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GCSP - QUAIL POND


Lake Information

County: Union

Acreage: 1

Recreational Amenities

Boat Ramps? No

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No


There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2022

Channel Catfish

Non-vulnerable 8 - 10"

60


Additional information for stocking on GCSP - Quail Pond


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Average

During the 2021 spring survey, 35 Bluegill were collected during 5 minutes of electrofishing. Bluegill in the sample ranged from 6 inches up to 7.5 inches in length. Bluegill body condition in Quail Pond was relatively poor in comparison to other ponds sampled, indicating poor growth rates. In summary, the Bluegill population in Quail Pond is overabundant and stunted. Supplemental stocking of Largemouth Bass may be needed to help thin out the Bluegill population and increase growth. The primary management goal is to maintain a quality panfish fishery with Bluegill at least 8 inches in length present.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Good

One Channel Catfish was collected during the 2021 survey. The fishery for Channel Catfish is popular among anglers at Giant City State Park and is maintained by annual stockings.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

A total of 16 Largemouth Bass were collected during the 2021 survey. The bass catch rate was the lowest of all 5 ponds sampled at Giant City State Park. However, Quail Pond also contained the largest bass of all ponds sampled, with 2 over 16 inches, one of which was 20.4 inches and weighed 5.5 lbs. In summary, the Largemouth Bass population is relatively low density and contains a small number of large individuals. The primary goal for the bass population is to maintain high abundance, which helps drive quality size structure for Bluegill and Redear. Supplemental stocking may be needed to increase bass abundance in Quail Pond.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Average

A total of 28 Redear were collected during the 2021 survey. Redear in the sample ranged in length from 6 to 8 inches. Like Bluegill, Redear body condition was also relatively low in comparison to other ponds sampled, indicating poor growth rates. In summary, the Redear population structure is very similar to Bluegill and may need active management to drive up the size structure and achieve a quality panfish fishery.

Location: Giant City State Park is located south of Carbondale, IL in Jackson and Union Counties. Quail Pond is located just off of Giant City Park Road on the southwest side of the park.

Description: Quail Pond is a 1-acre impoundment managed for recreational angling. The perimeter of the pond is mowed periodically to allow access to anglers. The pond can be accessed by a short walk from the road. There is a small grassy area adjacent to the road to park vehicles.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The most recent electrofishing survey of Quail Pond occurred during spring of 2021. Quail Pond offers good opportunities for shore anglers to target Bluegill, Redear, Channel Catfish, and quality-size Largemouth Bass, No-vulnerable size (8-10") Channel Catfish are stocked annually.

Additional Lake Information: Site Regulations:
All fish - 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only

Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Largemouth Bass: 15" minimum length limit
Bluegill/Redear: 15 fish daily limit

Contact Information:
Giant City State Park
618-457-4836
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Nick Abell
618-967-0952