Dawson Lake - MVSRA
Location 161 acres
Fishing Outlook
Black Crappie
Fair
During the most recent survey, Black Crappie were collected at a rate of 64 per hour and the average catch rate is 58.9 per hour. Of the Black Crappie collected over 5”, 100% were over 8” and 11% were over 10”. The crappie fishery is dominated by crappie just above 9 inches. Site Regulation: 15 fish daily limit.
Largemouth Bass
Very Good
The most recent bass survey resulted in a catch rate of 158 bass per hour. Of the bass collected over 8 inches, 53% were over 12 inches and 32% were over 15 inches. A new regulation was implemented in 2015 to increase the number of larger bass in the lake. The regulation will allow anglers to remove 2 bass under 15 inches and only one bass over 15 inches. Gizzard shad were first collected in 2018 and may improve the growth rate and size structure of the bass population. The catch rate for bass over 15 inches in 2023 was the highest catch rate recorded in over 20 years. Site Regulation: 2 fish less than 15" and 1 fish greater than 15", 3 fish daily limit
Channel Catfish
Very Good
Channel Catfish are stocked each year from the State Hatchery System. The latest survey collected 16 catfish per hour and represents a high number of catfish in Dawson. The average catch rate for the past 10 surveys is 27.4 per hour. Approximately 23% of the catfish collected were over 16 inches. The catfish population is maintained from annual stockings. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit.
Bluegill
Fair
During the most recent survey, Bluegill were collected at a rate of 171 per hour. Of the Bluegill over 3 inches, 35% were over 6 inches and none were over 8 inches. The Bluegill fishery is rated as fair. To improve the Bluegill fishery, only 5 Bluegill over 8 inches will be allowed to be harvested. Anglers will be allowed to harvest 20 Bluegill in total, which is an increase from the old regulation of 15 per day. It is important to not overharvest large Bluegill from the fishery. Site Regulation: 20 fish daily limit, only 5 fish over 8" limit.
Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)
Excellent
Saugeye have been stocked into Dawson Lake since 2003. During the most recent Saugeye electrofishing survey, 57 Saugeye were collected per hour of sampling. The Saugeye ranged in length from 14 inches to 26.6 inches. The heaviest Saugeye weighed 7.98 pounds and the average weight for all Saugeye was 3 pounds. Dawson has an excellent Saugeye fishery. Site Regulation: 15" minimum length limit, no more than 1 fish over 20", 3 fish daily limit
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 3168 |
| 2025 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 11859 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 1265 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 1896 |
| 2024 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 10477 |
Contact
309-724-8032
Description
This fertile 160.8-acre lake was built in 1962 and has a maximum depth of 25.5 feet and an average depth of 10 feet. There is a two-lane launching ramp and docking facility. A concession stand, located near the boat dock and launch offers dock and boat rental, fishing tackle, bait, refreshments and various supplies. A restaurant, seating 60, serves breakfast and lunch daily.Fishery History
The IDNR Division of Fisheries has been active in the management of the fisheries in Dawson Lake since the lake was constructed in 1962. The lake receives stockings of Saugeye and Channel Catfish.Site Regulations
There is an idle-speed/no-wake speed limit for boats with motors over 10 horsepower and no speed limit for boats with motors 10 horsepower or less.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing; bow fishing is allowed from a boat but not within 150 feet of any developed recreational areas
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2 fish less than 15 inches
- Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 fish greater than or equal to 20 inches
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
