On October 23, 2006, three crews from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and Adam McDaniel and Colby Wrasse from Carterville Fishery Resource Office (CFRO) set out to sample Crab Orchard Lake.  Each crew was responsible for electrofishing three sites with 30 minute transects.

Results from the survey indicate that the largemouth bass and bluegill populations are in excellent condition and the lake also contains many large channel catfish. 

Data collected from the electrofishing survey is important for monitoring population trends, making fish stocking decisions, and evaluating angling regulations.  The parternership between IDNR and CFRO is a great example of agencies working together to maintain our natural resources and provide quality sportfishing opportunities.

Crab Orchard Lake located on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in southern Illinois is a popular destination for recreational anglers seeking panfish, catfish and largemouth bass.  Part of maintaining that fishery is conducting an annual fall fish survey.