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NEWTON LAKE


Lake Information

County: Jasper

Acreage: 1750

Average Depth: 16.01 feet

Shoreline Length: 52 miles

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? 25hp

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No

Picnicking? Yes

Camping? No

large map link Cold Water Dam Laws Creek Warm Water


    Click on area names for a more detailed map.
    Cold Water Arm, Dam, Laws Creek Channel,
    Warm Water Arm

Maps are not intended for navigation.


There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2021

Black Crappie

Fingerling 1 - 3"

78386

2021

Blacknose Crappie

Fingerling 1 - 3"

35045

2022

Black Crappie

Fingerling 1 - 3"

43918


Additional information for stocking on Newton Lake


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLACK CRAPPIE

Improving

Black crappie population numbers continued to improve as a result of recent stocking efforts, but catch rates remained low. Growth rates were good and body condition remained above target. Despite the relatively low numbers, some anglers successfully target crappie each year and consistently catch limits. Best fishing is around treetops and the docks in the warm arm.Site Regulation: White, Black or Hybrid Crappie: 10 fish daily limit; 10" minimum length limit.

BLUEGILL

Poor

The bluegill population is in extremely poor condition. High summer temperatures (Newton Lake has very little thermal refuge) and a dense population of shad contribute to poor reproduction and slow growth. The majority of the bluegill collected were less than 6” in length and no bluegill over 7.5” were collected. This lake is not recommended for bluegill.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Excellent

The size structure of the channel catfish population has improved in recent years. Although still dominated by smaller fish, the population contains an adequate number of large fish to provide a good quality fishery. Approximately 93% of the adult channel catfish in the survey were at least 14” long and 31% exceeded 18” in length. High natural reproduction and recruitment in Newton Lake have historically produced large numbers of channel catfish annually and sampling catch rates in 2021 remained high. Average body condition remained very good. For 2022, catfishing should be good, and the majority of the catfish caught will be 1 – 4 pounds with some larger fish up to 5.5 pounds.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

The size structure of the bass population collected in Newton Lake in 2021 has changed from past surveys. A large portion on this change can be attributed to a strong class of 8” – 12” long bass. The percentage of adult bass greater than the 18" minimum length limit remained stable at 11% of the sample. This lake continues to support a very good bass population. However, the fishery is slowly beginning to show signs of change. Recent changes to the operation of the coal fired power plant have significantly reduced the amount of hot water discharged into the lake. This has resulted in a reduced growing season, and a shorter spawning season for prey species, especially gizzard shad. In short, it is transitioning from a cooling lake to an ambient lake. However, bass recruitment continues to be high, body condition is good, and growth rates remain at, or above, average. For 2022, Newton Lake will still provide very good angling opportunities. Anglers can expect to catch large numbers of fish from 15” – 20” in length ranging from 2 – 5 pounds. The majority of bass exceeding the 18” minimum will weigh between 3.5 – 7 pounds. Site Regulation: 3 fish daily limit; 18" minimum length limit.

WHITE BASS

Very Good

The white bass population has successfully recruited each year since they were first discovered in 1994. With few exceptions, their numbers have remained relatively constant. However, the electrofishing and netting catch rates increased in 2021. The population continues to exhibit good growth rates and body condition. One large class of fish will contribute to most the fishery in 2022. Most of these fish will range from 13” – 15” with larger fish up to 17”. Fish the main lake points or troll the flats to locate fish and then cast to schools. Site Regulation: Unlimited except no more than 3 fish over 17".

Location: Newton Lake is located in Jasper County, approximately 6 miles southwest of Newton, Illinois and 18 miles southeast of Effingham, Illinois.

Description: Newton Lake is a cooling reservoir owned by Luminant. It was constructed by Central Illinois Power Company in 1975, and was leased by the IDNR and opened for fishing in 1980. Newton Lake has a surface area of 1,750 acres, an average depth of 16 feet, and a maximum depth of 40 feet. The lake has 52 miles of shoreline and a watershed of 30,720 acres.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The sport fishery in Newton Lake is best known for the largemouth bass fishery. Other conventional sport fish include white bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. The lake also contains large numbers of common carp and gizzard shad. Newton Lake is open year-round with the best fishing opportunities from fall through spring. The fish population is surveyed annually.

