Washington County Lake
Location 248 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Poor
Bluegill were collected at a rate of 520 fish per hour in the 2021 survey. Although 31% of the Bluegill were over 6 inches, only 6% of the Bluegill were over 7 inches, and none were over 8 inches. Competition for food and resources with the abundant Gizzard Shad population is probably negatively impacting Bluegill size.
Crappie spp.
Good
Fifteen Black Crappie (8-11 inches) and 3 White Crappie (12-14 inches) were collected in the 2021 survey. 60% of the Black Crappie collected were 10 inches or over.
Largemouth Bass
Excellent
During the 2021 fall electrofishing survey, Largemouth Bass were collected at a rate of 54 fish per hour. The size distribution of Largemouth Bass in this lake is good. Of the 54 bass collected, 39% were over 14 inches, 33% were over 15 inches, and 19% were over 18 inches. Two bass were over 20 inches. The IDNR stocks this lake annually with Largemouth Bass.
Channel Catfish
Excellent
Fifteen Channel Catfish ranging from 14 to 27 inches were collected in the 2021 survey. The IDNR stocks this lake annually with Channel Catfish. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 3000 |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 1020 |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 4639 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 1800 |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 6000 |
Contact
618-327-3137
Description
This scenic 248-acre lake contains a good percentage of woody habitats, which is great for attracting and holding fish. There is a concrete boat ramp and plenty of parking in the blacktopped parking lot. There is also a gravel boat ramp for small watercraft. Shore angler access is available at many areas around the lake. Boat motors - motors up to 10 HP wake allowed; motors over 10 HP are NO WAKE ONLY.
Concessions: Got-a-Bite is open from 8am-8pm daily from April 1st through October 31st. They offer daily food specials, a variety of beverages, camping supplies, ice, firewood, fishing tackle and bait. For more information, visit them on Facebook or call 618-314-1748.
Fishery History
The IDNR Division of Fisheries has been active in the management of Washington County Lake since it opened in 1962. The lake receives regular stockings of Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass. Warmouth, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Redear Sunfish, Yellow Bullhead, Black Bullhead, Yellow Bass, and Green Sunfish were collected in low numbers during the 2021 survey. Gizzard Shad were collected in high numbers which is expected for a forage species.Site Regulations
Boat motors up to 10 horsepower wake allowed; motors over 10 horsepower are No Wake only. Swimming, wading, and waterskiing are prohibited.
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; bow fishing is allowed
- 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 with no more than 1 fish larger than 18 inches and 2 fish less than 14 inches
- Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass: 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
A map of the 11 Washington County State Lake fish attractor locations can be found on the maps below.
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page
Bath Map
Fish Attractor Map
