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WASHINGTON COUNTY LAKE
Lake Information
County: Washington
Acreage: 248
Average Depth: 18.24 feet
Shoreline Length: 14.6 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? 10hp
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2022 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
3000 |
2022 |
Largemouth Bass |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
5560 |
2023 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
3000 |
2023 |
Largemouth Bass |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
5780 |
Additional information for stocking on Washington County Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Poor | Bluegill were collected at a rate of 520 fish per hour in the 2021 survey. Although 31% of the Bluegill were over 6 inches, only 6% of the Bluegill were over 7 inches, and none were over 8 inches. Competition for food and resources with the abundant Gizzard Shad population is probably negatively impacting Bluegill size. | |
Excellent | Fifteen Channel Catfish ranging from 14 to 27 inches were collected in the 2021 survey. The IDNR stocks this lake annually with Channel Catfish. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit. | |
Good | Fifteen Black Crappie (8-11 inches) and 3 White Crappie (12-14 inches) were collected in the 2021 survey. 60% of the Black Crappie collected were 10 inches or over. | |
Excellent | During the 2021 fall electrofishing survey, Largemouth Bass were collected at a rate of 54 fish per hour. The size distribution of Largemouth Bass in this lake is good. Of the 54 bass collected, 39% were over 14 inches, 33% were over 15 inches, and 19% were over 18 inches. Two bass were over 20 inches. The IDNR stocks this lake annually with Largemouth Bass. | |
Location: Washington County State Recreation Area, 18500 Conservation Drive, is located 4 miles south of Nashville on Route 127.
Description: This scenic 248-acre lake contains a good percentage of woody habitats, which is great for attracting and holding fish. There is a concrete boat ramp and plenty of parking in the blacktopped parking lot. There is also a gravel boat ramp for small watercraft. Shore angler access is available at many areas around the lake and there is a 10 hp limit for boat motors.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The IDNR Division of Fisheries has been active in the management of Washington County Lake since it opened in 1962. The lake receives regular stockings of Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass.
Warmouth, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Redear Sunfish, Yellow Bullhead, Black Bullhead, Yellow Bass, and Green Sunfish were collected in low numbers during the 2021 survey. Gizzard Shad were collected in high numbers which is expected for a forage species.
Additional Lake Information: There is a 10hp limit for boat motors. 2 pole and line fishing only. Swimming, wading, and waterskiing are prohibited. A map of the 11 Washington County State Lake fish attractor locations can be obtained via the link above.
Concessions: Got-a-Bite is open from 8am-8pm daily from April 1st through October 31st. They offer daily food specials; a variety of beverages; camping supplies; ice; firewood; fishing tackle; bait; kayak, paddle, and Jon boat rentals. For more information, visit them on Facebook or call 618-314-1748.
Site Regulations:
Largemouth bass: 2 fish under 14" and 1 fish over 18" daily limit, 14 – 18" protected slot (no possession)
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Striped, white or hybrid bass: 3 fish daily limit, 17" minimum length limit
Contact Information: Washington County State Recreation Area 618-327-3137 IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Eric Ratcliff618-931-4217
There were 10 tournaments held on this waterbody in 2023.
| Species | Total Fish Caught |
| Largemouth Bass | 328 |
Top 5 Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2023 tournaments:
| 1 6.31 lbs | 2 5.66 lbs | 3 5.52 lbs | 4 5.50 lbs | 5 5.44 lbs |
Top 5 Total Tournament Weight of Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2023 tournaments:
| 1 | 96.27 lbs |
| 2 | 71.56 lbs |
| 3 | 63.44 lbs |
| 4 | 62.63 lbs |
| 5 | 56.19 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? |
| May-11 | 25867 | Approved | Washington County SRA | boathook | 20 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| May-19 | 26569 | Approved | Washington County SRA | boathook | 15 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| June-15 | 26135 | Approved | Washington County SRA | boathook | 10 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| June-22 | 25946 | Approved | Washington County SRA | boathook | 18 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| June-23 | 25626 | Approved | Washington County SRA | boathook | 9 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| July-13 | 26976 | Approved | Washington County SRA | boathook | 10 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
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