Sara, Lake
Location 614 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Poor
Bluegill were not included in the 2025 annual survey. Very few Bluegill longer than 6” have been collected in recent surveys and the Bluegill population in this lake will likely always be hindered by the presence of Gizzard Shad. Long-term trend data suggests that anglers could expect to catch an abundance of Bluegill 5” – 7” in length in 2026.
White Bass
Fair
The White Bass catch rate decreased from 2024 to 2025 and average body condition remained below the lake management plan target. White Bass collected in 2025 ranged from 7” – 17”, but anglers could expect most fish in 2026 to range from 10” – 15” and weigh between 0.5 – 1.5 pounds. Harvest of White Bass in Lake Sara is encouraged.
Channel Catfish
Improving
Channel Catfish numbers have been historically low in Lake Sara and recent stocking efforts should help to improve their density in the coming years. In 2025, average body condition fell just below the lake management plan target. Nearly 41% of the adult catfish sampled in 2025 were over 18” long and 86% exceeded 14”. In 2026, anglers could expect to see most fish between 16” – 20” weighing 1.2 – 3.1 pounds.
Crappie spp.
Good
Black Crappie and White Crappie are present in Lake Sara. The White Crappie population is more numerous and has a better size structure than the Black Crappie population. Average body condition remained below target for Black Crappie and increased to the minimum target for White Crappie. Approximately 29% of the adult White Crappie were longer than 10”, while no Black Crappie exceeded 10”. Nearly 65% of adult White Crappie and 81% of adult Black Crappie sampled in 2025 were in the 8” – 10” size range. In 2026, anglers could expect Black Crappie between 8” – 10” to weigh 0.25 – 0.45 pounds and White Crappie over 9” long to weigh more than 0.37 pounds.
Largemouth Bass
Improving
To help improve the size structure of the population, regulations were changed on April 01, 2017, to a 15” – 18” protected slot limit. In 2025, the percentage of the adult bass in the sample over 15” was 23% and 10% exceeded 18”. Bass numbers below the slot remained abundant and body condition was still poor but could improve with time and increased harvest. However, bass over 15” long were in much better condition. For 2026, the majority of bass below the slot limit should range from 0.5 – 1.5 pounds, while those exceeding 18” should be 3.3 pounds or greater. Harvest of Largemouth Bass below the slot limit (less than 15”) is encouraged.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 7000 |
Contact
217-868-2787
Description
Lake Sara was constructed in 1957, and it has a surface area of 614 acres, a maximum depth of 47 feet, and a mean depth of 19 feet. The lake has 38 miles of shoreline and a watershed of 7,560 acres.Fishery History
The sport fish population in Lake Sara is comprised primarily of Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, White and Black Crappie, White Bass, and Channel Catfish. Other common species include Yellow Bullhead and Common Carp. The fish population is surveyed annually.Site Regulations
Boat permits are required and can be purchased at either of Lake Sara's two Marinas, the Mach 1 gas station on Route 33 West or Lake Sara Marina in Effingham.
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; bow fishing is allowed
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and less than 18 inches
- 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 PageBath Map
