Ashland New Reservoir
Info / Morgan County
Family Friendly
Yes
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Electric only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 12 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Very Good
The 2025 electrofishing survey yielded 156 Largemouth Bass per hour of electrofishing. Fish ranged from 4.4 – 13.9”. There is currently a high density of smaller Largemouth Bass in this fishery. The current regulation is the Statewide Largemouth Bass regulation, which is a 6 daily limit with no length limit.
Bluegill
Fair
In 2025, Bluegill were collected at a rate of 8 fish per hour of electrofishing. Bluegill ranged from 2.4–7.6”. The catch rate in 2025 fell below the prior survey in 2021 and is much lower than the management goal. The current Bluegill/Redear Sunfish regulation is 10 fish/day.
Redear Sunfish
Excellent
Redear Sunfish were collected at a rate of 24 fish per hour during the 2025 electrofishing survey. These fish ranged from 8.3 – 10.0”.
Channel Catfish
Average
Two Channel Catfish were collected during the 2025 survey. These fish measured 20.9” and 21.3”. IDNR Division of Fisheries will continue to stock non-vulnerable Channel Catfish biennially, or as State Hatchery production allows, to maintain angling opportunities for this species.
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 150 |
Contact
IDNR Fisheries Biologist
IDNR Pittsfield Field Office 1252 West Washington Street Pittsfield, IL 62363
Send Message
(217) 622-7219
217-476-3317
Description
The Ashland New Reservoir is owned by the Village of Ashland and was constructed in 1978 as a secondary water supply. The Village of Ashland entered into a formal Cooperative Management Agreement with IDNR in 1988. The first step taken was a complete rehabilitation of the lake and subsequent restocking. The lake is 10 acres and has a maximum depth of approximately 20 feet. There is a one-lane gravel ramp on the north end of the lake and the entire shoreline is accessible to bank fishing.Fishery History
Other species present in this lake include Black Crappie, Common Carp, Green Sunfish, Golden Shiner, White Crappie, and Yellow Bullhead.Site Regulations
Boats are allowed with electric trolling motors only (no gas motors allowed on boat). There is a 14' boat length maximum.
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: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit