Kinkaid Lake

Channel Catfish

Average

Kinkaid Lake has an average Channel Catfish population. Seven channel catfish (17-24 inches) were collected in 2025 survey.

Redear Sunfish

Average

The redear population is average. A few redear sunfish over 8 inches are observed during fisheries surveys.

Flathead Catfish

Fair

Surveys indicate that a small number of flathead catfish are present. At least one flathead catfish has been collected in 7 of the last 8 surveys. Three Flathead Catfish (8-16 inches) were collected in the 2025 spring survey.

Walleye

Poor

Despite annual stockings the Walleye population in Kinkaid is considered poor. Very few walleye are observed during fisheries surveys and/or or caught by anglers. The best areas are in front of the dam and spillway during spring high water events. No walleye were collected during 2025 fisheries surveys. Walleye will no longer be stocked in Kinkaid Lake after 2025.

Crappie spp.

Average

Kinkaid Lake is known for producing large crappie. Many of the larger crappie caught appear to be hybrid crappie. In March 2017, a new state record hybrid crappie was caught at Kinkaid Lake. The crappie measured 18.1 inches in length and weighed 4.55 pounds. It is the largest documented crappie ever caught in Illinois. Seven percent of the crappie collected during the spring 2025 survey were over 10 inches. Thirty-seven percent of the crappie collected were over 9 inches. There is no longer a minimum size limit on crappie at Kinkaid. Currently, you can keep any size combination of 15 crappie but only 10 can be over 10 inches. A large number of white crappie from a couple of big spawns 3-4 years ago have resulted in an overabundance of smaller, slower-growing white crappie in Kinkaid. In response, the crappie regulation will change (April 1, 2026) to a 25 fish daily limit with only 10 crappie over 10 inches allowed. It is hoped that allowing a more liberal harvest of crappie less than 9 inches will improve growth rates of the overabundant smaller white crappie currently present in Kinkaid Lake. Crappie anglers are encouraged to keep their daily creel of under 10-inch crappie when fishing at Kinkaid Lake.

Largemouth Bass

Very Good

Largemouth bass were collected at a rate of 141 bass per hour during the 2025 spring survey. Of the 564 bass collected during the 2025 spring survey, 12% were over the minimum 16 inch size limit and 4% were over 18 inches. Five percent of all largemouth bass collected were between 15-16 inches. The largest bass collected in the 2025 survey was 7.1 pounds.

Muskellunge

Good

Kinkaid Lake is one of the premier muskie lakes in Illinois. Muskie are stocked annually and many are caught each year in excess of 40 inches. During the 2025 spring survey, 48 muskies were collected and the largest muskie measured 45 inches in length. Anglers are encouraged to NOT fish for muskie in the warmer summer months as angling mortality is believed to be very high, especially, for larger muskie. Please report tagged Muskie to IDNR Fish Biologist Shawn Hirst at 618-559-5009 or email at Shawn.Hirst@illinois.gov If the tag number is covered with algae, simply scrape the algae away with your fingernail or a knife. Please provide tag number (5 digits), length, and catch date. If possible, please do not remove the tag.

Bluegill

Poor

The Bluegill population structure is poor. Bluegill over 8 inches are rarely seen during fisheries surveys.