Mingo, Lake
Info / Vermilion County
Family Friendly
Yes
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - 9.9 hp motor limit
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
Yes
Picnicking
Yes - More Info
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 170 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Fair
The Bluegill population is regulated by a length limit that protects the larger Bluegill from overharvest. Only 5 Bluegill over 8 inches can be kept, but a total of 20 Bluegill can be harvested. Approximately 38% of the Bluegill collected during the most recent survey were longer than 6 inches. No Bluegill were collected over 8 inches, but 7% of the Bluegill were longer than 7 inches. The Bluegill fishery has improved under the maximum size limit, but there is plenty of room for improvement. Lake Mingo has a good Bluegill fishery. See site regulation below.
Channel Catfish
Good
The State Hatchery System stocks Channel Catfish each year to maintain a quality catfish fishery. The catfish fishery in Lake Mingo commonly produces catfish from 1 to 10 pounds. With the continued efforts from the hatchery, the catfish fishery will provide anglers a great fishing opportunity. See site regulation below.
Redear Sunfish
Average
The number of Redear Sunfish has fluctuated over the years and may be due to the amount of aquatic vegetation in Lake Mingo. Redear Sunfish are dependent upon having adequate amounts of aquatic vegetation. Even though the Redear Sunfish numbers change, there are always 7 to 9-inch Redear Sunfish in the fishery. On average, 70.5% of the Redear Sunfish collected are larger than 7 inches. Reproduction has been low the past few years and is resulting in a decline in Redear Sunfish numbers. Redear Sunfish were stocked in an effort to increase numbers to previous levels, but the stockings were terminated after the 2022 stockings. See site regulation below.
Largemouth Bass
Good
During the most recent electrofishing survey, the catch rate for bass was 92 per hour and the management objective is 100 per hour. Of the bass collected over 8 inches, 50% were longer than 12 inches, 21% were longer than 15 inches, and 6% were longer than 20 inches. Lake Mingo has a good bass fishery. See site regulation below.
Crappie spp.
Good
In 2008, a 9” length limit and a 15 per day harvest limit was placed on crappie. No crappie were collected during the most recent survey but the crappie fishery is very cyclic and Lake Mingo is difficult to sample crappie. See site regulation below.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 2550 |
| 2025 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 15375 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 682 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 1023 |
| 2024 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 8962 |
Contact
217-442-1691
Description
Lake Mingo is 170 acres and was built in 1980 and renovated in 1983. The lake has a maximum depth of 38 feet and an average depth of 13.5 feet. There is a 9.9 horsepower limit and there is one boat launch.Fishery History
The IDNR Division of Fisheries has been active in the management of the fisheries in Lake Mingo since the lake was constructed. The lake currently receives stockings of Channel Catfish and Saugeye.Site Regulations
There is a 9.9 horsepower limit and a lake permit required to launch/boat on the lake.
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; sport fishermen may take carp from a boat by bow and arrow and bow and arrow devices, but not within 150 feet of any developed recreation areas
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2 fish less than 15 inches
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
