Mazonia - Ponderosa Lake
Info / Kankakee County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Unlimited hp and no wake
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 148.9 acres
Fishing Outlook
Channel Catfish
Average
Electrofishing surveys tend to produce a very low number of Channel Catfish. Channel Catfish are stocked biennially. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit.
Redear Sunfish
Very Good
The 2024 Spring nighttime survey resulted in a total of 50 Redear Sunfish collected ranging from 115 mm (4.5") to 226 mm (8.9"), with 50 of those fish greater than Stock size (4.0"). Average length was 181 mm (7.1"). Catch rate was 0.83/minute. Site Regulation: 10 fish aggregate daily limit.
Bluegill
Fair
The 2024 Spring nighttime survey resulted in a total of 52 Bluegill collected ranging from 60 mm (2.4") to 209 mm (8.2"), with 41 of those fish greater than Stock size (3.0"). Average length was 117 mm (4.6"). Catch rate was 0.87 fish/minute. Site Regulation: 10 fish aggregate daily limit.
Largemouth Bass
Average
The 2024 Spring nighttime survey resulted in a total of 82 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 142 mm (5.6") to 436 mm (17.2"), with 72 of those fish greater than Stock size (8.0"). Average length was 270 mm (10.6"). Catch rate was 1.4 fish/minute. Site Regulation: 15" minimum length limit; 3 fish daily limit.
Crappie spp.
Average
Electrofishing surveys tend to produce a very low number of Crappie. Site Regulation: 10 fish aggregate daily limit.
Yellow Bullhead
Very Good
Three Yellow Bullhead were collected in the Spring 2024 nighttime survey ranging from 8 – 10 inches. Despite their underutilization, Bullhead offer anglers another excellent sportfish to catch.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 900 |
Contact
815-237-0063
Description
Ponderosa Lake is the largest impoundment within the Mazonia complex, covering 148.9 surface acres with depths to 60 feet. It is isolated from all other water areas. Likely one of the most scenic of the Mazonia lakes, Ponderosa is characterized by cedar-lined shorelines, gin-clear water and a myriad of coves, cuts and large bays. Ponderosa Lake also supports a diverse aquatic plant community. A two-lane unimproved gravel ramp serves as boat access. Very little shore access is available.Fishery History
Surveys are conducted on Ponderosa Lake in alternating years. The lake currently receives Channel Catfish on a routine basis (triennial). Both Bluegill and Redear Sunfish have been supplementally stocked as they become available. Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Walleye have been historically stocked but were later terminated due to poor success.Site Regulations
Gasoline motors (unlimited horsepower) are permitted on Ponderosa Lake with a no wake regulation in effect. Swimming is prohibited. Ponderosa Lake closes 10 days prior to the opening of the Central Zone Duck Season and reopens 7-days a week after the season ends.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- 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
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page
Bath Map
