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GCSP - MAKANDA 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 )
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Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Very Good | The 2022 electrofishing survey yielded low Bluegill numbers, as only 13 were collected. However, size was very good, as 7 individuals were over 8 inches and 3 were over 8.5 inches. The largest Bluegill was 8.8 inches in length. Shore anglers should expect to find big Bluegills in this lake. | |
Improving | Channel Catfish are stocked annually. However, no Channel Catfish were collected during the 2022 survey. | |
Good | Makanda Pond has a high abundance of small bass in the 10”-14” range. A total of 32 Largemouth Bass were collected during the 2022 electrofishing survey. Bass in the sample ranged up to 14.4 inches in length. The current population structure for bass is desirable given that high bass abundance helps drive Bluegill growth and leads to a quality size structure. | |
Location: Giant City State Park is located in Jackson and Union Counties south of Carbondale, IL. Makanda Pond is located on the northwest side of the park and can be reached after a short hike through the woods.
Description: Makanda Pond is a 1-acre impoundment managed for quality Bluegill fishing. The perimeter of the pond is grown up with willows, although there are some clearings where shore anglers can fish. There are no docks or restrooms on site, although restrooms are available at the Giant City Visitors Center.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The most recent electrofishing survey of Makanda Pond occurred during spring of 2022. Makanda Pond contains a fish community that is typical for a small pond, which harbors an abundance of small bass that drive fast Bluegill growth. To protect the fishery from overexploitation during the spawning season, a 15/day combined harvest limit for Bluegill/Redear went into effect April 1, 2023.
Channel Catfish are stocked annually to sustain a fishery for them.
Additional Lake Information: Site Regulations:
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Largemouth Bass: 6 fish daily limit; 15" minimum length
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 15 fish daily harvest limit
Contact Information: IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Nick Abell 618-967-0952