Giant City State Park - Makanda Pond
Location 0.8 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
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.
Channel Catfish
Improving
Channel Catfish are stocked annually. However, no Channel Catfish were collected during the 2022 survey.
Bluegill
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.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 60 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 36 |
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.Fishery History
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 per day combined harvest limit for Bluegill or Redear Sunfish went into effect April 1, 2023. Channel Catfish are stocked annually to sustain a catfish fishery.Site Regulations
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit