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ASHLAND NEW RESERVOIR


Lake Information

County: Morgan

Acreage: 12

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Electric only

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"

250


Additional information for stocking on Ashland New Reservoir


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Excellent

In 2021 Bluegill were collected at a rate of 54 fish per hour of electrofishing. Bluegill ranged from 1.5-8.1”. 92.8% of the catchable Bluegill population exceed 7” and 21.4% exceeded 8”. The catch rate in 2021 (CPUE=54) was only 26% of the catch rate in 2018 (CPUE=206). In 2018, 20.5% of the catchable Bluegill population exceeded 7” and 2.9% exceeded 8”. The current Bluegill/Redear Sunfish regulation is 10 fish/day. This quality bluegill fishery should provide anglers with excellent fishing opportunities for years to come.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Average

One Channel Catfish was collected during the 2021 survey. This fish measured 11.9”. No Channel Catfish were collected during the 2018 survey. IDNR will continue to stock non-vulnerable Channel Catfish biennially, or as State Hatchery production allows, to maintain angling opportunities for this species.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

The 2021 electrofishing survey yielded 110 Largemouth Bass per hour of electrofishing. Fish ranged from 3.1-19.6” and weighed up to 3.48lbs. The structural indices are all slightly below the goal, however the catch rate exceeds the management plan objectives. In 2018, Largemouth Bass were collected at a rate of 114 fish/hour with fish measuring 5.7-18.9” and weighing up to 3.48lbs. Most Largemouth Bass collected in 2018 ranged from 10-14”. 23.4% of Largemouth Bass exceeded 15”.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Excellent

Redear Sunfish were collected at a rate of 6 fish per hour during the 2021 electrofishing survey. These fish ranged from 8.0-9.0”. In 2018, 11 Redear Sunfish were sampled ranging from 7-10". The Redear Sunfish population looks to be healthy, however a higher catch rate is desired.

Location:
Ashland Reservoir is located in Northwest Morgan County, 3 miles southwest of Ashland off of Route 123 and Collins Road, 21 miles northwest of Springfield.

Description:
The Ashland New Reservoir is owned by the Village of Ashland and was constructed in 1978 as a secondary water supply. The Village of Ashland entered into a formal Cooperative Management Agreement with IDNR in 1988. The first step taken was a complete rehabilitation of the lake and subsequent restocking. The lake is 10 acres and has a maximum depth of approximately 20 feet. Boats are allowed with electric trolling motors only (No gas motors allowed on boat). There is a one-lane gravel ramp on the north end of the lake and the entire shoreline is accessible to bank fishing.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery:
Other fish species: Other species present in this lake include Black Crappie, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, and White Crappie.

Additional Lake Information:
Fishing Regulations:
Two pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing.
Channel Catfish - 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish (14) – 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Electric trolling motors only, 14' boat length maximum.

Contact Information:
Village of Ashland
217-476-3317
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Blake Ruebush
217-622-7219