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PIERCE LAKE
Lake Information
County: Winnebago
Acreage: 147
Average Depth: 12.5 feet
Shoreline Length: 4.2 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Unrestricted, over 10 hp no wake speed
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
Maps are not intended for navigation.
There are zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2021 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
4305 |
2021 |
Muskellunge |
Adult |
162 |
2021 |
Smallmouth Bass |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
6050 |
2021 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
10242 |
2022 |
Smallmouth Bass |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
5985 |
2022 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
9180 |
Additional information for stocking on Pierce Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Improving | A total of 94 Bluegills were collected ranging from 30 – 193 mm (1.2 – 7.6 in), with 72 > Stock size (80 mm [3.1 in]). This survey did meet the minimum required number of fish > Stock size (n = 50) to quantify population demographics as set forth in the Lake Management Plan (LMP). The PSD fell within its respective target ranges, albeit on the lower end while RSD-7 fish were below the target range. Body condition (as indexed by relative weight) exceeded the 90th percentile for Quality and Preferred sized fish. A high body condition indicates sufficient forage for fish growth. Despite Bluegill densities being high, and good Bluegill body condition, very few larger Bluegill were collected (as indicated by low the RSD-7 value). It’s possible that larger fish are present but were difficult to collect due to vegetations, water clarity and water levels being low at the time of the survey. | |
Excellent | A total of 84 Largemouth bass were collected ranging from 60 – 527 mm (2.4 – 20.7 in), with 60 of those fish > Stock size (200 mm [7.9 in]). This survey met the minimum required number of fish > Stock size (n = 30) to accurately quantify population demographics as set forth in the Lake Management Plan (LMP). Both the PSD and RSD-15 exceeded their respective target ranges. Body condition (as indexed by relative weight) exceeded the 90th percentile for Quality, Preferred, and Memorable sized fish. A high body condition indicates sufficient forage for fish growth. Overall, the Largemouth bass population looks to be in great shape and the winter drawdowns seem to be aiding in a healthy population. | |
Excellent | A total of 75 Muskellunge were collected ranging from 594 – 1185 mm (22.9 – 31.1 in), with 75 of those fish > Stock size (510 mm [20.1 in]). The Muskellunge collected was mostly dominated by the quality and preferred size fish. The CPUE exceeded the goal of 1 fish per net night as set forth in the Lake Management Plan (LMP). | |
Very Good | The Walleye population is strong with 80% of the fish sampled in 2018 over the 14 inch minimum length limit. Previous creel samples showed 58 pounds of Walleye per acre harvested, which is the highest harvest pounds of any northern Illinois lakes. Walleye are stocked annually at a rate of 50 per acre. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit; 14" minimum length limit. | |
Location: Pierce lake is located in Rock Cut State Park in Northeastern Winnebago County. It lies between the towns of Machesney Park and Caledonia on Rt. 173.
Description: Pierce Lake covers a former rock quarry and much of the lower end was cut through solid rock. The lake has a maximum depth of 36 ft. with an average depth of 12.5 ft. The pool elevation is 826 ft. giving the lake 4.9 miles of shoreline. The watershed has 8,150 acres with a ratio of 50:1 allowing a retention time of 132 days.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Pierce Lake is an artificial impoundment made from a rock quarry. The initial 13 park acres were purchased in 1959 and at the present time the park contains 3,092 acres. The lake began impounding water on May 15, 1961. The lake is annually stocked with Muskellunge, Walleye, Channel Catfish and Smallmouth bass.
Additional Lake Information: SPORT FISH REGULATIONS IN EFFECT:
All Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only
Large or Smallmouth Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Fish Daily Creel Limit (15˝ Minimum Length Limit)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Fish Daily Creel Limit (No Minimum Length Limit)
Channel Catfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Fish Daily Creel Limit (No Minimum Length Limit)
Pure Muskellunge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Fish Daily creel Limit (48˝ Minimum Length Limit)
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye . . . . . . .6 Fish Daily Creel Limit (14˝ Minimum Length Limit)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie . . . . . . . . . .25 Fish Daily Creel Limit (No Minimum Length Limit)
Contact Information: State of IllinoisRock Cut State Park: 815-885-3311IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Brennan Caputo630-360-4181
Multiple day tournaments are listed with * end date.
Interested in participating in one of these public tournaments? Contact us with tournament ID for more information.
| 2022 – 2023 Approved or Pending Tournaments | ||||||||
| Start Date | ID | Approval | Ramp Location | Bank/Boat Hook/Bow |
Max Boats | Species | Youth? | Open to Public? |
| January-28 | 23631 | Approved | Rock Cut SP - Main Ramp | bankhook | 0 | Multiple Species | No | No |
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