Mazonia - Gar Lake
Info / Grundy County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Trolling motor only
Boat Ramps
Yes - Use Carp Lake Boat Ramp to access Gar Lake
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 0 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Good
The Spring 2025 Sunfish electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 73 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 120 mm (4.7 in) to 490 mm (19.3 in), with 65 of those fish > Stock size (200 mm [8.0 in]). Average length was 294 mm (11.6 in). Largemouth Bass catch rate was excellent (2.4 fish/minute). Size structure was good with a good proportion of fish larger than Quality and Preferred-size (PSD and PSD-P, respectively). PSD and PSD-P values were 49 and 23, respectively.
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.
Bluegill
Fair
The Spring 2025 Sunfish electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 189 Bluegill collected ranging from 50 mm (2.0 in) to 185 mm (7.3 in), with 173 of those fish > Stock size (80 mm [3.0 in]). Average length was 118 mm (4.6 in). Bluegill catch rate was very high, dominated by smaller fish. Size structure was poor, with no fish over Preferred-size collected.
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Description
Gar Lake is one of the largest impoundments in the Mazonia North Unit covering 34.0 surface acres. It is connected by a narrow channel to Carp Lake (Lake #8). Gar Lake also receives water from the Mazon River during high water periods, which has resulted in diversification of the fish population. Shoreline access is limited by extensive stands of tall reed grass. Boaters can access the lake by launching at the Carp Lake ramp.
Fishery History
Gar Lake is surveyed on an alternate year basis. While not directly stocked, Carp Lake (Lake #8) receives Channel Catfish from the state hatchery system and these fish likely migrate between the two lakes via a small connection channel.
Site Regulations
Gar 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