Osprey Lake - MFWA
Info / Bureau County
Family Friendly
Yes
Handicap Access
Yes
Boat Fishing
Yes - Electric motors only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 14 acres
Fishing Outlook
Redear Sunfish
Excellent
A total of 17 Redear Sunfish were collected in 2022, which is similar to the 2019 survey. Size distribution is excellent with fish up to 9 inches sampled. Redear Sunfish are not commonly sampled at high rates in most lakes due to habitat preferences.
Largemouth Bass
Good
A total of 121 Largemouth Bass were sampled in 2022. The CPUE of 242 fish/hr is similar to historical DC nocturnal electrofishing samples. Osprey has a very strong class of fish in the 8-12 inch group.
Bluegill
Very Good
A total of 91 Bluegill were sampled in 2022. The Bluegill population has really changed since historic nocturnal survey. Most notably is the numbers of fish over 6 inches and the increase in trophy 8-10 inches sized fish. These changes could possibly be due to the changes in the Largemouth Bass population.
| 2025 | Redear Sunfish | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 15410 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 450 |
| 2024 | Redear Sunfish | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 26376 |
| 2023 | Redear Sunfish | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 14947 |
Contact
16006-875 E. St.
815-454-2328
Description
Osprey Lake was created by strip-mining in the 1950s. The lake did not open to the public until 1994 because of lack of roads and restroom facilities. Osprey Lake has 14.1 surface acres of water. A single lane concrete boat ramp with car/trailer parking is available.Fishery History
The fishery is managed by species-specific surveys and fish stocking. Osprey Lake receives an annual stocking of Redear Sunfish.Site Regulations
Only electric trolling motors are allowed on Osprey Lake.
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; sport fisherman may harvest carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears from May 1 through August 31
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
