Evergreen Lake
County Park and Muskie Status Report Info
Click here to go to the Official Evergreen Lake website
The following is an excerpt from the McLean County website:
|
About Evergreen Lake
In cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the McLean County Parks and Recreation Department has implemented an ongoing, long term fishery management plan for Evergreen Lake. Since 1990, nearly 60,000 4" - 8" Largemouth Bass, 7500 8" - 11" pure Musky, and 250,000 1" - 2" Hybrid Walleye (Saugeye) have been stocked into the lake with very good success. |
The following is an excerpt from the IL DNR's
"STATUS OF MUSKIE FISHERY IN ILLINOIS 2004"
EVERGREEN LAKE - This lake was first stocked with muskie in 1990. In 2003, 1852 10-inch muskie were stocked from the State Hatchery System. During the fall night survey in 2002, the catch per hour of muskie was 10.0. In 2002, 75% of the muskie were over 30 inches in length, and 25% were over 38 inches. None of the fish collected exceeded the 48-inch length limit.In 2002, a netting survey was initiated to monitor the muskie
population. Each spring frame nets are used for three
days to collect muskie. The muskie are tagged with an
internal tag. The tag has an individual number so each
fish can be tracked over time. From this information we
can determine growth rates and condition of the fish
over time. It has also provided some information on
escapement from the lake for certain muskie. The McLean
Co. Parks and Recreation Department has worked with
local anglers to erect a barrier below the spillway to
lower the escapement potential of muskie downstream
.
We captured 1.2 muskie per net in 2002 and 2.6 per net
in 2003, with a total of 95 muskie captured in 2003.
Approximately 18% of the muskie captured in 2003 were
larger than 38 inches and 3% were larger than 42 inches.
The muskie exhibited ideal weights at all sizes. Muskie
have now been in Evergreen Lake long enough to allow
them to reach a large size. The muskie population in
this lake is developing nicely and starting to show its
true potential.
Evergreen Lake has two boat ramps and has a 10
horsepower limit on all boats. In order to launch a boat
on Evergreen Lake, a sticker must be purchased. The
stickers can be purchased at the boat ramps, Comlara
Park Visitor’s Center, or by calling 309/726-2022.
March 24th, 2005
The lake is at normal pool. Slightly stained, temps in the lower 40s. The docks have been in for a few weeks. Muskie activity should pick up very soon.