Mazonia 7 - Bullhead Lake
Info / Grundy County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Trolling motors only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 33 acres
Fishing Outlook
Crappie spp.
Good
The Spring 2022 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 8 Black and 3 White Crappie collected ranging from 9.2 – 12.2 inches with an average length of 11 inches. The number of Crappie collected declined from previous surveys, though the cause of this decline remains unknown. Electrofishing is not considered a “standard” gear for evaluating Crappie populations and trap netting will be used to evaluate this fishery if net locations can be found (trap netting is challenging in waterbodies with steep slopes and quick drop-offs).Fishing Regulation: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.
Channel Catfish
Average
No Channel Catfish were collected during this survey. This “poor” collection is likely not representative of the population as they often evade electrofishing capture. Non-vulnerable Channel Catfish (NVC) are requested on a triennial basis. Reproduction is likely non-existent, and this fishery is viewed as “put-grow-take.” Fishing Regulation: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
The Spring 2025 targeted sunfish electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 68 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 171 mm (6.7 in) to 403 mm (15.9 in), with 59 of those fish > Stock size (200 mm [8.0 in]). Average length was 290 mm (11.4 in). Catch rate of Largemouth Bass was excellent. While the PSD was good, there was a general lack of legal fish in the sample. Only a few fish collected were legal sized and they were all 7 – 9 years old. Compared to the rest of the ecoregion, Largemouth Bass mean length-at-age for most age-classes was below the 50th percentile. Fishing Regulation: 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit).
Bluegill
Average
The Spring 2025 targeted sunfish electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 86 Bluegill collected ranging from 46 mm (1.8 in) to 208 mm (8.2 in), with 67 of those fish > Stock size (80 mm [3.0 in]). Average length was 113 mm (4.4 in). Bluegill catch rate was excellent. Size structure was within the target range, though PSD-P was slightly below. Bluegill growth potential appears good given that mean length-at-age was above the 50th percentile for most year-classes in the ecoregion.
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 420 |
Contact
815-237-0063
Description
Bullhead Lake is one of the largest impoundments in the North Unit at 32.9 surface acres. Shoreline access is limited by extensive stands of tall reed grass. The lake has a one-lane concrete boat ramp with adjacent parking. The lake closed to fishing during upland game and waterfowl seasons. Following the completion of the hunting seasons, it reopens for ice fishing dependent upon ice conditions. During winter, only one entrance might be open due to road conditions.
Bullhead Lake is currently closed to larger boat usage due to ramp damage during the 2020 flood, however vessels small enough to be carried down to the lake are permitted to launch.
Fishery History
Bullhead Lake is surveyed on an alternate year basis. Fish stocking has been limited to mainly Channel Catfish, which are requested from the State Hatchery System on a triennial basis. Besides the sportfish listed above, a variety of other species are present and include Common Carp, Freshwater Drum, bullheads, Green Sunfish and several gar species.Site Regulations
Bullhead Lake has a trolling motor only regulation. Swimming is prohibited. Fishing is closed 10 days prior to the opening of the Central Zone Duck Season and reopens after the season ends. During Upland Game Season, the North Unit is open Wednesdays - Sundays (sunrise to 4:00 P.M) and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. After Upland Game Season ends, the North Unit is open 7-days a week.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Recreational Use Restriction: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (see above)
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page
Bath Map
