Mazonia 3 - Bass Lake
Info / Grundy County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Trolling motor only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 28 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Average
The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 89 Bluegill collected ranging from 1.2 in to 7.3 in, with 37 of those fish > 3.0 in. Average length was 3.1 in. Bluegill CPUE remained similar to the Spring 2020 survey though the number of fish > Stock size declined (which could be influenced by halving the sampling time). Average length and PSD remained the same. No Preferred-sized fish were collected. Growth is about average, with a mean length at age-2 of 107 mm and years to 150 mm of 4. Body condition was excellent for all size groups of fish.
Channel Catfish
Average
Channel Catfish are stocked on a rotational basis to augment the population as natural reproduction and recruitment are suspected to be low. Harvestable-size Channel Catfish are likely removed as they are caught. Site Regulation: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.
Largemouth Bass
Very Good
The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 62 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 5.7 in to 18.3 in, with 60 of those fish > 8.0. Average length was 13.0 in. Largemouth Bass CPUE increased over the 2020 survey as did the number of fish > Stock size. Average length increased as well, though PSD and PSD-P remained similar. Body condition was good for all size groups. Mean length at Age-3 (272.8 mm) suggests average growth is occurring despite such good PSD and PSD-P values. The fact that very old fish were collected indicates that angler harvest is fairly negligible on this fishery. Site Regulation: 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit).
White Crappie
Average
The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 8 White Crappie collected ranging from 6.9 in to 13.2 in. Average length was 10.8 in. Electrofishing is not a standard gear at evaluating Crappie fisheries and a Fall trap netting survey would be more appropriate (however, may be difficult given the morphometry of the lake). Site Regulation: Aggregate 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.
Black Crappie
Average
The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 4 Black Crappie collected ranging from 6.9 in to 9.6 in. Electrofishing is not a standard gear at evaluating Crappie fisheries and a Fall trap netting survey would be more appropriate (however, may be difficult given the morphometry of the lake). Site Regulation: Aggregate 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.
| 2023 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 500 |
Contact
815-237-0063
Description
Bass Lake is one of the largest impoundments in the Mazonia North Unit covering 28.4 surface acres. It is connected by narrow, non-navigable channels to Big Dog and Woody Lakes. Bass Lake also receives water from the Mazon River during high water periods, which has resulted in diversification of the fish population. Shoreline access is limited by extensive stands of Phragmites. Bass Lake has a one-lane concrete boat ramp and adjacent parking area. The lake closed to fishing during upland game and waterfowl seasons. Following the completion of the hunting seasons, it reopens for ice fishing dependent upon ice conditions. During winter, only one entrance might be open due to road conditions.Fishery History
The sport fishery is evaluated through routine, periodic fish community and targeted species surveys utilizing electrofishing, trap nets, and other gears as appropriate. Due to its connection to the Mazon River, Bass Lake supports many non-game fish species including Common Carp, bullheads, Freshwater Drum, Longnose Gar and various sucker species. Other sportfish species present include Yellow Bass and Redear Sunfish.Site Regulations
Bass Lake has 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
Bath Map
