Baumann Park Lake
Info / Winnebago County
Family Friendly
Yes
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
No
Boat Ramps
No
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
Yes
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
Fall & Spring
Zebra Mussels
Location 26 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Fair
A total of 59 Largemouth Bass were collected in the latest electrofishing survey. Sampled bass ranged in size from 4.6 – 18.7 inches, with 43 fish greater than stock size (7.9 inches). Average length was 9.8 inches. Both the PSD and RSD-14 fell below their respective target ranges. A lower PSD and RSD-14 value indicate an under abundance of large-sized Largemouth Bass and a high number of smaller fish. Body condition exceeded the 90th percentile; a high body condition indicating sufficient forage for fish growth. Lower PSD and RSD-14 values coupled with the good body condition index indicate a lower quality bass fishery. It’s also possible that larger fish are present but were difficult to collect due to high water clarity and water depth. Future evaluations will be made to determine if the conditions improve.
Bluegill
Fair
A total of 71 Bluegills were collected in the latest electrofishing survey. Sampled Bluegills ranged in size from 3.1 – 7.7 inches, with 71 greater than stock size (3.1 inches). Average length was 5.9 inches. Body condition (as indexed by relative weight) was within desirable range. Despite Bluegill densities being high, very few smaller Bluegill were collected. This could be due to a poor spawning year for Bluegill. It’s also possible that smaller fish are present but were difficult to collect due to high water clarity and water depth.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 504 |
| 2025 | Rainbow Trout | Adult | 2105 |
| 2025 | Rainbow Trout | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 2906 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 516 |
| 2024 | Rainbow Trout | Adult | 2603 |
Contact
Description
The 26-acre lake has a maximum depth of 22 feet and an average depth of 13 feet. The shoreline is 6,800 feet (1.29 miles) with a shoreline development index of 1.80. The bank slope is generally steep except for the east shore which is a sand flat. The lake is fed primarily by ground water, but in periods of extreme floods the Kishwaukee River bordering the west end of the park can discharge into the lake. The extremely clear water enables weed growth to reach 22 feet and it is composed of Chara, Milfoil, Elodea, Coontail, Buttercup, and American, Leafy, Small, Sago and Curlyleaf pondweed. The lake has a boat ramp for special use, but the lake is only open to bank fishing. The entire shoreline is accessible to anglers.Fishery History
Baumann Lake is a groundwater fed gravel pit that is located in a village park in Cherry Valley. Gravel operations began in early 1980s and when completed the pit became impounded and was deeded to the village. The first fish survey was undertaken in June 1990, and the lake was first open to public fishing in 1991. Initial fish stocking was undertaken by private individuals followed by state stockings beginning in 1993. The village applied for a Clean Lakes Grant and received it in 1996. As part of the program, contaminant samples were taken on Largemouth Bass and found to be below action levels for all tests. A fish community assessment survey occurred in spring 2024. A total of 140 fish were sampled representing four species.Site Regulations
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
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Trout: Fall Closed Season; Spring Closed Season; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit