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GEORGE, LAKE


Lake Information

County: Rock Island

Acreage: 157

Average Depth: 21.29 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

larger map link Dam South End


    Click on area names for a more detailed map.
    Dam, South End

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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2022

Channel Catfish

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

3300

2022

Muskellunge

Adult

189

2022

Walleye

Fingerling 1 - 3"

11543

2023

Channel Catfish

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

3300

2023

Muskellunge

Adult

171

2023

Walleye

Fingerling 1 - 3"

4751


Additional information for stocking on George, Lake


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Average

Bluegill at Lake George have a long history of being dominated by fish in the 3-6 inch range. 2023 survey resulted in the highest catch rate numbers for bluegill which could be due to increased Aquatic vegetation in Lake George.

CRAPPIE

Good

The Crappie population was sampled for the first time in the fall with 1 inch bar 3x6 trap nets. A total of 10 nets per day for a grand total of 20 net nights were completed. Otoliths were removed from 5-10 fish per species per cm group for age determination. A total of 127 crappie and 2 hybrids were sampled by trap nets. White Crappie were the dominate species with 102 sampled. Lake George's lack of vegetation and lake structure tends to favor the White crappie over the Black crappie. Black Crappie have slower growth with a mean length at age 2+ of 7.5 inches vs the White Crappie at 8.5 inches. The White Crappie are taking advantage of the Gizzard shad forage and growing better than the Black Crappie.

HYBRID STRIPED BASS (WIPERS)

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.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

Lake George has a history of an excellent bass fishery with good trophy potential. Fish success is better in the spring before the shad spawn. Numbers and size distribution have rebounded since the 2018 draw down. 2023 survey numbers showed good numbers of fish in the 12-20 inches with good relative weights.

MUSKELLUNGE

Good

The Muskie population is consistent with catch rate of 1 fish per net night in Spring trap nets. Average size fish are 35 inches with fish as big as 41 inches being sampled. Gizzard Shad are the main forage for these fish.

WALLEYE

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
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

Eletric Trolling Motors Only

Contact Information:
Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
19406 Loud Thunder Road
309- 795-1040
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, David Wyffels
630-360-4185