Mazonia - Monster Lake
Info / Kankakee County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Unlimited hp and no wake
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 52.9 acres
Fishing Outlook
Channel Catfish
Average
Unlike other waterbodies within the Mazonia complex, Monster Lake does not receive Channel Catfish from the State Hatchery System. The population is sustained through natural reproduction and/or fish migration from connected creeks. Electrofishing is not typically used to evaluate Channel Catfish populations, and as such this survey does not provide a good assessment of the fishery. Site Regulation: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.
Crappie spp.
Average
The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a one Black Crappie collected measuring 7.7 in. Electrofishing is not a standard gear for evaluating Crappie populations and Fall trap netting is typically conducted to understand these fisheries. Site Regulation: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.
Bluegill
Average
The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 60 Bluegill collected ranging from 50 mm 2 in to 195 mm 7.7 in, with 53 of those fish > Stock size 3.0 in. Average length was 4.9 in. Like Largemouth Bass, Bluegill CPUE also dramatically increased from the Spring 2021 survey (again, likely due to focusing sampling in the Northeast finger). While the PSD remained the same, the number of Stock size and larger fish declined. Body condition was quite good for all size groups.
Flathead Catfish
Fair
Flathead Catfish are present in Monster Lake and have been sampled in low number in IDNR surveys. None were collected in the Spring 2023 electrofishing survey.
Walleye
Developing
The Walleye stocking program was initiated in 2016 and annual stockings are ongoing. The fishery is still in its infancy. Site Regulation: 14-inch Minimum Length Limit and a 18 – 24-inch Protected Slot Limit (4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit [One Over 24 inches]).
Largemouth Bass
Good
The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 73 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 2.8 in to 18.9 in, with 54 of those fish > 8.0 in. Average length was 11.1 in. Largemouth Bass catch rate dramatically improved, mostly due to the focus of sampling in the Northeast finger. Size structure remained similar though the PSD-P increased by 6 points. Body condition remains good. Length frequency distribution indicates that natural reproduction and survival is taking place with a good number of Sub-Stock fish collected. Site Regulation: 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit).
| 2025 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 3323 |
| 2025 | Walleye | Not Specified | 378000 |
| 2024 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 4910 |
Contact
815-237-0063
Description
Monster Lake is a large impoundment, covering 52.9 surface acres with depths to 60 feet. Siltation and nutrient loading have resulted due to Granary Creek being routed through the lake (Monster Lake acts somewhat as a flood control reservoir). This connection to the stream, which is a tributary of the Mazon River, has diversified the fishery. Some opportunity for shore fishing exists and a primitive gravel ramp serves as boat access.Fishery History
The sport fishery is evaluated through routine, periodic fish community and targeted surveys utilizing electrofishing, trap nets, and other gears as appropriate. The lake is a backup brood source for the Kankakee River Walleye collection and receives Kankakee River strain fish on an annual basisSite Regulations
Gasoline motors (unlimited horsepower) are permitted on Monster Lake with a no wake regulation in effect. Swimming is prohibited. Unlike other Mazonia waterbodies, Monster Lake is open year-round to angling.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Recreational Use Restriction: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (see above)
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page
Bath Map
