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MT. STERLING LAKE
Lake Information

County: Brown
Acreage: 26
Average Depth: 9.30 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
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Good | Bluegill catch rates were below the management goal of >200/hr of electrofishing (101/hr in 2018) but were a continued improvement over 2016 and 2017 which resulted in 25 and 89 bluegill/hr electrofishing respectively. This population is still recovering following the winter kill in 2013/14. The bluegill are growing at a fast rate and are reaching harvestable sizes quickly. Twenty-four percent of the population measured over 7” in the 2018 survey. While bluegill numbers are lower than desired, there are other sunfish species within the population, including bluegill/redear sunfish hybrids and green sunfish. | |
Very Good | We collected 15 channel catfish during the 2018 survey ranging from 16 – 20”. These fish are a result of supplemental stocking by the city. Average body condition of these channel catfish was very good (Wr = 109). The supplemental stocking of channel catfish by the city should provide excellent catfish angling opportunities. Catfish are regulated with a 6 fish/day creel limit. Anglers can catch channel catfish near deadfalls and stickups in the warmer months throughout the lake using bottom fishing techniques with cut bait, shrimp, chicken livers, dip bait or night crawlers. | |
Good | The largemouth bass population is starting to rebound following the winter fish kill in 2013/14 and restocking by the city. We collected 133 bass/hr electrofishing in the 2018 survey, which is within the management goal for the lake. There were 2 main size classes of bass, 4-7” and 10-13”, which were most likely the year classes from previous stockings. We surveyed a very small number of larger fish. The population structure is currently skewed towards smaller fish but should stabilize over the next few years and produce a quality bass fishery. The current bass regulation is a protected slot, no possession of fish measuring between 12-15” and a creel limit of 6 bass/day. | |
Good | Only two redear sunfish were collected in the 2018 survey. Redear fingerlings were stocked by the IDNR hatchery system in October 2016. The fingerling fish should grow quickly and recruit into the catchable population, unless predation pressure by the 8-10” largemouth bass year class was too high | |
Location: Mt. Sterling Lake is located 1.5 miles from Mt. Sterling on Route 99 north.
The 911 address is: 1160 750E Street, Mt. Sterling, IL 62353
Boat Ramp Coordinates: 40.010916, -90.752911
Description: The lake offers fishing and has a kayak launch and a boat ramp for (electric trolling motors only) boat access. No swimming or wading is allowed in the lake.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The lake experienced a winter kill during the winter of 2013-2014. Since then the fishery has improved.
Additional Lake Information: Boat Fees are $5 a day or $25 annually. There is no fee for canoes & kayaks. A kayak/canoe launch was added in Oct 2022. There are no fees to fish. Electric Only, gas motors allowed on boat but not to be used.
The facility has 30 camping slips equipped with electrical hookups. Camping fees are $15 a day. Monthly rates are also available. Tent camping is available for $10 a night.
All fees can be paid to the lake host, at city hall, or left in the drop box at the building near the lake entrance.
The Lake is open April 1st- December 1st.
Site Regulations:
Two pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than two hooks or lines attached while fishing.
Largemouth Bass: Protected slot, no possession between 12-15”, 6 fish daily limit
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Mt. Sterling Lake Website - https://mtsterlingil.com/mt-sterling-lake/
Contact Information: Mt. Sterling City Hall 217-773-2513IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Blake Ruebush217-622-7219
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.
2025 Approved or Pending Tournaments | ||||||||
Start Date | ID | Approval | Ramp Location | Bank/Boat Hook/Bow |
Max Boats | Species | Youth? | Open to Public? |
June-15 | 27635 | Approved | RAMP | boathook | 15 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
September-21 | 27652 | Approved | RAMP | boathook | 15 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |