Fish populations in Central Illinois lakes appear to be strong despite the drought that lowered water levels and heated lakes and ponds, causing fish kills.
That's the preliminary conclusion of fall lake surveys in the central part of the state. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says all the lakes surveyed so far have looked excellent, especially for largemouth bass.
Other surveys have found the same results even in lakes hardest hit by drought and fish kills, like Powerton and Spring Lakes.
The surveys are conducted by biologists using specially equipped boats that generate an electric field to temporarily stun fish for capture. The fish are then weighed and measured to determine the health and age of the population.
(Posted 11-4-2012 at 2:50am, Illinois Radio Network)
(Posted 11-4-2012 at 2:50am, Illinois Radio Network)