Silver Lake (Highland)
Location 550 acres
Fishing Outlook
Redear Sunfish
Fair
The Redear Sunfish numbers appear to be dropping. The size distribution was fair with some fish over 8 inches.
Bluegill
Fair
The Bluegill population is fair to poor. Few fish are reaching 7 inches The condition of the fish was good.
Channel Catfish
Very Good
25 Channel Catfish were collected, ranging in length from 15 to 27 inches and an average weight of over 2.5lbs. A very good catfish fishery is present in this lake.
White Crappie
Excellent
The White Crappie population is doing very well in this lake. It appears the lake has good numbers and a very good size distribution with many fish over 10 inches collected in the 2020 survey.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
The size distribution of the bass collected looks good and fish are present in several year classes. The fish collected were in good condition. Largemouth Bass numbers are low likely due to poor natural reproduction and recruitment in the bass population. Stocking of Largemouth Bass from the state hatchery and from the new rearing pond should help to offset this.
Sauger
Improving
Only 2 Sauger were collected in this survey. They were both small fish under 8 inches. Reports from anglers suggest these fish are doing well and many good sized fish are being caught.
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 14730 |
| 2025 | Sauger | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 8008 |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 13862 |
| 2024 | Sauger | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 8280 |
| 2023 | Largemouth Bass | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 13857 |
Contact
618-651-1386
Description
This is a 550-acre water supply lake owned by the City of Highland. The fishery of the lake is cooperatively managed by the IDNR and the City of Highland. The shoreline of the lake includes rock, woody structure, and aquatic plants. There is one concrete boat ramp located in Silver Lake Park. There is limited access for shore anglers.Fishery History
The IDNR Division of Fisheries routinely monitors the status of the fishery of Silver Lake. Recent stockings include supplemental Largemouth Bass and annual Sauger. The Largemouth Bass numbers are still lower than we would like in this lake. However, the size structure of the population and fish condition are good. Hopefully, the supplemental stockings of Largemouth Bass will help improve these numbers. The new rearing pond will also provide additional bass for stocking. Water quality improvements and shoreline stabilization efforts are likely helping to improve spawning conditions as well. Largemouth Bass stockings will continue to be requested from our state hatchery, however due to current reductions in our hatchery production further stockings are not guaranteed. The Redear Sunfish, crappie, and Channel Catfish populations should provide very good angling opportunities. The Sauger stocking seems to be successful based on angler reports and will be continued.Site Regulations
There is a 50 horsepower limit for boat motors and a city sticker is required for all boats. Boat permits can be purchased at Highland City Hall between 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Swimming, wading, and waterskiing are prohibited.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Walleye, Sauger, or Walleye Hybrid: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
