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Pyramid State Park - Heron Lake

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Info / Perry County

Family Friendly

No

Handicap Access

No

Boat Fishing

Yes - Unlimited hp and no wake

Boat Ramps

Yes

Boat Rentals

No

Camping

Yes - More Info

Picnicking

Yes - More Info

Skiing

No

Swimming

No

Trout Stocking

No

Zebra Mussels

None

Location 5 acres

Get Directions
Pyramid State Park is located south of Pinckneyville in Perry County.  To reach Heron Lake, turn into the park entrance off Pyatt-Cutler Road, then turn left at the park office.
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Fishing Outlook

Bluegill

Good

Several Bluegill over 7 inches were collected during the 2022 survey, the largest being 7.7 inches in length.

Channel Catfish

Developing

Channel Catfish have been stocked annually in Crystal Lake. None were collected during the 2022 survey. However, electrofishing is not always effective for sampling catfish, especially in deeper lakes like strip cuts.

Black Crappie

Good

Several Black Crappie in the 8"-10" range were collected during the electrofishing survey.

Largemouth Bass

Poor

All bass collected during the 2022 survey were under 13 inches. Mean relative weight (plumpness) was poor. Poor bass growth is likely a consequence of low lake fertility and an absence of Gizzard Shad in the lake.

Recent Stocking History
2025 Channel Catfish NonVulnerable (8 - 10") 158
2024 Channel Catfish NonVulnerable (8 - 10") 90

Contact

Pyramid State Park:
618-357-2574
Abell, Nicholas
IDNR Fisheries Biologist
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Description

Heron Lake is a 5-acre strip cut that has a gravel boat launch and dock.  This lake is very clear and tends to have an abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation.

Fishery History

The only fish population survey at Heron Lake was completed in 2022, and it consisted of a night electrofishing survey.  The survey suggested the lake supports good angling opportunities for Bluegill and Black Crappie, but most Largemouth Bass were small and likely stunted.  Channel Catfish have been stocked annually since 2020 but none were collected during the survey.  Electrofishing is not always effective for sampling catfish, especially in deep, steep-sided lakes like strip cuts.

Site Regulations

There is no motor horsepower limit at Pyramid, however all boats must be operated at no-wake speed. 

Fishing is allowed year-round at Heron 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; bow fishing is allowed
  • Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
  • Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
  • Large or Smallmouth Bass: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
  • White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Additional Information

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