Paradise, Lake
Info / Coles County
Family Friendly
Yes
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - No wake only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
Yes - More Info
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
Location 138 acres
Fishing Outlook
Channel Catfish
Very Good
Channel Catfish are abundant in the lake. The average catch goes from 3/4 - 6 pounds, with the occasional fish over 10 pounds caught. Fishing prospects are rated as good-excellent for 2016. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit; no minimum length limit.
White Crappie
Good
White Crappie are very abundant. Growth rates vary from slow to fast within this population. Anglers may catch crappie up to 12 inches and 0.75+ lbs., but there are a lot of small crappie. Black crappie are present, but relatively, rare. Fishing prospects are rated as fair-good for 2016.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Largemouth Bass are moderate in abundance due to a lack of aquatic vegetation for nursery habitat. Improved numbers of bass from ½-4 pounds are present with fish over 6 pounds caught on occasion. Fishing prospects are rated as fair-good for 2016. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit; 14" minimum length limit (large and smallmouth).
Freshwater Drum
Good
Freshwater Drum, commonly called drum “perch”, are moderately abundant with fish exceeding 3 lbs.
Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)
Good
Saugeye (sauger X walleye hybrids), stocked annually, are developing into a good fishery. Saugeye are abundant from 12 to 22 inches present. Fishing prospects are rated as good for 2016. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit; 14" minimum length limit (saugeye, walleye, sauger).
Bluegill
Fair
Bluegill fishing is poor-fair. They are abundant, but few fish exceed 7 inches.
Common Carp
Excellent
Common Carp are abundant with fish exceeding 8 lbs. Fishing prospects are rated as excellent for 2016.
Flathead Catfish
Poor
Flathead Catfish are low in abundance. Anglers catch flatheads infrequently. Catch-and-release is encouraged. Fishing prospects are rated as poor-fair for 2016.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 6640 |
| 2025 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 9275 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Adult | 3984 |
| 2023 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 6640 |
| 2023 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 7084 |
Contact
General Inquiries
217-254-6680
Description
The lake covers 210 surface acres with a maximum depth of 16 feet and average depth of 8.5 feet. A public boat launch is available at the northeast end of the lake. The Lake Mattoon Marina (217-254-6680) collects a boating access fee which covers Lake Paradise and Lake Mattoon. Recreational opportunities include fishing and limited boating. There is a no-wake regulation in effect on Lake Paradise. All tournaments must be registered through ifishillinois.org.Fishery History
The fish population in Lake Paradise is surveyed intensively every 2 years. The fish are measured, weighed, and scales collected before releasing them alive. Annual evaluations of Saugeye have been made. Saugeye and Channel Catfish have been maintained by annual stockings from IDNR hatcheries. Desirable species of aquatic vegetation have been introduced in an attempt to improve water quality, reduce shoreline erosion, and provide valuable and necessary fish habitat. Unfortunately, despite an extensive effort, success is limited. Yellow Bass, Longear Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Black Bullheads, and Yellow Bullheads are present, but are seldom harvested by anglers due to the small size attained by these species. Gizzard Shad is the primary forage for sportfish.Site Regulations
Launching and boating on Lake Paradise requires a boating access fee that can be paid at Lake Mattoon Marina (217-254-6680). The fee covers boating on Lake Mattoon, as well. There is a no-wake regulation in effect on the entire lake. All tournaments must be registered through ifishillinois.org.
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
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Walleye, Sauger, or Walleye Hybrid (Saugeye): 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)