Schuy-Rush Lake
Info / Schuyler County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
Yes
Boat Fishing
Yes - Unrestricted hp and no wake
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
Yes - More Info
Picnicking
Yes
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
Location 191 acres
Fishing Outlook
Muskellunge
Average
Annual Muskellunge stocking began at Schuy-Rush in 2006, except for a few low production years. 12 Muskie were collected during the spring 2025 trap netting survey. Fish ranged from 23.9 – 39.6”.
Bluegill
Poor
The Bluegill population at Schuy-Rush Lake is characterized by a high density of fish measuring 4-6” in less than desirable body condition. No Bluegill exceeded 7” in the 2025 electrofishing survey.
Channel Catfish
Average
The 2025 fall electrofishing survey yielded 1 Channel Catfish, measuring 23.3” and weighing 4.3lbs.
Largemouth Bass
Excellent
The 2025 catch rate resulted in 98 Largemouth Bass per hour of electrofishing. Fish ranged from 3.5 – 20.2” and weighed up to 4.5lbs. 32.3% of the catchable sized fish measured 15” or greater, and 7.7% measured 18” or more. 1.5% of the catchable sized fish collected in 2025 measured 20” or better.
Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)
Very Good
The IDNR Hatchery has stocked 65,953 1.3 - 2.1” Saugeye (Walleye x Sauger) since June of 2021. As hatchery production allows, 9,550 Saugeye fingerlings will be requested and stocked annually. 9 Saugeye were collected during 2025 fall electrofishing survey. Fish measured from 7.6 – 22.8”. 85 Saugeye were collected during the spring 2025 trap netting survey, yielding a catch rate of 8.5 fish per net night. Fish ranged from 15.5 – 22.6” and weighed up to 5.3lbs.
Blue Catfish
Improving
The IDNR hatchery has stocked 29,172 4.5 – 6.4” Blue Catfish since the stocking program began in 2020. 14 Blue Catfish were sampled during targeted low-pulse electrofishing surveys. Fish ranged from 6.5 – 18.2” and weighed up to 1.9lbs.
Crappie spp.
Fair
The Black Crappie and White Crappie population continues to be doing great as far as quantity but is lacking in quality. This population is characterized by having a high density of smaller fish, many of which are stunted, and a few outliers that attain a large size. Black Crappie collected in 2025 trap netting ranged from 7.0 - 16.8” with the largest fish weighing 3.2lbs. White Crappie ranged from 9.2 - 12.3". The current regulation is a 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish over 10".
| 2026 | Blue Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 5436 |
| 2026 | Muskellunge | Adult | 140 |
| 2026 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 12528 |
| 2025 | Blue Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 6000 |
| 2025 | Muskellunge | Adult | 206 |
Contact
IDNR Fisheries Biologist
IDNR Pittsfield Field Office 1252 West Washington Street Pittsfield, IL 62363
Send Message
(217) 622-7219
217-322-6628
Description
Schuy-Rush Lake is an artificial impoundment that was constructed as part of a flood control projects and is presently used for recreation. There are several houses situated around the lake and the city maintains a small park and camping area at the north end. The lake has a maximum depth of approximately 40 feet and an average depth of approximately 13 feet. Siltation has greatly reduced its original storage capacity and the lake has lost an estimated 25 surface acres above the U.S. Route 67 highway bridge. The lake has one concrete boat ramp on the northwest shore, has unrestricted boat fishing, and offers camping and picnicking. No boat rental, skiing, or swimming is offered or allowed.Fishery History
Other species collected during recent population surveys include Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Bluegill x Green Sunfish Hybrids, Common Carp, Flathead Catfish, Freshwater Drum, Green Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Gizzard Shad, Hybrid Sunfish, and Yellow Bullhead.Site Regulations
There is no motor horsepower limit at Schuy-Rush Lake, however all boats must be operated at no-wake speed. Boating Permits can be purchased by contacting the Schuy-Rush Lake Campground Host. Annual Boating Permit - $55; Daily Boating Permit - $10.
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: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- Muskie: 36 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- Walleye, Sauger, or Walleye Hybrid (Saugeye): 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- 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
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageDepth Map
