Demographics of a Lightly Exploited Channel Catfish Population in a Midwestern River

Catfish are one of the most important fish harvested for human consumption in Midwestern waters.  Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), in particular, are one of Illinois most highly prized game and food fish.  The Sangamon River, located in Macon County, is a lightly exploited system, as commercial fishing is not allowed except from Belt Route 48 southwest of Decatur downstream to the mouth of the river in Cass County.  We sampled nine sites along the Sangamon River for Channel catfish, beginning below Lake Decatur and continuing downstream to Lincoln Trail Bridge.  We estimated the relative density, condition, size and age structure for 166 Channel catfish sampled using AC electrofishing.  All fish were weighed, measured, and the left pectoral spine was removed.  Channel catfish population on the Sangamon River has a high density (29.66 fish per hour ± 6.58) of small (total length of 343.21 mm; PSD of 22), young (5.04 years ± 0.11) fish.  Although no catfish was greater than 660 mm, fish tended to be in good condition ( = 91.58 ± 1.04).  To assess impact of harvest on Channel catfish demographics we will continue sampling the Sangamon River and begin sampling the Embarras River, which has higher exploitation rates.