MAZONIA #8 - CARP LAKE
Lake Information
County: Grundy
Acreage: 18
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Trolling Motor Only
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2023 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
500 |
Additional information for stocking on Mazonia 8 - Carp Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Poor | The 2022 Spring electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 85 Bluegill collected ranging from 2.8 – 6.9 inches, with an average length of 4.7 inches. Catch rates increased from 1.1 fish/min in the Spring 2021 survey to 2.8 fish/min in the Spring 2022 survey. Proportional Size Distribution (PSD) increased from 11 to 14, indicating that 14% of the adult fish are over 6 inches. However, this fishery continues to struggle with poor size structure and has struggled since the 2017 survey. | |
Fair | Surveys tend to produce a very low number of Channel Catfish but site reports indicate anglers have reasonable success although Carp Lake is not thought of as one of the better lakes for Channel Catfish. Fishing Regulation: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. | |
Good | The Spring 2022 Spring electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 35 Crappie (16 Black and 19 White Crappie) collected ranging from 5.5 – 12.6 inches, with an average length of 9.3 inches for Black and 10.8 inches for White Crappie. The Crappie catch dramatically improved over the 9 collected in the Spring 2021 survey. However, it should be noted that electrofishing is not the standard gear used to assess these fisheries. Future efforts should, at least, attempt to conduct trap net surveys though the steep shoreline makes these efforts quite challenging. Fishing Regulation: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. | |
Good | The 2022 Spring electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 70 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 4.3 – 19.1 inches, with an average length of 12.4 inches. Catch rates increased from 0.70 fish/min in Spring 2021 to 2.3 fish/min in the 2022 survey. Both Proportional Size Distribution (PSD) and Proportional Size Distribution – Preferred (PSD – P) declined but were still exceeded target thresholds (PSD and PSD – P were 61 and 26, respectively). That indicates that 61% of the adult fish are over 12 inches and 26% of the adult fish are over 15 inches (legal size). Overall, the increase in fish captured is likely due, in large part, to warmer water temperatures during the survey (66.2° F in 2022 vs 57.9°F in 2021). Fishing Regulation: 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit). | |
Location: Carp Lake (Lake #8) is located within the Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area Main Unit, 3 miles southwest of Braidwood in Grundy County on Illinois Route 53 and Huston Road.
Description: Carp Lake is an intermediate-sized impoundment in the Mazonia North Unit Complex covering 17.6 surface acres. It is connected by a narrow channel to Gar Lake (Lake #9). Shoreline access is limited by extensive stands of tall reed grass. The lake has a one-lane concrete boat ramp with adjacent parking. See “Additional Lake Information” below for important site closures.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Carp Lake is surveyed on an alternate year basis. Fish stocking is presently limited to Channel Catfish. A variety of other species (beside those listed above) can be caught and include Common Carp, Bullheads and several Gar species.
No special mercury advisory or other contaminant-related consumption advisories pertain. However, the statewide methylmercury advisory for sensitive populations is in effect (one meal per week of predatory sportfish for the most sensitive populations).
Additional Lake Information: Trolling motor only. Swimming is prohibited. Fishing at the North Unit is closed ten 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. During Winter, only one entrance might be open due to road conditions. Statewide fishing regulations apply.
Additional Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
All Fish Species – Two Pole and Line Fishing Only.
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
Contact Information: Mazonia/Braidwood State Fish & Wildlife Area 815-237-0063IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love630-360-4772
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