Shabbona Lake

Muskellunge

Good

During the spring 2025 survey, a total of 65 Muskie were sampled and implanted with PIT tags. A total of 12 fish sampled were recaptures from the 2024 survey. Anal fin ray samples were removed for age and growth data and are still being aged at this time. The 2025 survey had excellent numbers compared to previous years, the 30–38-inch size group dominated the sample as it historically has. Relative weights for both male and female Muskie were good to fair. A Muskie rescue was completed in 2025 with 2 Muskie rescued, PIT tagged, and returned to the Lake.

Bluegill

Very Good

The 2024 survey showed a strong 2023 year class moving into the 3-6 inch range. Fall relative weights are stable and good. Spring age and growth data shows a fast-growing population; the 2023 year class should move into the 6-8 inch range in 2025 and provide good fishing. Relative weights continue to be good to excellent for all size classes sampled not indicating any resource issue.

Walleye

Very Good

The 2025 spring sample collected a total of 147 individuals, manly males, which is to be expected when sampling the dam face during the spawn. The 2025 survey resulted in the 2nd highest overall catch per unit effort (CPUE) at 294 fish per hour. The 15–20-inch size group was again the dominate size class sampled. The 20–25-inch group was the only size that declined from historical collection rates. As part of the 2025 survey, age and growth data was collected by reading otolith. A total of 62 males and 8 females were aged. The walleye population showed excellent growth with an average age of 3 and length of 15.6 inches. Both male and females had a maximum age of 6 years in the sample.

Largemouth Bass

Very Good

Shabbona has an excellent Largemouth population. The Largemouth bass (LMB) population was sampled in the fall of 2025 and a total of 177 Largemouth Bass were collected. The largest change from the 2024 survey was the catch rate of fish less than 8 inches. This is a good indication of a potential good recruitment, which has been poor for the past 3 years. Relative weights for all size classes sampled were good to excellent, indicating adequate food and space resources.

Yellow Perch

Developing

Yellow Perch numbers are monitored as part of the fall surveys to track population densities. Historically the size distribution of Yellow Perch has been dominated by fish less than 5 inches. Fish over 5 inches typically have fair to poor relative weights indicating food or space resource issues as fish get larger. The 2024 survey indicated a very strong class of fish less than 5 inches with the highest catch per unit effort in the past 8 years. This class will have to be monitored in 2025.

Crappie spp.

Very Good

Shabbona Lake has a population of both black and white crappies. Black Crappie were the dominate species in the 2023 sample. Both species have good relative weights for all size groups sampled. Both species have excellent growth reaching over 8 inches in 2 plus years. White Crappie numbers will be monitored in the future.

Channel Catfish

Excellent

Channel Catfish have had excellent growth with good numbers of fish 15 inches and larger. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily creel limit, no minimum length limit.

Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)

Very Good

The sizes of fish are averaging 22" - 26". Site Regulation: 3 fish daily creel limit, 17˝ minimum length limit.