Banner Marsh Ponds
Location 45 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Average
Multiple small ponds on the site contain Bluegill up to 7 inches in length.
Largemouth Bass
Good
Multiple small ponds on the site contain Largemouth Bass up to 20 inches in length.
Redear Sunfish
Average
Multiple small ponds on the site contain Redear Sunfish up to 7 inches in length.
Contact
19721 N. US 24
309-647-9184
Description
Banner Marsh SFWA was characterized by narrow strip pits and upland ponds, but in 1994, the hydrology changed due to the intentional cessation of pumping operations in the levee district. The water level rose approximately 7 feet (435 M.S.L.) due mainly to groundwater recharge by seepage under the existing 1-100 year flood-tight levee with the Illinois River. The total surface water acreage for the site increased from 530 acres to approximately 2400 acres and created a large vegetated littoral zone. Multiple small ponds are located throughout the site and accessible from the interior site roadways. These ponds contain populations of Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, crappie and Channel Catfish.Fishery History
The former bottomland lake and marsh was leveed and drained for agricultural practice from 1910 through 1958. From 1958 to1974 approximately 90 percent of the site was strip-mined for coal. The strip-mined areas have since been reclaimed and purchased by the State of Illinois. Under the management of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (1978 - present) the primary objective for the site is to establish a freshwater marsh providing fish and wildlife habitat in the Illinois River Valley. For other lakes in the Banner Marsh SFWA: Johnson Lake Wheel Lake Shovel LakeSite Regulations
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Recreational Use Restriction: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing, except carp, buffalo, suckers and gar may be taken by bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears during May 1 through August 31
- All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than 18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Muskie: 42 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
Additional Information
FALL BOAT FISHING CLOSURE: October 16, bank
fishing allowed after 1:00 pm.
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory
information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page
Bath Map
