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LOU YAEGER LAKE


Lake Information

County: Montgomery

Acreage: 1268

Average Depth: 10.01 feet

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Unrestricted

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? Yes

Swimming? Yes

Picnicking? Yes

Camping? Yes

larger map link Dam North End


    Click on area names for a more detailed map.
    Dam, North End

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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2022

Largemouth Bass

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

19649

2023

Largemouth Bass

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

19035


Additional information for stocking on Lou Yeager, Lake


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Good

For an impoundment of this size and considering competition with younger Bluegill from Gizzard Shad, this fish group does fairly well. We saw good numbers of bluegill in the 6” to 7” range, and collected this species up to 7.4” in total length. Usually under these conditions, bluegill struggle to attain 6”. If the predator base strengthens, this fishery could improve even more over time.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Very Good

In 2015, we did quite well collecting this species as opposed to 2012. Channel catfish were caught ranging from 8” to 26.2” in total length, and topping the scale at 8.6 lbs. Natural reproduction is occurring in this lake, which should ensure decent fishing into the future. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily creel limit.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Developing

Lake Lou Yaeger has a weak largemouth bass population. Numbers are subpar, yet size structure is fairly solid. Our last (2015) sample showed most bass resided in the 10” to 17” length range. The largest bass measured 22”, and topped the scale at 6.2 lbs. The City of Litchfield continues to stock this fish group on an annual basis. If this program remains, this fishery should benefit down the road. If fish are available, 4” largemouth bass will be stocked in Lake Lou Yaeger in 2016 via IDNR. Site Regulation: 15” minimum length limit; 3 fish per day creel limit.

WHITE CRAPPIE

Very Good

White Crappie are doing fairly well in Lake Lou Yaeger. The majority of individuals collected were in the 6” to 11” category. The largest Crappie captured was 13.2”, and weighed 1.1 lbs. Densities are high, and it looks as though this group is rebuilding as smaller fish increase/larger fish decrease in numbers. Continued harvest by the angler should reduce competition and allow smaller fish to move up through the length range rather quickly.

Location: Resides nearly 1 mile northeast of Litchfield, IL. in Montgomery County.

Description: Lake Lou Yaeger was created by damming the West Fork of Shoal Creek. The lake was constructed in 1964, and completely filled during May of 1966. The predominant uses are boating recreation, sport fishing, and flood control. Lake Lou Yaeger has no horsepower motor limit. There is a boat ramp on the southwest shore. Restrooms, camping, and picnicking are all available on site.

Lake information: 1,269 acres; shoreline length 24.9 miles; watershed 74,550; maximum depth 31 feet; average depth 10 feet.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Approximately 15 fish groups swim in this shallow, fertile water body. At this time, no species are being stocked by IDNR on an annual basis. A rearing pond for Largemouth Bass is functional on City property. The City does stock 5” to 8” Largemouth annually in an effort to maintain the predator base.

Additional Lake Information: Two pole and line fishing only.

Contact Information:
City of Litchfield
217-324-5253
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Tad Locher
217-720-0235

There were 2 tournaments held on this waterbody in 2023.

Species Total Fish Caught
Largemouth Bass 13

Top 5 Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2023 tournaments:

1     4.53 lbs
2     4.28 lbs
3     3.81 lbs
4     2.44 lbs

Top 5 Total Tournament Weight of Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2023 tournaments:

1 28.38 lbs
2 8.25 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?
April-18
*September-26
26889PendingSouth Ramp boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
NoYes
July-1425563ApprovedSouth Ramp boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
NoNo
September-0125342ApprovedNorth Ramp boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
NoNo