Mazonia 8 - Carp Lake
Info / Grundy County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Trolling motor only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 18 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Average
The 2025 Spring sunfish electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 85 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 70 mm (2.8 in) to 447 mm (17.6 in), with 72 of those fish > Stock size (200 mm [8.0 in]). Average length was 277 mm (10.9 in). Catches rates were fairly high at 2.8 fish/minute overall, largely influenced by the number of Stock-Sized fish collected. The PSD-P was excellent, with 25% of the adult fish over 15-inches. Age data indicates fish are on average reaching legal size by Age-5, and maximum length hovers around 16 or 17-inches.
Bluegill
Fair
The 2025 Spring sunfish electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 116 Bluegill collected ranging from 30 mm (1.2 in) to 181 mm (7.1 in), with 111 of those fish > Stock size (80 mm [3.0 in]). Average length was 128 mm (5.0 in). Bluegill CPUE was fairly high at 3.9/minute. The PSD was within the 20 – 40 range, but no Preferred-sized fish were collected. Bluegill were taking 4 years to reach the maximum length of 173 inches (6.8 inches).
Crappie spp.
Average
Crappie are present to varying degrees in most of the Mazonia North and South unit waterbodies. Their populations are normally monitored via trap netting, however, this gear type is challenging to utilize in strip pit lakes due to steep slope along the shoreline. As such, Crappie data is limited on most of these waterbodies.
Channel Catfish
Average
Channel Catfish are not routinely collected during normal electrofishing surveys but site reports indicate anglers have reasonable success although Carp Lake is not thought of as one of the better lakes for Channel Catfish.
| 2026 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 500 |
| 2023 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 500 |
Contact
815-237-0063
Description
Carp Lake is an intermediate-sized impoundment in the Mazonia North Unit Complex covering 17.6 surface acres. It is connected by a narrow channel to Gar Lake (Lake #9). Shoreline access is limited by extensive stands of tall reed grass. The lake has a one-lane concrete boat ramp with adjacent parking. During winter, only one entrance might be open due to road conditions.Fishery History
Carp Lake is surveyed on an alternate year basis. Fish stocking is presently limited to Channel Catfish. A variety of other species (beside those listed above) can be caught and include Common Carp, bullheads and several gar species.Site Regulations
Carp Lake has a trolling motor only regulation. Swimming is prohibited. Fishing is closed 10 days prior to the opening of the Central Zone Duck Season and reopens after the season ends. During Upland Game Season, the North Unit is open Wednesdays - Sundays (sunrise to 4:00 P.M) and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. After Upland Game Season ends, the North Unit is open 7-days a week.
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
