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BAY CREEK LAKE


Lake Information

County: Pope

Acreage: 110

Average Depth: 0.00 feet

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? 10hp limit

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No

Picnicking? No

Camping? No


There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2022

Channel Catfish

Non-vulnerable 8 - 10"

2145

2023

Channel Catfish

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

1450


Additional information for stocking on Bay Creek Lake


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Good

Bluegill numbers at Bay Creek #5 are good. Bluegill size structure remains constant as most catchable fish are between 6.0 and 7.5 inches. Bluegill fishing at Bay Creek #5 is expected to be fair to good.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Good

Anglers continue to report good catches of channel catfish. Many fish reported and collected during electro fishing surveys are 16 inches or better. Fishing prospects for channel catfish are expected to be good. A daily catch limit of six fish applies.

CRAPPIE

Fair

Black and white crappie are present in Bay Creek #5 and fishing as reported from anglers has been fair. Anglers should target crappie around structure and the creek channel using minnows and jigs. Currently there are no size or creel limits for crappie at Bay Creek #5.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

Many fish between 0.5 to 1.5 pounds are present with larger bass sampled and reportedly being caught by anglers. Bass fishing is expected to be good. Currently, there is a 15 inch minimum size limit for bass and a creel limit of 6 fish per day.

Location: Bay Creek #5 is located in Pope County, two miles northwest of Glendale. Illinois.

Description: Bay Creek #5 was constructed in 1975 as a flood control reservoir in the Bay Creek watershed. The lake is owned by the U.S. Forest Service and is surrounded by expanses of timbered land. At normal pool, Bay Creek #5 Lake has a surface area of 110 acres, a maximum depth of 15 feet, and an average depth of 6 feet. Shallow shoreline areas become filled with extensive submerged vegetation and the lake is fertile enough to support light to moderate plankton blooms during summer months.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Recent survey data suggests Bay Creek #5 is currently supporting a balanced fishery.

Contact Information:
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Kurt Daine
618-949-3432