Location: Giant City State Park is located south of Carbondale, IL in Jackson and Union Counties.

Description: Deer Pond is a 1-acre impoundment located just across the road from the lodge in Giant City State Park. The perimeter of the pond is mowed periodically to allow access to anglers. The pond can be accessed by a short walk through site-maintained trails.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The most recent electrofishing survey of Deer Pond occurred during spring of 2021. Deer Pond offers good opportunities for shore anglers to target quality-size Bluegill and Redear, in addition to Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and White Crappie. Non-vulnerable size (8-10") Channel Catfish are stocked annually to maintain a fishery for them.

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 daily limit

Contact Information:
Giant City State Park
618-457-4836
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Nick Abell
618-967-0952