Giant City State Park - Quail Pond

Largemouth Bass

Good

A total of 19 Largemouth Bass were collected during the 2024 electrofishing survey. The bass catch rate, at 190/hour, was slightly below the management goal of 200/hour. High bass numbers are desirable in a small pond to drive up growth rates in Bluegill and Redear. Given that size structures of Bluegill and Redear are suboptimal and suggest poor growth, direct management actions such as supplemental stocking or habitat enhancement (establishing aquatic plants) may be needed to increase bass abundance.

Channel Catfish

Good

Two Channel Catfish were collected during the 2024 electrofishing survey. The fishery for Channel Catfish is maintained by annual stockings and is popular among anglers at Giant City State Park.

Bluegill

Fair

During the 2024 electrofishing survey, 44 Bluegill were collected during 6 minutes of electrofishing. Bluegill in the sample ranged from 2.3 to 7.6 inches in length. Bluegill body condition in Quail Pond was relatively poor in comparison to other ponds in the park, suggesting poor growth rates. In summary, Bluegill in Quail Pond do not appear to grow well and thus, do not support a favorable size structure. Anglers looking for quality Bluegill (>8") would be better off fishing at other ponds in Giant City State Park.

Redear Sunfish

Fair

During the 2024 electrofishing survey, 21 Redear were collected during 6 minutes of electrofishing. Redear in the sample ranged from 5.7 to 8.5 inches in length. The lack of Redear over 9 inches indicates poor growth and thus, the fishery provided by Redear is of suboptimal quality. Anglers looking for quality Redear (>9") would be better off fishing at other ponds in Giant City State Park.