Defiance Lake
Location 45 acres
Fishing Outlook
Northern Pike
Good
A spring netting survey took place in March of 2018. The Northern Pike catch rate was over six fish per net night. Abundance, based on catch rate, was higher in 2018 than in the previous three surveys. The pike in the survey ranged in length from 17.6 to 30.5 fish, with the largest weighing 5.5 pounds. Unfortunately, the hatchery system stopped producing Northern Pike in 2015. Future surveys will take place to determine if natural reproduction can maintain the pike in Defiance.
Channel Catfish
Good
Non-vulnerable sized (8-12 inches) Channel Catfish are stocked annually in Defiance Lake. No Channel Catfish were sampled in the 2018 survey. Previous surveys have reported Channel Catfish greater than 20 inches in Defiance.
Largemouth Bass
Poor
Largemouth Bass have not been abundant during any of the last four surveys in the past 11 years. Three bass less were caught in the 2018 survey. None were over 14 inches.
Bluegill
Fair
Bluegill catch rate was low in the last survey. While it has been as high as 80 fish per hour, the 2018 catch rate was only 54 fish per hour. Bluegill ranged in length from 3.6 to 7.2 inches, with the average fish measuring 5.4 inches. Other panfish species in Defiance Lake include; black crappie, green sunfish, pumpkinseed and warmouth, and yellow perch.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 378 |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 1240 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 180 |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 1044 |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 1232 |
Contact
815-385-1624
Description
Defiance Lake is one of a handful of natural glacial lakes in Illinois that has remained relatively undeveloped. Its maximum depth is 18 feet. The lake stays fairly clear for most of the year, but vegetation does become quite thick. Treatment of vegetation is not an option due to threatened plant species. There is no paved boat launch at the lake, but carry-in boats/canoes/kayaks are allowed. Rental boats are available. Bank fishing is prohibited due to hazardous peat soils that surround the lake, except for designated piers along the boardwalk.Fishery History
Defiance Lake is stocked annually with Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike. The lake is surveyed by IDNR and supplemental sampling for Northern Pike occurs when conditions allow. Defiance Lake is difficult to sample effectively with electrofishing gear as the vegetation becomes very thick early in the year. For this reason, catch rates for most species are low. While abundance may be underestimated, species richness seems to be pretty consistent throughout the years. Defiance Lake should provide something for the angler who wants to catch something other than Largemouth Bass and Bluegill. Overall, it is a year-round productive and diverse lake that offers a chance to see some uncommon fish species. In 2018 we captured Brown Bullhead, Bowfin, Yellow Perch, Grass Pickerel, and Pumpkinseed. Previous surveys have shown Black Crappie, Black Bullhead, Brook Silverside, Central Mudminnow, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Lake Chubsucker, Longnose Gar, Warmouth and Yellow Bullhead to be present in Defiance Lake. Fish attractors were installed and fish have been observed using them. Three attractors have been placed and can be seen on the map below.Site Regulations
Carry-in canoes and kayaks may be launched at the boat ramp located behind the office. Bank fishing is prohibited due to hazardous peat soils that surround the lake, except for designated piers along the boardwalk. Electric trolling motors are allowed.
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
- Largemouth Bass: 14 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
