Fish populations in central Illinois lakes appear to be strong despite the drought that lowered water levels and heated lakes and ponds, causing serious fish kills.

That's the preliminary conclusion of fall lake surveys in the central part of the state.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Dan Stephenson says all the lakes he surveys have looked excellent, especially for largemouth bass.

Other surveyors have found the same, even in lakes hardest hit by drought and fish kills, likePowerton 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.