Additional Lake Information: Two pole and line fishing only. Newton Lake is closed to fishing during the 7 days of the regular shotgun deer season. The cold arm of the lake is closed daily to fishing during the regular duck and Canada goose seasons from one-half hour before sunrise until 1:00 pm.

Tournaments: Tournaments are prohibited in June, July, and August.

Site Regulations:
Largemouth, Smallmouth or Spotted Bass: 3 fish daily limit; 18" minimum length limit
White, Black or Hybrid Crappie: 10 fish daily limit; 10" minimum length limit
White Bass: Unlimited except no more than 3 fish over 17"

Contact Information:
Newton Lake State Park
618-783-3478
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Boone LaHood
618-393-6732

There were 48 tournaments held on this waterbody in 2022.

Species Total Fish Caught
Largemouth Bass 1313

Top 5 Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2022 tournaments:

1     7.78 lbs
2     7.56 lbs
3     7.56 lbs
4     7.50 lbs
5     7.34 lbs

Top 5 Total Tournament Weight of Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2022 tournaments:

1 525.06 lbs
2 458.50 lbs
3 332.60 lbs
4 230.16 lbs
5 184.00 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.

2023 Approved or Pending Tournaments
Start Date ID Approval Ramp Location Bank/Boat
Hook/Bow
Max Boats Species Youth? Open to Public?
March-2522616ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
50Largemouth Bass
NoYes
March-2523087ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoYes
March-2622516ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
18Largemouth Bass
NoNo
March-2622595ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
April-0122575ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
April-0123679ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
60Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Spotted Bass
NoYes
April-0123826ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoYes
April-0222817ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
YesNo
April-0223458ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
30Largemouth Bass
NoNo
April-0224022ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
11Largemouth Bass
NoNo
April-0224074PendingCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
April-0224124ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
YesNo
April-0723437ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
75Largemouth Bass
YesYes
April-0822464ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
40Largemouth Bass
NoNo
April-0823796ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
60Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Spotted Bass
NoYes
April-0923567ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
8Largemouth Bass
NoNo
April-1522435ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
40Largemouth Bass
NoNo
April-1523562ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
40Largemouth Bass
NoNo
April-1622759ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
90Largemouth Bass
YesYes
April-1623173ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
YesYes
April-2222645ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
50Largemouth Bass
NoYes
April-2223078ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
NoYes
April-2323877ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
10Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
NoNo
April-2324578PendingHot Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
April-2922657ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
50Largemouth Bass
NoYes
April-29
*April-30
23112ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
April-3023615ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
April-3024125ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
YesNo
May-0622427ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
50Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
NoNo
May-0623675ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
70Largemouth Bass
NoYes
May-06
*May-07
24115ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
12Blue Catfish
Channel Catfish
NoYes
May-0722848ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
10Largemouth Bass
NoNo
May-0723362ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
8Largemouth Bass
NoNo
May-1322628ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
May-1322850ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
60Largemouth Bass
YesYes
May-2022690ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
50Largemouth Bass
NoYes
May-2023487ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
May-2023828ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoYes
May-2122514ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
18Largemouth Bass
NoNo
May-2122880ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
50Largemouth Bass
NoYes
May-2722652ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
May-2722701ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
50Largemouth Bass
NoYes
May-2723492ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
NoYes
September-02
*September-03
22914ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
NoNo
September-0223507ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
September-0922653ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
September-0922793ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
50Largemouth Bass
NoYes
September-1022869ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
10Largemouth Bass
NoNo
September-1023569ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
8Largemouth Bass
NoNo
September-1622719ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
50Largemouth Bass
NoYes
September-1723363ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
8Largemouth Bass
NoNo
September-1723727ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
18Largemouth Bass
NoNo
September-23
*September-24
22430ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
40Largemouth Bass
NoNo
September-2323109ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoYes
September-23
*September-24
24116PendingCold Water Side boat
hook
12Blue Catfish
Channel Catfish
NoYes
September-2422893ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
50Largemouth Bass
NoYes
September-2423432ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
September-3022746ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
50Largemouth Bass
NoYes
September-3022802ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
NoNo
October-0122553ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
18Largemouth Bass
NoNo
October-0122909ApprovedHot Water Side boat
hook
50Largemouth Bass
NoYes
October-0723110ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoYes
October-0823488ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
18Largemouth Bass
NoNo
October-0824473PendingCold Water Side boat
hook
25Largemouth Bass
NoNo
October-1423506ApprovedCold Water Side boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo