Pyramid State Park - Mallard Lake
Location 66 acres
Fishing Outlook
White Bass
Good
White Bass have been collected in Mallard Lake up to 2 lbs. during past surveys and are often caught as a bonus while fishing for other species in Mallard Lake.
Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)
Good
Saugeye have been stocked in Mallard Lake since 2021, before which Walleye were stocked during 2019 and 2020. Catch rates of Saugeye/Walleye during targeted night electrofishing surveys have exceeded management goals each year, indicating a desirable survival rate of stocked fingerlings. Saugeye/Walleye captured during the 2025 targeted survey ranged in length from 7.2" to 20.1". Based on dorsal spine age estimates, Saugeye are growing to legal size (14") in about 2.5 years. In summary, anglers should expect good opportunities for Saugeye at Mallard Lake, especially during spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler.
Largemouth Bass
Good
Mallard Lake is known to harbor a good bass fishery. During the 2025 spring electrofishing survey, bass were captured at a rate of 102/hour, exceeding the management target of 100/hour. Bass in the sample ranged from 6.0 to 21.8 inches in length, the largest weighing in at 6.2 lbs. About 16% of bass in the sample were over 15 inches and 9% were over 18 inches.
Bluegill
Poor
The Bluegill population size structure is poor. Very few Bluegill over 7 inches have been collected. Most collected during surveys are between 4 and 7 inches.
Channel Catfish
Average
A low density population of Channel Catfish is present in the lake. A small number are usually collected during population surveys.
| 2025 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 6762 |
| 2024 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 4800 |
Contact
618-357-2574
Description
Mallard Lake is a 65-acre strip mine lake that supports quality angling opportunities. Facilities at this lake include a concrete boat launch, floating dock, bathrooms, and sizeable parking lot. There is also limited access for bank anglers around the vicinity of the boat ramp.Fishery History
Mallard lake supports good fisheries for Largemouth Bass, crappie, Channel Catfish, and Saugeye. Based on electrofishing survey data, stocked Saugeye fingerlings demonstrate good survival rates and grow to legal-size (14 inches) in about 2.5 years. The Saugeye fishery has grown in popularity, as experienced anglers have reported good success rates when targeting them. Due to the success of the Saugeye stocking program in Mallard Lake, stockings were recently expanded to several more lakes within Pyramid State Park, including Super, Canvasback, Redhead, and Wesseln lakes.Site Regulations
There is no motor horsepower limit at Pyramid, however all boats must be operated at no-wake speed.
Fishing is prohibited from November 1 through the last day of February, except within the designated area between the boat launch and marker buoy. Legal fishing hours during this time are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 2 p.m.
- 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; bow fishing is allowed
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- Walleye, Sauger, or Walleye Hybrid (Saugeye): 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page
Fish Attractor Map
