Pierce Lake
Location 147 acres
Fishing Outlook
Muskellunge
Excellent
In the spring 2025 survey, a total of 50 Muskellunge were collected ranging in size from 24.4 – 44.3", with 50 of those fish greater than stock size (20.1"). The average length was 32.3". Body condition exceeded the 90th percentile. A high body condition indicates sufficient forage for fish growth.
Largemouth Bass
Excellent
A total of 434 Largemouth Bass were collected in the spring 2025 survey ranging in size from 2.4 – 19.3", with 100 of those fish greater than stock size (7.9"). Average length was 5.7". Body condition exceeded the 90th percentile. A high body condition indicates sufficient forage for fish growth. Overall, the Largemouth Bass population looks to be in good shape.
Bluegill
Good
A total of 458 Bluegill were collected ranging in size from 0.8 – 639", with 250 greater than stock size (3.1"). Average length was 3.1". Body condition exceeded the 90th percentile. A high body condition indicates sufficient forage for fish growth. Despite Bluegill densities being high and good Bluegill body condition, very few larger Bluegill were collected. This could be due to the high fishing pressure put on the lake. It’s also possible larger fish are present but were difficult to collect due to the large amount of vegetation in the water during the survey.
Walleye
Good
A total of 6 Walleye were collected ranging in size from 14.4 – 28.3", with 6 of those fish greater than stock size (9.8"). Only 6 fish were collected during the survey due to warmer-than-usual water temperatures. Another survey will be conducted in 2026 to evaluate Walleye stocking success in the lake.
White Crappie
Good
A total of 36 White Crappie were collected ranging in size from 7.8 – 14.0", with 36 greater than stock size (3.1"). Average length was 10.0". Body condition fell just below the 90th percentile. A low body condition might indicate insufficient forage for fish growth. Despite White Crappie densities being low, size quality is high.
Black Crappie
Very Good
A total of 187 Black Crappie were collected ranging in size from 6.4 – 13.5", with 187 greater than stock size (3.1"). Average length was 8.4". Body condition met the 90th percentile target goal. A good body condition could indicate sufficient forage for fish growth. Despite Black Crappie densities being high, and good body condition, very few above quality-sized Black Crappie were collected.
| 2026 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 3865 |
| 2026 | Muskellunge | Adult | 174 |
| 2026 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 10080 |
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 3220 |
| 2025 | Muskellunge | Adult | 165 |
Contact
815-885-3311
Description
Pierce Lake covers a former rock quarry and much of the lower end was cut through solid rock. The lake has a maximum depth of 36 feet with an average depth of 12.5 feet. The pool elevation is 826 feet, giving the lake 4.9 miles of shoreline. The watershed has 8,150 acres with a ratio of 50:1, allowing a retention time of 132 days.Fishery History
Pierce Lake is an artificial impoundment made from a rock quarry. The initial 13 park acres were purchased in 1959 and at the present time the park contains 3,092 acres. The lake began impounding water on May 15, 1961. The lake is annually stocked with Muskellunge, Walleye, Channel Catfish and Smallmouth Bass.Site Regulations
There are no motor horsepower restrictions on Pierce Lake, but boats with motors over 10 horsepower must operate at no wake speed.
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 during May and June
- All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig
- Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch minimum length limit; 1 fish daily limit
- Muskie: 48 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 fish daily limit
- Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 14 inch minimum length limit; 6 fish daily limit (statewide regulation)
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageDepth Map
Fish Attractor Map
