Choose another lake
BEAVER DAM LAKE
Lake Information
County: Macoupin
Acreage: 57
Average Depth: 4 feet
Shoreline Length: 1.7 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Electric only
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
Trout stocked in fall
Click on map for expanded view
Maps are not intended for navigation.
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2022 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
3233 |
2023 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
2830 |
2023 |
Redear Sunfish |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
18141 |
Additional information for stocking on Beaver Dam Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Good | The bluegill numbers are a little lower than we would like but the size distribution is very good. Many fish were over 7 inches, and some were over 8 inches. The body condition of the fish was very good. | |
Very Good | Twelve Channel Catfish were collected in 2019. They measured between 10-22 inches and were in excellent body condition. IDNR will continue to stock Channel Catfish as hatchery production allows. | |
Good | Several size classes of both white and black crappie were collected. Crappie numbers have increased over the past few years; however, this higher density of fish is resulting in a lower average body condition, likely due to competition for food resources. 46% of the catchable Black Crappie population exceeds the 9” minimum length limit. The same is true for White Crappie where 65% exceed 9”. | |
Good | Largemouth Bass numbers rebounded since the 2016 survey (59 fish/hour). In 2019, 101 Largemouth Bass were collected per hour. These fish ranged from 5.1-18.5”. The largest bass measured 18.5” and weighed 3.36lbs. In past years the size distribution of the bass collected ranged between 6-15 inches; however, in 2018 and into 2019 the proportion of fish 15” and greater has increased. | |
Very Good | Like the bluegill population, the Redear Sunfish numbers are low, but the size quality and condition are very good. Four fish were collected in 2016 and in 2018. None were collected in 2019. Redear Sunfish collected in the 2016 and 2018 samples were all over 10 inches with excellent body condition. | |
Location: Beaver Dam Lake is located in west-central Illinois, seven miles southwest of Carlinville in Macoupin County within Beaver Dam State Park.
Description: Beaver Dam Lake is 56.6 acres with a shoreline length 1.7 miles, watershed of 225 acres (4 to 1), maximum depth of 10 feet, and average depth 4 feet.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Approximately 12 species live in this small, fertile impoundment. Other species collected during recent population surveys included Common Carp, Gizzard Shad, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, and Yellow Bullhead.
Beaver Dam Lake receives annual stockings of 8" to 10" Channel Catfish and 10" to 14" Rainbow Trout.
Additional Lake Information: Beaver Dam Lake has a trolling motor only rule. There is a single, concrete boat ramp on the west end of the lake. A concession stand offers boat and motor rental, live bait, tackle, ice, food, and soft drinks. A fish cleaning station is positioned just north of the boat ramp.
Contact Information: Beaver Dam State Park 14548 Beaver Dam Lane, Plainview, IL 62685217-854-8020 IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Eric Ratcliff618-931-4217
 |
 |
|
|
