Burning Star - Blazer Lake
Info / Jackson County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - No wake only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 123 acres
Blazer Lakes #1-4 are accessed from State Route 149 in Jackson County. From Route 149, turn north onto Mine Road to the south parking lot for the Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area complex, which is located between DeSoto and Hurst.
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Average
The bluegill population is average. Very few bluegill over 8 inches are observed during fisheries surveys at Blazer Lake.
Largemouth Bass
Good
Largemouth bass were collected at a rate of 76 bass per hour during the 2025 spring survey. Of the Largemouth bass collected, 37% were over 15 inches and 11% were over 18 inches. The largest bass collected was 6 pounds.
Redear Sunfish
Good
While not numerous, redear sunfish up to 10 inches have been collected in fisheries surveys at Blazer Lake.
Crappie spp.
Average
Blazer Lake has an average crappie population consisting of both black and white crappie. Of the 32 crappie collected in the 2025 survey, 25% were over 9 inches, and 6% were over 10 inches in length. One white crappie over 12 inches was collected.
Channel Catfish
Poor
One channel catfish (24 inches) was collected during the 2025 survey. Channel catfish (1660 6-inch fish) were stocked in 2025.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 1660 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 738 |
Contact
483 Mine Road, DeSoto, Illinois 62824
618-521-8873
Description
There is a gravel boat ramp at Blazer Lake #4. Blazer Lakes #1-4 total 123 total acres and all 4 Blazer Lakes are connected by passable water. No fishing is allowed from November 1 through the end of February.
Fishery History
Rough fish species (buffalo, Bowfin, gar, Gizzard Shad, and Yellow Bass) are abundant in this lake. Channel Catfish are stocked annually when available.
Site Regulations
CLOSED FISHING SEASON (all lakes and ponds within Burning Star): Fishing is prohibited from November 1 through the end of February.
There is no horsepower boat motor restriction but all boats must operate at no wake speed.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations (all lakes and ponds within Burning Star):
- 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; bow fishing is allowed
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
- Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: Protected slot length limit with 6 fish daily limit: 1 fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 5 fish less than 14 inches. Anglers may not possess any bass that is greater than 14 and less than 18 inches in length
- 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 Page
Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area Information Sheet – All Lakes and Ponds
Site Maps
