Homer Lake - 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
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 81 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Average
Homer Lake has a large population of Bluegill, but the average size is small. Anglers have a great opportunity to catch a Bluegill but may struggle to catch Bluegill larger than 8 inches. Approximately 56% of the Bluegill collected in the most recent fish survey were over 6 inches, but none were longer than 8 inches.
Channel Catfish
Excellent
The State Hatchery System stocks 8-inch Channel Catfish into Homer Lake each year. This stocking program has produced an excellent catfish fishery. Catch rates of catfish fluctuate from survey to survey, but catch rates of anglers are consistently good. Based on data from fish surveys, the catfish are very plump. The catfish average in size from 11 inches to 24 inches. See Site Regulation below.
White Crappie
Improving
During the most recent fish survey, the catch rate of White Crappie increased to 161.3. The management objective is 25 to 50 White Crappie per hour. The average catch rate since 2011 is 78.3 White Crappie per hour. The majority of the White Crappie collected were between 5 and 8 inches. These fish should provide a decent fishery the next few years.
Largemouth Bass
Excellent
During the most recent fish survey, 110.7 bass per hour were collected using DC electrofishing. The average catch rate since 2011 is 122.9 bass per hour and the management objective is 100 bass per hour. Based on bass collected that were larger than 8 inches, 61% were larger than 12 inches, and 28% were larger than 15 inches. Homer Lake has an excellent bass fishery. See Site Regulation below.
Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)
Good
Saugeye were first stocked into Homer Lake in 2016. In the spring of 2021, a night survey was completed to collect Saugeye and were collected at a rate of 18 per hour. Three Saugeye over 18 inches were collected. See Site Regulation below.
Black Crappie
Poor
No Black Crappie were collected in the last survey. The crappie fishery cycles between either Black or White Crappie being dominant. There is no crappie regulation at Homer Lake.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 1123 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Adult | 963 |
| 2023 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 1605 |
Contact
217-896-2733
Description
Homer Lake is 80.8 acres and was built in 1969. The lake has a maximum depth of 24 feet and an average depth of 8.4 feet. There are three boat ramps and a canoe/kayak launch. More information about the Homer Lake Forest Preserve can be found at the CCFPD web page CCFPD Homer Lake.Fishery History
The IDNR Division of Fisheries has been active in the management of the fisheries in Homer Lake since the lake was constructed in 1969. The lake receives stockings of Channel Catfish.Site Regulations
Homer Lake 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
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye (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 PageBath Map
