South Buffalo Lake - SHFWA
Info / Knox County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Carry in only; Electric motors only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 21 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Good
In 2023, The Bluegill population was sampled in an electrofishing survey. The current Bluegill population is rated as good with the larger fish up to 8.0 inches in length. This population is of high density and in good body condition.
Largemouth Bass
Average
In 2023, a late summer D.C. electrofishing survey was used to evaluate the fish population. The Largemouth Bass population was evaluated by 60 stock-size bass from electrofishing. The Largemouth Bass population appears to be defined by a high percentage of fish from 3 to 16 inches in length. In 2017, the bass regulation for Snakeden Hollow SFWA waters were changed from a 3 fish daily harvest limit with only 1 fish greater than or equal to 15 inches, to a protected slot length limit from 14 to 18 inches with 3 fish daily harvest limit. The goal of the new bass regulation is to increase the density of the bass population from 14 to 18 inches. This increased bass density should help create a population that is composed of fish large enough to be efficient predators upon the panfish population. The benefit to bass anglers will be more fish surviving past 15 inches to catch, and for the anglers wanting to harvest bass will be the opportunity to still harvest fish under 14 inches.
Redear Sunfish
Good
The Redear Sunfish population was sampled by a fall electrofishing survey. The current population is rated as good with the larger fish up to 9 inches in length. This population is of low density and in good body condition.
Contact
309-879-2607
Description
Buffalo Prairie Pheasant Habitat Area Lakes and ponds consist of Buffalo Lake South at 21 surface acres, Buffalo Lake North at 7 surface acres, and Buffalo Pond Northwest and Wetland at 3 surface acres. These bodies of waters are all former strip-mine lakes. Submerged rooted aquatic plants are present in most areas under 8 feet deep during the summer months and the water clarity can be over 8 feet also.Fishery History
Buffalo Prairie Pheasant Habitat Area Lakes and ponds have a sport fishery composed of Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Redear Sunfish.Site Regulations
All use other than upland hunting prohibited during the central zone upland hunting season.
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
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than 18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
