Lake 29 - Banner Marsh

Info / Peoria County

Location 22 acres

Small strip mine lake located near the Banner Marsh rearing ponds by the Main Access Entrance.

Fishing Outlook

Contact

Bushman, Blake
IDNR Fisheries Biologist
Send Message
309-435-1010
Rice Lake and Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area

Description

22-acre strip mine lake with steep shorelines, flooded timber and submerged rooted aquatic plants.

Fishery History

Lake 29 Recent History: The major problem through 1995 was a bass population with large individuals and poor reproduction. Also stunted Bluegill due to Gizzard Shad, and carp populations which were causing competition for food. The carp were severely affecting water quality and eliminating aquatic plant life. In 1996 an antimycin treatment made a big impact on the fish population and the water quality. The secchi reading went from 2 feet in 1995 to over 8 feet in 1996. Leafy pondweed was also present for the first time in 1996. No Gizzard Shad were collected, and only five Common Carp were sampled and then removed in 1996. The Largemouth Bass also had a tremendous spawn in 1996. In 2003 the bass population had reached the objectives, however Gizzard Shad had returned in full force. The Bluegill population had not improved, and a higher than average number of carp were sampled. In 2008, the bass population had maintained the quality level surveyed in 2003. The carp and Gizzard Shad CPUE was low. The Bluegill population continues to have low index values due to Gizzard Shad competition. In 2024, the highlight of the survey is a quality bass population in Lake 29. As in the 2017 survey, 14% of the population was over 18 inches in length. The Bluegill and Black Crappie populations are present in high densities of below average size fish. The Common Carp population is present at a low density of large fish. Redspotted Sunfish were again collected in the woody habitat at one of the lake's beaver houses.

Site Regulations

Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:

  • Recreational Use Restriction: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area
  • All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing, except carp, buffalo, suckers and gar may be taken by bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears during May 1 through August 31
  • All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig
  • Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
  • Large or Smallmouth Bass: Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than 18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
  • Muskie:  42 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
  • White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10 inches

Additional Information

Planning to eat your catch?  Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page