As part of the Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP), we have monitored fish communities in La Grange Reach of the Illinois River since 1990. Sampling from 1990-1992 was at fixed sites throughout the reach. However, beginning in 1993, we implemented a stratified random sampling design. Currently, we use large and small fyke nets, large and small hoop nets, seines, and a boat electroshocker to sample approximately 150 randomly selected main channel border, side channel, and backwater sites in La Grange Reach during each of three 45-day sampling windows annually (June 15-Oct 30); this results in approximately 450 samples and 50,000 fish per year. Data collected through 1997 are available from the USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center's home page on the World Wide Web and the Havana Field Station. The LTRMP is authorized by U.S. Congress through 2002 with funds appropriated annually.

Areas Sampled for Fishes

Along with main channel and side channel habitats of the La Grange Reach, major backwater areas that we sample for fishes include: Pekin Lake, Big Lake, Clear Lake, Quiver Lake, Matanza Lake, Crane Lake, Chain Lake, Treadway Lake, Muscooten Bay, and Lily Lake.