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GCSP - EAGLE POND


Lake Information

County: Jackson

Acreage: 2

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, a total of 32 Bluegill were collected during 12 minutes of electrofishing. Bluegill in the sample ranged from 2 inches up to 9 inches in length. The largest Bluegill was 9 inches and weighed 0.75 lbs. For a small pond, the electrofishing catch rate for Bluegill was quite low at 160/hour, indicating heavy predation by Largemouth Bass. In summary, the Bluegill fishery in Eagle Pond is characterized by relatively low abundance, but excellent growth. All 32 Bluegill in the sample were retained for aging using otoliths. Bluegill in Eagle Pond reached 8 inches in length by age-4 and 9 inches by age-6. The current population structure for Bluegill is desirable in Eagle Pond, as the primary management goal is to maintain a quality panfish fishery with opportunities for Bluegill at least 8 inches in length.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Very Good

During the 2021 spring survey, a total of 14 Channel Catfish were collected during 12 minutes of electrofishing. Lengths ranged from 12 to nearly 20 inches. The largest catfish was just under 20 inches and weighed 2.7 lbs. The fishery for Channel Catfish is popular among anglers and is maintained by annual stockings.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

During the 2021 spring survey, a total of 61 Largemouth Bass were collected during 12 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 very high at 305/hour. In summary, Largemouth Bass are very abundant in Eagle 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 and Redear, which is the primary management goal in Eagle Pond.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Excellent

During the 2021 spring survey, a total of 4 Redear were collected during 12 minutes of electrofishing. Three of the four Redear were around 10 inches in length. Like Bluegill, the Redear fishery in Eagle Pond is characterized by relatively low abundance, but excellent growth. The current population structure for Redear is desirable in Eagle Pond, as the primary management goal is to maintain a quality panfish fishery with opportunities for Redear over 9 inches.

Location: Giant City State Park is located south of Carbondale, IL in Jackson and Union Counties. Eagle Pond is located off the east side of the road as you drive into the park.

Description: Eagle Pond is a 2.5-acre impoundment located just off of Giant City Road across from the stables. The perimeter of the pond is mowed regularly to allow access to anglers. There is also a small parking area near the pond.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The most recent survey of Eagle Pond occurred during spring of 2021. Eagle Pond offers good opportunities for shore anglers to target quality-size Bluegill and Redear, however the number of fish caught by anglers is reported to be relatively low. Anglers looking to target Largemouth Bass will find an abundance of bass in the 10 to 12 inch range. Channel Catfish are also popular among anglers. The Channel Catfish fishery is maintained through annual stockings.

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