Compared to Ark Tailwaters Beaver,Bull SHoals,Norfolk,Greers ferry,Table Rock/TanneyComo. There is a huge difference
in the number of Sowbugs,snails,Scud/freshwater shrimp,per square yard as compared to the others mentioned.there is an Aquatic worm called Annelids in the Lower Illinois that i haven't seen in the other waters.
But the other waters don't have the poplation of Carp like the LIR does.
I have never Sampled the Upper Illinois,So i am hesitant to blame Chicken houses.The other waters have chicken houses around them as well.
Now I'm curious about the bug population in that creek that a carp festival is held in up around bella Vista.