Lake of the Woods- CCFPD
Info / Champaign County
Family Friendly
Yes
Handicap Access
Yes
Boat Fishing
Yes - Electric motors only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
Yes - More Info
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
Spring
Zebra Mussels
Location 26 acres
Fishing Outlook
Crappie spp.
Good
The crappie fishery can experience large swings in numbers and appears to be on the high end now. The majority of crappie collected are black crappie and are less than 10 inches.
Largemouth Bass
Good
Based on the most recent fish survey, the catch rate of bass from electrofishing was 162 bass per hour and the management objective is 125 to 150 bass per hour. Of the bass collected over 8 inches, 58% are longer than 12 inches and 9% are longer than 15 inches. See Site Regulation below.
Bluegill
Very Good
Based on the most recent fish survey, the catch rate of Bluegill from electrofishing was 264 Bluegill per hour and the management objective is 150 to 220 bass per hour. Based on Bluegill collected over 3 inches, 60% were longer than 6 inches but none were longer than 8 inches. See Site Regulation below.
Channel Catfish
Good
The State Hatchery System stocks Channel Catfish in Lake of the Woods each year. The stocking program has created a good catfish fishery. Anglers have a good chance to harvest catfish in the 1 pound range. See Site Regulation below.
Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)
Good
The State Hatchery System started stocking saugeye in 2016 and the Champaign County Forest Preserve stocked walleye in 2018. Based on the most recent fish survey, the catch rate of Saugeye from electrofishing was 16 Saugeye per hour and the management objective is 10 Saugeye per hour. Of the Saugeye collected over 10 inches, 75% were longer than 10 inches and 38% over 20 inches. See Site Regulation below.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 518 |
| 2025 | Rainbow Trout | Adult | 2268 |
| 2025 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 4017 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Adult | 302 |
| 2024 | Rainbow Trout | Adult | 1159 |
Contact
217-586-3360
Description
Lake of the Woods is operated by the Champaign County Forest Preserve District. The lake was constructed in 1945. Lake of the Woods has a maximum depth of 28 feet with an average depth of 11.2 feet. The lake has a shoreline length of 1.8 miles and a watershed of 600 acres.Fishery History
The long-term goal for Lake of the Woods is to provide quality panfish and catfish fisheries, and provide a quality trout season in the spring. Common species in the lake include Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Redear Sunfish, crappie, bullheads, and Muskie. The lake currently receives stockings of Channel Catfish, Saugeye and Rainbow Trout. There are plenty of places to fish around Lake of the Woods. Also on the property is a smaller lake called Elks Pond. This small pond can be fished for panfish and catfish.Site Regulations
Lake of the Woods has an electric motor only regulation; gas motors may be used when launching or loading boats.
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
- All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: No Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 fish greater than or equal to 7 inches
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulations)
- Trout: Spring Closed Season; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
