Long Cut Lake - DuQuoin Fairgrounds

Redear Sunfish

Very Good

Redear growth also appears to be very good in Long Cut Lake. Individuals collected during the 2023 survey ranged from 8 to 11 inches in length. The largest was over 11 inches and weighed 1.1 lbs.

Yellow Bass

Very Good

Although not targeted by many anglers, Yellow Bass can provide excellent angling opportunities in lakes where growth is sufficient. Yellow Bass also provide excellent table fare due to their invertebrate diet. Long Cut Lake harbors a quality Yellow Bass population with many fish in the 10 – 12" range. 50 Yellow Bass were collected during the 2023 netting survey, of which 44% were between 10 and 12 inches in length.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

Long Cut Lake contains an abundance of small bass in the 10–12" range. A total of 148 Largemouth Bass were collected during the 30-minute spring electrofishing survey. Of the bass collected, 93% were under 12 inches in length. Very few bass over 12 inches were collected, although a small number of larger fish in excess of 5 pounds are present.

Black Crappie

Good

Black Crappie are present in Long Cut Lake. Very few have been collected during surveys, but individuals over 12 inches are present.

Channel Catfish

Very Good

IDNR stocks roughly 1,500 (8-10 inch) Channel Catfish in Long Cut Lake every year. These stockings support a popular fishery among local anglers, who often harvest their catch. During the 2023 netting survey, a total of 21 Channel Catfish were collected in three overnight gill net sets. Catfish in the sample ranged from 9 to 25 inches in length, the largest weighing in at 6 lbs.

Bluegill

Good

Bluegill collected during the 2023 electrofishing survey demonstrated relatively good body condition and growth potential. Several Bluegill in the 7 to 8 inch range were collected, along with one individual that exceeded 8 inches. Anglers should expect to find quality-size Bluegill in Long Cut Lake.