Paris West Lake
Location 75 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Very Good
Largemouth Bass are moderately abundant, with average growth rates for the area.
Crappie spp.
Good
Crappie, both white and black, are moderate in abundance and size.
Channel Catfish
Excellent
Channel Catfish are stocked annually by IDNR hatcheries, which provides a consistent fishery for both numbers and size of Channel Catfish.
Bluegill
Fair
Bluegill are moderate in abundance, however few fish exceed 8 inches.
Common Carp
Very Good
Common Carp are abundant with fish exceeding 10 lbs. Bow fishing is allowed.
| 2026 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 2201 |
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 1824 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 1368 |
| 2024 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 5329 |
| 2024 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 6950 |
Contact
217-465-7601
Description
Paris West Lake is a 75 acre basin connected to Paris East Lake via a lowhead barrier that is not navigable by boat. Shore access is available at Twin Lakes Park and a boat launch is located just off US150 on Circle Dr. The City of Paris (217-465-7601) collects a boating access fee. All tournaments must be scheduled through ifishillinios.org.
Fishery History
Paris West has quality fishing for Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Channel Catfish, the latter of which is stocked annually. Bluegill and Common Carp are also present, though bluegill size is less than desirable.Site Regulations
The City of Paris (217-465-7601) collects a boating access fee. All tournaments must be scheduled through ifishillinios.org. The entire West Lake is no wake. The East Lake is no wake before 10 a.m. or after sunset with a speed limit of 35 MPH.
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; bow fishing is allowed
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass: Unlimited Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 fish greater than or equal to 17 inches (statewide regulation)
- Walleye, Sauger, or Walleye Hybrid (Saugeye): 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageDepth Map
