Gillespie Old City Lake
Info / Macoupin County
Family Friendly
Yes
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Electric motors only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
Yes
Picnicking
Yes
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
Location 71 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Very Good
In 2017, 114 Largemouth Bass ranging from 6.7-21.7” were collected. Seventeen Largemouth Bass exceeded 15”, and six exceeded 18”. The catch rate of 114 bass/hour exceeds the management goal (‰¥60 bass/hour). This bass fishery continues to offer excellent bass fishing opportunities.
Redear Sunfish
Very Good
Redear Sunfish were collected at a rate of 310 fish/hour. 54.8% of adult fish collected were quality size (7” or larger). Ten fish collected exceeded 8”.
Channel Catfish
Average
Four Channel Catfish were collected, measuring 16.5-24.4”. Body Condition was average (Wr=98). Channel Catfish were stocked in 2017 and 2019. IDNR will continue to stock Channel Catfish as hatchery production allows.
Bluegill
Fair
Bluegill were collected at a catch rate of 380 fish/hour. The fish collected ranged from 2.0-7.5”. Two fish were over 7”. Bluegill body condition is poor (Wr=91). This population is always going to have its challenges competing for food resources with Gizzard Shad.
Crappie spp.
Good
In 2017, Forty-Two Black Crappie were collected ranging from 6.3-9.8”. Two Black Crappie exceeded 9”. Thirty-Six White Crappie were collected ranging from 5.9-14.6”, eight of which exceeded 9”. The largest White Crappie measured 14.6” and weighed 1.52lbs. Anglers should be encouraged to harvest crappies. There are currently no crappie length limits or harvest limits on this lake.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 1420 |
| 2023 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 1420 |
Contact
618-362-6363
Description
Gillespie Old City Lake is 71 acres with a shoreline length of 5 miles, watershed of 3,300 acres, maximum depth of 21 feet, and average depth 8.8 feet. It is owned by the City of Gillespie and is cooperatively managed with IDNR Fisheries. There is one concrete ramp on the north shore of the impoundment by the dam. This small water body is predominantly used for recreational fishing only.Fishery History
Approximately 14 species occupy this fertile water body. At this time, only Channel Catfish are stocked periodically by IDNR Fisheries.Site Regulations
Gillespie Old City Lake has a trolling motor only regulation. During the Illinois waterfowl season, fishing is only allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
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
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
