Mattoon, Lake

Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)

Average

Saugeye were initially stocked in 2010. Saugeye are moderate in abundance with most fish between 15-20", though larger fish are occasionally caught. Some fish are lost to dam escapement during high water events, which can impact population densities.

Flathead Catfish

Poor

Catch and release is encouraged as abundance is low.

Freshwater Drum

Average

Moderately abundant with fish exceeding 10 lbs.

Largemouth Bass

Good

Moderate in abundance, mainly due to a lack of aquatic vegetation for nursery habitat. Growth rates are average, with most bass in the 2-4lb range, though 6lb+ fish are caught on occasion.

Common Carp

Good

Abundant with fish exceeding 10 lbs.

Crappie spp.

Excellent

Both white and black crappie are abundant. Growth rates vary from slow to fast within this population. However, anglers may still catch crappie up to 13 inches and 3/4 lbs.

Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)

Good

Hybrid striped bass are stocked annually. Though they can be difficult to locate at times, those who are able to find them report good fishing. Some fish are lost to dam escapement during high water events, which can impact population densities.

Channel Catfish

Very Good

Currently abundant in the lake through a combination of natural recruitment and a stocking event in 2020. The average catch goes from 3/4 - 4.5 lbs., with the occasional fish over 10 pounds caught. Channel Catfish spawning boxes were placed in the lake in 2025 as part of a collaborative research project between IDNR and EIU's Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. The hope is that these boxes will improve natural reproduction of channel catfish, so that numbers can be increased naturally without the need for stocking.

Bluegill

Fair

Few fish exceed 7.5 inches, but most have a heavy body weight.