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GILLESPIE NEW CITY LAKE


Lake Information

County: Macoupin

Acreage: 196

Average Depth: 10.93 feet

Shoreline Length: 8.9 miles

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Unrestricted

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? Yes

Swimming? Yes

Picnicking? Yes

Camping? Yes

larger map link Dam Boat Ramp Middle


    Click on area names for a more detailed map.
    Dam, Middle, Ramp

Maps are not intended for navigation.


There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2023

Channel Catfish

Non-vulnerable 8 - 10"

4140


Additional information for stocking on Gillespie New City Lake


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLACK CRAPPIE

Average

33 Black Crappie ranging from 6.3-9.4” were collected in 2017. Like the White Crappie, the 2017 CPUE was the highest catch rate recorded.Historic surveys (1999, 2002, 2007, & 2013) during this 20-year period yielded between 4-19 fish per hour. In 2017, 72.7% of fish exceeded 8”, 6.1% of which measured greater than 9”. The largest fish measured 9.4” and weighed 0.37lbs. Black Crappie relative weights (Wr=87) were poor, like previous years.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Good

Three Channel Catfish were collected, measuring 16.9-26.4”. Body Condition was excellent. Channel Catfish were stocked in 2017 and 2019. IDNR will continue to stock Channel Catfish as hatchery production allows.

HYBRID STRIPED BASS (WIPERS)

Good

Hybrid Striped Bass samples tend to be low using electrofishing equipment. Two Hybrid Striped Bass were collected per hour in 2017. These fish measured 9.8” and 12.2”. Hybrid Striped Bass are periodically stocked as hatchery production allows.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Excellent

In 2017, 87 Largemouth Bass ranging from 4.3-21.7” were collected. 19.7% of Largemouth Bass collected were 15” or greater. The largest fish measured 21.7” and weighed 5.84lbs. Fish less than 6” (16 fish) were collected, suggesting that natural reproduction is occurring. The catch rate of 87 bass/hour surpasses the catch rate goal (≥60 bass/hour). Structural indices are in good shape and this lake should continue to offer excellent bass fishing.

WHITE CRAPPIE

Very Good

49 White Crappie ranging from 4.3-12.2” were collected in 2017. The 2017 CPUE s the highest catch rate of White Crappie recorded in the last 20 years. The 2002 White Crappie catch rate comes in as the 2nd highest CPUE at 38 fish per hour. Three other surveys occurred during this 20-year period and White Crappie catch rates yielded between 17-31 fish per hour. In 2017, 64.6% of fish exceeded 8”, 8.3% of which measured greater than 9”. The largest fish measured 12.2” and weighed 0.85lbs. Relative weights of White Crappie were excellent in 2017 in comparison to previous years.

Location: Gillespie New City Lake resides in south-eastern Macoupin County, 3 miles northwest of Gillespie, Illinois.

Description: The lake is 196 acres and has a shoreline length of 8.9 miles, a maximum depth of 30 feet, and an average depth of 10.9 feet.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Gillespie New City Lake was built in 1953 and entered into a cooperative management agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 1984. This agreement was developed to improve fishing opportunities for the angling public. There are two concrete ramps on the east end of the lake. Lake users can fish, camp, boat, and swim.

Additional Lake Information: There is a General Store and Bait Shop located at the lake. During the Illinois Waterfowl Season, fishing is only allowed between the hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm.

Contact Information:
Gillespie Lake Office
618-362-6363
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Eric Ratcliff
618-931-4217

There were 3 tournaments held on this waterbody in 2023.

Species Total Fish Caught
Largemouth Bass 44

Top 5 Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2023 tournaments:

1     4.77 lbs
2     3.91 lbs
3     3.87 lbs
4     3.53 lbs
5     3.50 lbs

Top 5 Total Tournament Weight of Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2023 tournaments:

1 53.22 lbs
2 40.65 lbs
3 4.39 lbs


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.

2024 Approved or Pending Tournaments
Start Date ID Approval Ramp Location Bank/Boat
Hook/Bow
Max Boats Species Youth? Open to Public?
July-2125476ApprovedGillespie New City Main Ramp boat
hook
10Largemouth Bass
NoNo