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HEIDECKE LAKE
Lake Information
County: Grundy
Acreage: 1955
Average Depth: 9.00 feet
Shoreline Length: 17 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Unrestricted
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? No
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There are zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2023 |
Blacknose Crappie |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
8673 |
2023 |
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
20385 |
2023 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
65631 |
2024 |
Blacknose Crappie |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
45021 |
2024 |
Blue Catfish |
Adult |
268 |
2024 |
Largemouth Bass |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
38759 |
2024 |
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
19775 |
2024 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
118585 |
Additional information for stocking on Heidecke Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Good | The Fall 2024 survey resulted in a total of 547 Bluegill collected ranging from 30 mm (1.2") to 223 mm (8.8"), with 226 of those fish greater than stock size of 3.0". Average length was 95 mm (3.7"). The Bluegill catch rate slightly declined from the 2022 survey, though size distribution of the population greatly increased with a very high PSD-P value. Large Bluegill were not evenly distributed across sites and were collected in large numbers at a few locations. Bluegill body condition was quite good which suggests good growth potential. | |
Poor | Channel Catfish have not been collected in any large numbers for quite a few years, possibly due to recruitment issues. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit. | |
Good | The Spring 2024 trap netting survey resulted in a total of 218 Black Crappie collected ranging from 81 mm (3.2") to 346 mm (13.6"), with 217 of those fish greater than stock size (5.0"). Average length was 276 mm (10.9"). Site Regulation: 15 fish daily limit. | |
Very Good | The Fall 2024 survey resulted in a total of 128 Hybrid Striped Bass collected ranging from 84 mm (3.3") to 636 mm (25"), with 116 of those fish greater than Stock size (8.0"). Average length was 473 mm (18.6"). The Hybrid Striped Bass catch rate was similar to the 2022 survey, as was the size distribution. Body condition was poor for all the larger individuals. Site Regulation: 10 fish daily limit with only 3 fish 17" or longer. | |
Poor | The Fall 2024 survey resulted in a total of 68 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 58 mm (2.3") to 465 mm (18.3"), with 25 of those fish greater than Stock size (8.0"). Average length was 216 mm (8.5"). Largemouth Bass catch rate declined from the 2022 survey though the number of Stock-sized fish increased as did the size distribution of the population. Body condition was excellent for all size groups. Site Regulation: 15" Minimum Length Limit; 3 fish daily limit. | |
Very Good | The Spring 2024 trap netting survey resulted in a total of 149 fish collected ranging from 30 to 49.2" (two fish over 48" were collected). Average length was 34" for Males and 39" for Females. A state-record fish was collected in the 2023 Spring trap netting survey (39.8 lbs). Site Regulation: 48" minimum length limit. | |
Very Good | The Fall 2024 survey resulted in a total of 204 Smallmouth Bass collected ranging from 80 mm (3.1") to 475 mm (18.7"), with 188 of those fish greater than Stock size (7.0"). Average length was 345 mm (13.6"). The Smallmouth Bass catch rate remained similar to the 2022 survey. Size distribution increased while body condition remained fair for the larger size groups. Site Regulation: 15" minimum length limit; 3 fish daily limit | |
Very Good | The Spring 2024 trap netting survey resulted in a total of 85 Walleye collected ranging from 383 mm (15.1") to 693 mm (27.3"), with 85 of those fish greater than Stock size (10.0"). Average length was 549 mm (21.6"). The vast majority of Walleye collected were legal size. Site Regulation: 16" minimum length limit; 3 fish daily limit. | |
Good | White Bass were essentially absent from the Fall 2024 survey though this is not indicative of the population. Site Regulation: 10 fish daily limit with only 3 Fish 17" or longer | |
Good | The Fall 2024 survey resulted in a total of 17 Yellow Bass collected ranging from 90 mm (3.5") to 266 mm (10.5"), with 15 of those fish greater than Stock size (4.0"). Average length was 213 mm (8.4"). Yellow Bass, while not necessarily a targeted sportfish, likely end up in the angling creel from time to time. | |
Location: Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is located in Grundy County approximately 1 mile south and 8 miles east of Morris, between Illinois Route 47 and Interstate Route 55 on Lorenzo/Pine Bluff Road.
Description: Formerly a cooling reservoir, Heidecke Lake has 1,955 surface acres of water with 75% of shoreline comprised of rock rip-rapped dikes. A "safe harbor" created by breakwaters was constructed in 1993. There are no horsepower limitations; maximum speed is 40 mph except in designated "no wake" areas; working gasoline engine required as main propulsion unit; boats under 14' are not recommended. Zebra Mussels have been found in Heidecke Lake and boaters should take appropriate measures upon departure. Shore angler access is located on the east side of lake off Dresden Road with portions of the center and east dike open to bank fishing. A handicapped fishing pier is located on the east side of the lake as well.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The fishery is evaluated via biennial major surveys and annual species-specific surveys. Attempts to introduce aquatic vegetation have generally failed. Bass spawning habitat has been installed at various locations and other habitat enhancement projects are planned. Heidecke Lake receives annual stockings of walleye and hybrid striped bass. Pure muskellunge are stocked every third year, while black crappie and Largemouth Bass are released based upon availability. A special mercury advisory is in effect for Smallmouth Bass 18" and larger which limits consumption to one meal per month for the most sensitive populations and one meal per week for the general population.
Heidecke Lake is maintained by periodically pumping water from the Illinois River. As a result, the lake supports a variety of fish species in addition to those listed above, including Common Carp, Quillback, Freshwater Drum and others. Heidecke Lake is supported by a thriving Gizzard Shad forage base as well as various other minnow species. Round Gobies have been recently discovered as well.
Additional Lake Information: Since windy conditions can produce treacherous waves, the lake is closed when wind speeds are projected be 25 mph or greater per the NOAA weather report for Morris, IL. Boaters are required to have operational gasoline motors. No horsepower limitations.
Swimming, wading, water skiing and sail boating are prohibited. Heidecke Lake is open to fishing daily from 6:00 a.m. till sunset starting April 1 and is closed to fishing 10 days before the opening of the Northern Zone Duck Season. There are no horsepower limitations; maximum speed is 40 mph except in designated "no wake" areas; working gasoline engine required as main propulsion unit; boats under 14' are not recommended. A recently refurbished three-lane concrete boat ramp with fully blacktopped 100+ car/trailer parking is available. Boat launch is handicapped accessible. Since windy conditions can produce treacherous waves, the lake is closed when wind speeds are projected be 25 mph or greater per the NOAA weather report for Morris, IL. Boaters are required to have operational gasoline motors. No horsepower limitations.
Additional Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
All Fish Species: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15" minimum length limit; 3 fish daily limit
Muskellunge: 48" minimum length limit
Walleye: 16" minimum length limit; 3 fish daily limit
White, Hybrid or Pure Striped Bass: 10 fish daily limit with only 3 fish 17" or longer
White, Black and/or Hybrid Crappie: 15 fish daily limit
Contact Information: Heidecke State Fish and Wildlife Area 815-942-6352IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love630-553-6680
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.
| 2025 Approved or Pending Tournaments | ||||||||
| Start Date | ID | Approval | Ramp Location | Bank/Boat Hook/Bow |
Max Boats | Species | Youth? | Open to Public? |
| April-27 | 27247 | Approved | Heidecke Lake Boat Ramp | boathook | 25 | Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass | Yes | No |
| May-04 | 28446 | Approved | Heidecke Lake Boat Ramp | boathook | 30 | Walleye | No | Yes |
| May-15 | 28189 | Approved | Heidecke Lake Boat Ramp | boathook | 22 | Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass | Yes | No |
| May-18 | 29001 | Pending | Heidecke Lake Boat Ramp | boathook | 40 | Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass | Yes | No |
| May-31 | 27556 | Approved | Heidecke Lake Boat Ramp | boathook | 20 | Muskellunge | No | Yes |
| September-14 | 27249 | Approved | Heidecke Lake Boat Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass | Yes | No |
| September-28 | 27250 | Approved | Heidecke Lake Boat Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass | Yes | No |
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