West Frankfort Old City Lake

Largemouth Bass

Good

Largemouth Bass were found in West Frankfort Old City Lake in better numbers in spring 2021, and these fish exhibited very good quality. The annual electrofishing survey produced 72 bass per hour (goal is 60 per hour. Eighty five percent were over 12 inches, which exceeded the management plan goal, and 38% were larger than 15 inches, a slight increase from the previous year. Bass body condition met management goals. 15" length limit, 3 fish daily limit.

Channel Catfish

Good

Sampled abundance of Channel Catfish was low in the 2021 West Frankfort Old City Lake sample, as evidenced by the electrofishing catch rate of four fish per hour, but body condition was excellent. The Channel Catfish population of West Frankfort Old City Lake is maintained through supplemental stockings accomplished every other year. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit.

Bluegill

Excellent

Bluegill were collected from West Frankfort Old City Lake in 2021 at a rate of 744/hour of electrofishing. Quality of these fish exceeded the management plan goal, as 51% were larger than 6 inches, and 4% exceeded 7 inches in length. Bluegill body condition was very good.

Redear Sunfish

Very Good

As usual small numbers of redear were included in the 2021 survey of West Frankfort Old City Lake, compared to bluegill. 150 redear were collected per hour of electrofishing. 80% of these fish were 8 inches or larger, and no fish sampled were over 10 inches in length. Redear body condition was still excellent.

Crappie spp.

Average

Crappie were more common during spring 2021. White and black crappie were collected at rates of 128 and 52 fish per hour of electrofishing, respect tively. However, many of these fish were 6 to 8 inches in length, and none of these were over 9 inches. Body condition of both crappie species was substandard, suggesting an overpopulation.