Location: Small strip mine lake located near the Banner Marsh Rearing Ponds by the Main Access Entrance.

Description: 22-acre strip mine lake with steep shorelines, flooded timber and submerged rooted aquatic plants.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Lake #29 Recent History:
The major problem through 1995 was a bass population with large individuals and poor reproduction. Also stunted bluegill due to gizzard shad, and carp populations which were causing competition for food. The carp were severely affecting water quality and eliminating aquatic plant life.
In 1996 the antimycin treatment made a big impact on the fish population and the water quality. The secchi reading went from 2' in 1995 to over 8' in 1996. Leafy pondweed was also present for the first time in 1996. No gizzard shad were collected, and only 5 carp were sampled and then removed in 1996. The Largemouth bass also had a tremendous spawn in 1996.
In 2003 the bass population had reached the objectives, however gizzard shad had returned in full force. The bluegill population had not improved, and a higher than average carp number was sampled.
In 2008 the bass population had maintained the quality level
surveyed in 2003. The PSD, RSD14, RSD16 and RSD18 were all above the minimum set objectives. The carp and gizzard shad CPUE was low. The bluegill population continues to experience the indices depression due to the gizzard shad competition.
In 2024, the highlight of the survey is a quality bass population in Lake #29. As in the 2017 survey, 14% of the population was over 18 inches in length. The bluegill and black crappie populations are present in high densities of below average size fish. The carp population is present at a low density of large fish. Redspotted sunfish were again collected in the woody habitat with one of the lake’s beaver houses.

Contact Information:
Rice Lake and Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Rob Hilsabeck
(309) 370-5296