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GEORGE, LAKE
Lake Information
County: Rock Island
Acreage: 157
Average Depth: 21.30 feet
Shoreline Length: 6.3 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Electric only
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2023 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
3300 |
2023 |
Muskellunge |
Adult |
171 |
2023 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
4751 |
2024 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
3330 |
2024 |
Muskellunge |
Adult |
182 |
2024 |
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
6909 |
2024 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
26023 |
Additional information for stocking on George, Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Average | Bluegill at Lake George have a long history of being dominated by fish in the 3-6 inch range. The 2024 survey resulted in the 2nd highest catch rate numbers for Bluegill, which could be due to increased aquatic vegetation in Lake George. Bluegill were sampled in the spring of 2024 to determine age and growth characteristics. Growth is moderate with a mean length at age 2 of 3.5 inches and up to 6 inches at 2.5 years. Growth slows in age 3 and 4 with a max fish size of 6.75 inches. | |
Good | The Crappie population was sampled with a total of 10 nets per day for a grand total of 20 net nights. A total of 74 Crappie were sampled by trap nets. White Crappie were the dominate species with 58 sampled. Lake Georges lack of vegetation and lake structure will tend to favor the White Crappie over the Black Crappie. The 2024 survey did show a stable crappie population with better relative weights than the 2022 sample. | |
Excellent | Hybrid Striped Bass have been stocked to help control Gizzard Shad numbers in Lake George. Anglers can expect excellent numbers of fish from 17-21 inches. | |
Good | Largemouth Bass were sampled in the spring of 2024 to determine age and growth characteristics. Largemouth Bass show excellent growth with fish reaching 14 inches in 3.8 years. The 2024 survey showed a very diverse population with an overall CPUE (catch per unit effort) that was the 3rd highest since the draw down. Catch rates and size distribution seemed to return to pre-drawdown numbers. The increase in E. Milfoil seems to be helping Largemouth recruitment numbers with fish less than 8 inches having another good year in 2024 unlike the historic up and down of bass recruitment. Fall relative weights remained good for all size groups sampled in the fall of 2024. Regionally, this very fast growth compares with Largemouth Bass from Shabbona Lake. Smaller lakes in the region have an average length at age 3 of 9 inches. It is interesting that since 2020 when E. milfoil was identified at the lake, more prominent age classes seemed to develop. | |
Good | The Muskie population is consistent with catch rate of 1 fish per net night in the spring trap net survey. The average size was 35 inches with fish as big as 41 inches being sampled. Gizzard Shad are the main forage for these fish. | |
Excellent | The population of Walleye are in good-to-excellent condition, with good numbers of fish over 18 inches. Fish can be found in the woody structure in fall. | |
Location: Lake George is located in Rock Island County 5 miles west of Andalusia off Route 92. It is owned by the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District.
Description: In a joint effort to provide additional fishing opportunities to anglers in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources entered into a lease agreement with Rock Island County Forest Preserve District. Lake George is 167 acre lake with a maximum depth of 62 feet and an average depth of 24 feet. The lake has 4.2 miles of wooded shoreline. Boating is permitted with electric trolling motors only. The lake has a 40 car/trailer paved parking lot with two concrete boat ramps. The boat launch is ADA accessible. There is a concession building at Lake George that offers boat and electric motor rentals, bait, food, and some tackle supplies. For more information, contact Lake George at 309-795-1070.
Additional Lake Information: All Fish: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only.
Electric trolling motors only.
Site Regulations:
Large or Smallmouth Bass: 6 fish daily limit; 14˝ minimum length limit
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: No daily limit; no minimum length limit
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit; no minimum length limit
Pure Muskellunge: 1 fish daily limit; 36˝ minimum length limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass: 1 fish daily limit; 17˝ minimum length limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 6 fish daily limit; 14˝ minimum length limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 fish daily limit; no minimum length limit
Contact Information: Loud Thunder Forest Preserve 19406 Loud Thunder Road309- 795-1040IDNR Fisheries Biologist, David Wyffels630-360-4185
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