Gillespie New City Lake
Info / Macoupin County
Family Friendly
Yes
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Unrestricted
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
Yes
Picnicking
Yes
Skiing
Yes
Swimming
Yes
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
Location 196 acres
Fishing Outlook
Black Crappie
Average
33 Black Crappie ranging from 6.3-9.4” were collected in 2017. Like the White Crappie, the 2017 CPUE was the highest catch rate recorded.Historic surveys (1999, 2002, 2007, & 2013) during this 20-year period yielded between 4-19 fish per hour. In 2017, 72.7% of fish exceeded 8”, 6.1% of which measured greater than 9”. The largest fish measured 9.4” and weighed 0.37lbs. Black Crappie relative weights (Wr=87) were poor, like previous years.
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)
Good
Hybrid Striped Bass samples tend to be low using electrofishing equipment. Two Hybrid Striped Bass were collected per hour in 2017. These fish measured 9.8” and 12.2”. Hybrid Striped Bass are periodically stocked as hatchery production allows.
Largemouth Bass
Excellent
In 2017, 87 Largemouth Bass ranging from 4.3-21.7” were collected. 19.7% of Largemouth Bass collected were 15” or greater. The largest fish measured 21.7” and weighed 5.84lbs. Fish less than 6” (16 fish) were collected, suggesting that natural reproduction is occurring. The catch rate of 87 bass/hour surpasses the catch rate goal (‰¥60 bass/hour). Structural indices are in good shape and this lake should continue to offer excellent bass fishing.
White Crappie
Very Good
49 White Crappie ranging from 4.3-12.2” were collected in 2017. The 2017 CPUE s the highest catch rate of White Crappie recorded in the last 20 years. The 2002 White Crappie catch rate comes in as the 2nd highest CPUE at 38 fish per hour. Three other surveys occurred during this 20-year period and White Crappie catch rates yielded between 17-31 fish per hour. In 2017, 64.6% of fish exceeded 8”, 8.3% of which measured greater than 9”. The largest fish measured 12.2” and weighed 0.85lbs. Relative weights of White Crappie were excellent in 2017 in comparison to previous years.
Channel Catfish
Good
Three Channel Catfish were collected, measuring 16.9-26.4”. Body Condition was excellent. Channel Catfish were stocked in 2017 and 2019. IDNR will continue to stock Channel Catfish as hatchery production allows.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 4140 |
| 2025 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 2386 |
| 2023 | Channel Catfish | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 4140 |
Contact
618-362-6363
Description
The lake is 196 acres and has a shoreline length of 8.9 miles, a maximum depth of 30 feet, and an average depth of 10.9 feet.Fishery History
Gillespie New City Lake was built in 1953 and entered into a Cooperative Management Agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 1984. This agreement was developed to improve fishing opportunities for the angling public. There are two concrete ramps on the east end of the lake. There is a general store and bait shop located at the lake. Lake users can fish, camp, boat, and swim.Site Regulations
During the Illinois waterfowl season, fishing is only allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
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: Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than 15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
