One of the most popular attractions at the annual Illinois State Fair continues to be the Illinois Department of Natural Resource’s Conservation World and one of the most popular exhibits every year is the fisheries department and their pools filled with behemoth blue and flathead catfish, as well as several trophy largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Fisheries biologist Mike Mounce says that keeping the state’s people educated on the fishing resources in Illinois is always an important mission during the state fair.

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In addition to educating people about the regulations and species of fishing in Illinois, Mounce adds the week of the state fair is a great way to educate people about the threat of Asian carp spreading throughout Illinois’ waterways.

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The state fair is set to wrap up this weekend on Sunday night.