Mazonia SFWA - South Unit Lakes

Description

Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area consists of 2,679 acres of reclaimed strip-mine land which was purchased by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) from Commonwealth Edison Company. The initial purchase was made in 1986 and included the old "Pit 16" area. An additional 1,662-acre parcel, which formerly included areas managed by sportsman's clubs, was purchased in 1999. The entire area was once surface-mined by the Peabody Coal Company from 1951-1970. The area consists of over 200 impoundments ranging from less than 1/4 acre to nearly 150 acres. Most all of these water areas are typified by steep drop-offs and many have maximum depths in excess of 30 feet with some twice that. Shoreline access to most lakes and ponds is limited by extensive stands of tall reed grass.

Mazonia SFWA is divided into a North and South Unit. Gravel ramps are present on the following South Unit lakes: Eagle, Ponderosa and Monster lakes. “Belly boats” have become an effective and popular way of accessing and fishing the smaller interior ponds.

Fishery History

Habitat enhancement projects have been completed on many of these lakes and ponds. Aquatic vegetation, while present, has not required any active management. Most of the larger water areas contain Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, White and Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Common Carp and various other species. The IDNR presently stocks Channel Catfish into several lakes on a rotational basis. Redear Sunfish have been stocked into Clear Lake and Ponderosa Lake as well. Northern Pike stockings into several lakes have generally failed. A Walleye stocking program has been approved for Monster Lake with the initial stocking in 2015.

Site Regulations

Trolling motor use only, except Monster and Ponderosa Lake, which allow gasoline outboards at no wake speed. Swimming is prohibited. With the exception of Monster Lake (which is open year-round), the remainder of the South Unit lakes and ponds close 10 days prior to the opening of the Central Zone Duck Season and reopen 7-days a week after the season ends.

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
• Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
• Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
• White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Additional Information

Planning to eat your catch?  Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page

Bath Map: Mazonia Lakes South Unit