Some very nice-sized channel cats reside here. Surveys done by the DNR have documented channel cats up to 12 pounds. That’s a very respectable-sized channel cat that can put up quite a battle for the lucky angler who hooks into one.

The reservoir has some rocky outcroppings that provide habitat for limited spawning and some natural reproduction, but not enough to sustain a quality fishery. Therefore, the DNR stocks the lake each year with several thousand non-vulnerable channel cats. The target number stocked per year amounts to about 25 fish per acre. Late summer can be tricky to fish, according to DNR fisheries biologist Kurt Daine. “The catfish will often be lethargic and not actively feeding,” he said. Daine suggested looking for cats in the deeper, cooler water until the water temperature begins to drop in the fall.

The deepest portion of the lake is down close to the dam where water depth can reach around 15 to 20 feet. Catfish can often be found in this deeper water near the dam during the daytime. They will often move up shallower into the riprap along the dam to feed on crayfish and other forage during the evening, nighttime or on overcast days.

The main forage is gizzard shad, so a lot of people find great success using cut shad as bait. Chicken liver is also very popular as well. Of course, many other old standbys, such as night crawlers, crayfish, crayfish tails, stink bait and homemade concoctions, work equally well at times.

True to their name, the channel cats will often be found in late summer relating close to the old channel in the lake. This affords them the opportunity to easily reach deeper water for cool temperatures or shallower water to feed. Points that lead out toward the channel are an added attraction.

The bank along the south side of the reservoir is a little steeper than the remainder of the shoreline. Cats will often cruise near there in search of an easy meal. When the cats come shallow, look for them along the shallow-water arms and up near vegetation, such as lotus and spatterdock. Woody structure is always an attractant to channel cats, so look for them around old brushpiles, downed trees and some of the old fishing docks.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce may be reached at 1-800-699-1760 or (618) 997-6311.

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For more information on these and other great catfish lakes in Illinois, contact the DNR at (217) 782-6302.