Mazonia SFWA - North Unit Lakes

Description

Mazonia SFWA consists of 2,679 acres of reclaimed strip-mine land which was purchased by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) from Commonwealth Edison Company. The initial purchase was made in 1986 and included the old "Pit 16" area. An additional 1,662-acre parcel, which formerly included areas managed by sportsman's clubs, was purchased in 1999. The entire area was once surface-mined by the Peabody Coal Company from 1951-1970. The area consists of over 200 impoundments ranging from less than 1/4 acre to nearly 150 acres. Most all of these water areas are typified by steep drop-offs and many have maximum depths in excess of 30 feet with some twice that. Shoreline access to most lakes and ponds is limited by extensive stands of tall reed grass.

Mazonia SFWA is divided into a North and South Unit. The lakes included in the North Unit are Bass Lake #3, Goose Lake #6, Bullhead Lake #7, Carp Lake #8, Gar Lake #9, and Clear Lake #10. Four of the largest lakes within the North Unit have concrete boat ramps and here boats are restricted to trolling motors only. "Belly boats" have become an effective and popular way of accessing and fishing the smaller interior ponds. During winter, only one entrance might be open due to road conditions.

Fishery History

The major lakes are surveyed on an alternate year basis. Spring trap netting is also incorporated at selected lakes. Habitat enhancement projects have been completed on many of these lakes and ponds. Aquatic vegetation, while present, has currently not required any active management.

Most of the larger water areas contain Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, White and Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Carp and various other species. Gizzard Shad are the primary forage species. The IDNR presently stocks Channel Catfish into selected lakes on a rotational basis. Coolwater stocking programs (Walleye and Northern Pike) on several lakes have been discontinued due to the failure of those species to successfully recruit. Redear Sunfish have been stocked into Clear Lake and the South Unit's Ponderosa Lake, as well. A variety of other species that can be caught include Common Carp, Freshwater Drum, bullheads and Green Sunfish.

Site Regulations

All North Unit lakes have a trolling motor only regulation. Swimming is prohibited. Fishing is closed 10 days prior to the opening of the Central Zone Duck Season and reopens after the season ends. During Upland Game Season, the North Unit is open Wednesdays - Sundays (sunrise to 4:00 P.M) and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. After Upland Game Season ends, the North Unit is open 7-days a week.

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