Horton Lake
Location 13 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Excellent
The Largemouth Bass fishery has improved in the past five years and has met or exceeded the management goal of 60 fish/hour from 2021-2025. This population has rebounded since the 2014 fish kill. Largemouth Bass Stockings, coupled with vegetation treatments, have contributed to the improvement of this fishery. In 2025, Largemouth Bass were sampled at a rate of 130 fish per hour of electrofishing. Fish ranged from 3.5 – 18.9” with the largest fish weighing 4.4lbs. 20% of the catchable sized fish measured 15” or better. The biggest Largemouth Bass collected in recent surveys measured 20.3” and weighed 6.29lbs.
Bluegill
Excellent
The Bluegill population at Horton Lake has historically been characterized by a high density of fish measuring 3-6” in less than desirable body condition. The Bluegill fishery is improving. In 2025, 106 Bluegill were collected per hour of electrofishing. 11.1% of the catchable sized fish measured 7” or greater.
Northern Pike
Poor
One Northern Pike was sampled in 2023. It measured 30.6” and weighed 5.15lbs. Northern Pike are no longer stocked in Horton Lake, however there are still a few fish in this population.
Black Crappie
Excellent
Black Crappie were sampled at a rate of 54 fish per hour of electrofishing in 2025. Fish measured 3.1 – 11.1” with 15.4% of that catchable sized fish measuring 10” or more. There is currently no restriction on crappie harvest at Horton Lake.
Channel Catfish
Good
No Channel Catfish were collected in 2025. Channel Catfish were collected at a rate of 18 fish per hour in 2024. Fish ranged from 15.8 – 25.2”. Channel Catfish are stocked from the State Hatchery system on an annual basis. The current Channel Catfish regulation is a 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with No Minimum Length Limit.
Rainbow Trout
Very Good
Rainbow Trout are stocked in the spring and fall in Horton Lake as part of the Catchable Trout Program. This put-and-take fishery offers anglers an opportunity to participate in trout fishing.
| 2026 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 155 |
| 2026 | Rainbow Trout | Adult | 700 |
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 260 |
| 2025 | Rainbow Trout | Adult | 700 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 156 |
Contact
IDNR Fisheries Biologist
IDNR Pittsfield Field Office 1252 West Washington Street Pittsfield, IL 62363
Send Message
(217) 622-7219
217-453-2512
Description
Horton Lake was built in 1967 to provide fishing opportunity to patrons of Nauvoo State Park. A primitive boat ramp and bank fishing are available. Only electric trolling motors are allowed. No swimming is allowed. The lake features clear water and a peaceful setting that also offers camping, picnic areas, hiking trails and even a museum. Horton Lake is one of several lakes across Illinois that offers the Catchable Trout Program. Catchable size Rainbow Trout are stocked every spring and fall. Anglers must possess an inland trout stamp, in addition to a valid sportfishing license to participate in this program.Fishery History
Other species present in this lake include Redear Sunfish and Hybrid Sunfish. The lake receives Channel Catfish stockings. Catchable size Rainbow Trout are stocked every spring and fall.Site Regulations
Boats can be powered by electric trolling motors only. No swimming is 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
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Trout: Fall Closed Season; Spring Closed Season; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit; Early Season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted