Gladstone Lake
Location 27 acres
Fishing Outlook
Muskellunge
Developing
No muskie were sampled in the 2023 electrofishing survey. Two female muskie at 33 inches in length were stocked into Gladstone Lake in the spring of 2016 by IDNR Fisheries, 10 fish at 12.5 inches in 2018, and 10 fish at 13.5 inches in 2019. A low density muskie population will be the goal for Gladstone Lake. A total density of less than 10 fish per year will be stocked over the next five years. In 2017 the muskie harvest regulation was established at a 48 inch minimum and 1 fish per day harvest limit for Gladstone Lake.
Redear Sunfish
Poor
In 2023, The Redear Sunfish population was sampled by 19 fish in the electrofishing survey. The current redear population is rated as average with the larger fish up to 8.0 inches in length. This population is of moderate density and in average body condition for stock-sized fish.
Black Crappie
Average
In 2023, the Black Crappie population was sampled by 16 fish from 7.6 to 9.3 inches in length. A low density Black Crappie population is present at this time. No harvest or length limit is necessary currently for the crappie population.
Bluegill
Poor
The Bluegill population was sampled by 35 stock-sized fish in the electrofishing survey. The current Bluegill population is rated as average with the larger fish up to 7.5 inches in length. This population is of high density and in good body condition for stock-sized fish.
Channel Catfish
Good
The Channel Catfish population was sampled by 2 fish from 18 to 18.5 inches in length. Little Grassy hatchery stocked 700 fish at 8 inches in length 2023. An annual stocking of 700 non-vulnerable Channel Catfish is scheduled for the future.
Largemouth Bass
Poor
In 2023, a late spring D.C. electrofishing survey was used to evaluate the fish population. The Largemouth Bass population was evaluated by 52 stock-sized bass from electrofishing. The Largemouth Bass population appears to be defined by a high percentage of fish from 3 to 14 inches in length with good average Relative weights. The bass population appears to have a a high density of fish competing for space and food. A very large year class was produced in the spring of 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The current bass regulation will remain in place for 2024. Anglers can and hopefully will harvest some of the bass under 12 inches in length.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 700 |
| 2023 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 700 |
Contact
309-374-2496
Description
This 32-acre small sandpit or water-table impoundment is owned and managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is situated within an 87.5-acre site that in addition to fishing, offers primitive camping. The lake has a maximum depth of 25 feet with the bottom contour very irregular due to a series of underwater ridges. The 1.5 miles of shoreline is accessible to bank fishing. A boat ramp is provided along the southeast shoreline. Formation of Gladstone Lake started in 1910 and continued until 1947 as sand was dredged from the site to be used by steam locomotives as rail traction. In 1961, the site was purchased by the Illinois Department of Conservation and developed as a state park, known today as the Henderson County Conservation Area.Fishery History
The historic flood of 2008 on the Mississippi River inundated Gladstone Lake and contaminated it with undesirable, non-sportfish. Within a 4-year period, the introduced fish had resulted in a very poor quality sport fishery. In 2012, the lake was rehabilitated with a fish toxicant to remove the undesirable fish and then restocked in 2012 and 2013. The lake and its sport fishery are evaluated annually.Site Regulations
The use of gasoline motors to propel watercraft is not permitted; electric motors only.
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
- Blue or Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than 15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than1 fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2 fish less than 12 inches
- Muskie: 48 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
