Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Excellent | The blue catfish population is on the rise in the lower Illinois River and, like flatheads, they also reach trophy sizes. No blue catfish were collected in 2022. Two previous world record blue catfish (at 124 and 130 pounds each) were caught just a few miles downstream of the Illinois River mouth. Fish the deep holes and main channel border near structure from Pearl down to Grafton for “blue skins”. | |
Excellent | Channel catfish are the primary game fish of the Alton Pool and are very abundant throughout the reach. Notable areas for channel catfish are main channel border and side channels with current and structure. The 2022 fish community survey resulted in a catch rate of 8 channel catfish/hour electrofishing in the Alton Pool ranging from 1-20 inches. The catch rate of channel catfish in 2022 is low, but a poor survey year is not concerning as survey success can be affected by many biotic and abiotic factors. There remains a one-meal-per-week contaminant advisory on channel catfish over 16 inches in the lower Illinois River due to low level PCB detection in the flesh. PCB contamination in fish is a remnant of past pollution that is declining. Trim the fat, particularly around the belly, and allow fat to drip off the fish when cooking to minimize exposure to PCBs. | |
Excellent | The 2022 fish community survey resulted in only 18 crappie ranging from 5 – 11 inches. While the 2022 survey produced low numbers of crappie, the higher occurrence of spring flooding has benefitted all sunfish species in the Alton Pool. Backwaters, side channels and main channel border areas with submerged brush are the best locations for crappie fishing. | |
Very Good | Flathead catfish are common in the Alton Pool and trophy-sized fish exceeding 36 inches and 30 pounds can be found. The 2022 fish community survey resulted in a poor flathead catfish survey. Spring hoop net surveys can produce higher catch rates of catfish. Spring hoop net surveys are planned for 2023. Fish the deep holes, main channel border near current breaks, and woody debris piles or other structure. Specifically, the mouth of Macoupin Creek and nearby Dark Chute at Diamond Island and the La Grange tailwater offer great opportunities for catching flatheads. | |
Good | IDNR Biologists have been receiving an increase in calls from anglers catching hybrid striped bass (white bass x striped bass). There is no creel limit on white or hybrid striped bass measuring less than 17 inches, however white or hybrid striped bass measuring 17 inches or greater have a 3 fish/day creel limit on the Illinois River. | |
Excellent | Largemouth bass are prevalent throughout the Alton Pool and, like other members of the sunfish family, they have reproductive spikes during big flood years. While catch rates were low in the 2022 fish community survey, largemouth bass density has been increasing over the last ten years in the Alton Pool. An increase in largemouth bass density is attributed to high water years that allow for an increase in spawning habitat availability. Backwaters, side channels and shallow water with structure are the places to fish for river bass. | |
Average | Catchable sauger and, to a lesser degree, walleye, are most abundant in the upper pools of the Illinois River, but do inhabit the Alton Pool. Sauger are found in deep waters during the day, but search for food in the shallows of the main channel border at night. Their feeding habits result in poor day-time electrofishing catches. | |
Good | White bass, the most prevalent of the three temperate bass species found in the Illinois River, is a schooling species that is present throughout the main channel of the Alton Pool. White bass are a short-lived and fast-growing species that provide excellent sport fishing opportunities during the early spring spawning runs or mid-summer feeding frenzies of gizzard shad. White bass measuring up to 14 inches were collected in the 2022 Alton Pool survey and showed the highest catch rate out of all pools in 2022. White bass catch rates have been increasing in the Alton Pool over the last 10 years. | |
Contact Information: Mississippi River Area Office 618-376-3303
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