Pana Lake
Info / Shelby County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
Yes - More Info
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 205 acres
Fishing Outlook
Muskellunge
Fair
Muskellunge, of larger sizes, were initially stocked in 2011. Numbers collected have been highly variable. Anglers have reported catching large fish. Fishing quality is rated as fair for 2016. Site Regulation: 1 fish daily; 48" minimum
Common Carp
Good
Common Carp are abundant with fish exceeding 14 lbs. Fishing quality is rated as good.
Flathead Catfish
Good
Flathead Catfish are fairly abundant. Many young Flathead Catfish are collected in surveys. The largest flathead collected was 32 inches and weighed 14+ lbs. Fishing quality is rated as fair-good.
Channel Catfish
Excellent
Channel Catfish are stocked by IDNR hatcheries and very abundant in this lake. The average catch goes from 3/4 - 5 pounds, with the occasional fish over 10 pounds caught. Fishing prospects are rated as excellent for 2016! Site Regulation: 6 fish daily; no length limit.
Bluegill
Poor
Bluegill fishing is poor-fair. Few fish exceed 7 inches.
Largemouth Bass
Good
Largemouth Bass are fairly abundant with bass from 1/2 – 3 pounds common. Fish over 6 pounds are caught on occasion. Most bass collected were young-of-the-year fish. Recruitment has improved with the presence of aquatic vegetation in the lake. The collection rate of larger bass was less than desirable, but the population density is likely higher than these numbers reflect. The largest bass collected was 19” and 3.7 lbs. Fishing quality is rated as fair-good for both size structure and density for 2016. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily; 14" minimum (large and smallmouth)
Crappie spp.
Good
Crappie, both white and black, are present, with white crappie abundant. Anglers may catch crappie up to 11+ inches and 0.5+ pounds. Fishing prospects for 2016 are good.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 5600 |
| 2025 | Muskellunge | Adult | 158 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 3360 |
| 2024 | Muskellunge | Adult | 152 |
| 2023 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 5600 |
Contact
217-562-3626
Description
Two lakes combine to cover 219 surface acres and consist of a separate older upper lake (69 acres) and newer lower lake (144 acres). The maximum depth is 36 feet with an average depth of 13.7 feet. A public boat launch is available only on the lower lake. The City of Pana (217-562-3626) collects a boating access fee. All tournaments must be scheduled through ifishillinois.org.Fishery History
The fish population of Pana Lake is intensively surveyed every 2 years, primarily by electrofishing. The fish are measured, weighed, and scales collected for aging before releasing the fish alive. Channel Catfish and Muskellunge (Muskie) are stocked annually by IDNR hatcheries. Yellow Bass, Longear Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Warmouth, and Yellow Bullhead are present, but are seldom harvested by anglers due to the small size attained by most of these species. Gizzard Shad and Golden Shiners are the primary forage for gamefish.Site Regulations
The City of Pana (217-562-3626) collects a boating access fee. All tournaments must be scheduled online through ifishillinios.org.
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
- All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- 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
