UCFWA - Lyerla Lake
Info / Union County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - 10 hp limit
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 275 acres
Fishing Outlook
Crappie spp.
Good
Lyerla Lake contains a quality crappie fishery consisting of both Black and White Crappie. However, the population is heavily regulated by water levels. During the drought of 2022, severe fish kills seems to have impacted the crappie population, as very few were collected in comparison to 2021 survey results. Despite low numbers in the 2023 electrofishing sample, several White Crappie over 12 inches were collected.
Gar spp.
Very Good
Shortnose Gar and Spotted Gar are numerous in Lyerla Lake. Although not popular with most anglers, gar can provide great angling opportunities for anglers with the proper gear to target them. Gar should not be viewed as detrimental species, as they are native and have been shown to have little impact on traditional sport species.
Bluegill
Fair
Only one Bluegill was collected during the 2023 electrofishing survey. The extreme drought of 2022 led to low water levels and severe fish kills in Lyerla Lake, which seems to have impacted Bluegill numbers based on survey results.
Bowfin
Very Good
Bowfin are numerous in Lyerla Lake and should provide good opportunities for anglers with the proper gear. Bowfin are aggressive predators and very strong fighters. Similar to Gar, Bowfin are a native species and should not be viewed as detrimental.
Contact
618-833-5175
Description
Lyerla Lake is roughly 270 acres in size and is very shallow. There is only one gravel boat ramp. Lyerla Lake is a floodplain lake that is frequently flooded with water from adjacent creeks.Fishery History
Similar to Horseshoe Lake in Alexander County, Lyerla Lake possesses a good crappie fishery, but other traditional sport fishes are few in number. Fish biomass is dominated by species such as Freshwater Drum, Silver Carp, Common Carp, buffalo, and gar. Due to low water levels, fish kills often occur due to low oxygen levels. Anglers should be warned that water levels are often very low in the summer and fall, which can limit accessibility of boats with outboard motors.Site Regulations
All fishing and boat traffic prohibited from October 15 through the last day of February.
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; bow fishing is allowed