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CENTRALIA LAKE
Lake Information
County: Marion
Acreage: 254
Average Depth: 10.01 feet
Shoreline Length: 12.9 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Unrestricted
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? Yes
Swimming? Yes
Picnicking? No
Camping? No
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2021 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
1500 |
2022 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
1500 |
2022 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
750 |
Additional information for stocking on Centralia, Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Poor | The size structure of the black crappie population remained poor. Most black crappie were in the 7” – 9” range with no fish exceeding 10” in length. Only 13% of the adult black crappie in the sample exceeded 9” in length. Black crappie body condition remained above target. Crappie fishing should be good in the coming year with the best fish ranging between 0.5 – 1.3 lbs. | |
Poor | TThe size structure of the bluegill population remained poor. The number of larger bluegill was well below optimal. Many bluegill between 5” – 7” were collected, and no bluegill over 7.5” were collected. In 2023, anglers can expect to catch an abundance of bluegill 5” – 7” in length weighing 0.1 to 0.25 pounds. The bluegill population in this lake will likely always be hindered by the presence of gizzard shad. | |
Improving | As a result of recent stocking efforts, the channel catfish population density is improving, but remains low. The current population exhibits good growth rates and body condition. Fishing in the coming year should be fair to good with the majority of fish ranging from 1 – 6 lbs. | |
Very Good | The overall size structure of the bass population was good and relatively stable. All of the population metrics met, or exceeded, the lake management plan targets. The percentage of adult bass in the 12” – 15” size range remained constant, while the percentage of bass over 15” decreased slightly. Approximately 29% of the adult bass in the sample exceeded the 15” minimum length limit. The catch rate was high at 116 fish per hour and was well above the goal of 60 per hour. Body condition remained stable and good. Fishing prospects for the coming year should be very good with most keeper bass ranging from 15” – 20” in length and weighing between 1.8 – 5 pounds. | |
Good | The size structure of the redear sunfish collected in 2022 was good. Approximately 41% of the adult redear were 9” or longer and 19% were 10” or longer. Expect most redear caught to be between 7” – 10” and 0.25 – 0.65 pounds, with some larger fish exceeding 10” and approaching 0.75 pounds. Redear fishing should be good in 2023. | |
Good | The size structure of the white crappie population continued to look good. Approximately 52% of the adult white crappie in the sample exceeded 9” in length and 27% exceeded 10”. Nearly 70% of the adult white crappie in the sample were between 8” – 10”. Body condition for white crappie remained poor and below the lake management plan target. Crappie fishing should be good in the coming year with the best fish ranging between 0.5 – 1.3 lbs. | |
Location: Centralia Lake is located in Marion County approximately 2 miles west and 5 miles south of Salem, Illinois.
Description: Centralia Lake was constructed in 1910 to serve as a water supply reservoir for the city of Centralia. Centralia Lake has a surface area of 254 acres, a maximum depth of 23 feet, and a mean depth of 10 feet. The lake has 12.9 miles of shoreline and a watershed of 734 acres.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The sport fish population in Centralia Lake is comprised primarily of largemouth bass, bluegill, white and black crappies, and channel catfish. Other common species include redear sunfish, common carp and yellow bullheads. The fish population is surveyed annually.
Additional Lake Information: Two pole and line fishing only. City of Centralia boat and tournament permits are required and can be purchased at the City Clerk’s office at 101 S. Locust, Centralia.
Site Regulations:
Largemouth Bass: 6 fish daily limit; 15" minimum length limit
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Contact Information: Centralia City Clerk’s Office 101 S. Poplar, Centralia618-533-7625IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Boone LaHood618-393-6732
There were 31 tournaments held on this waterbody in 2022.
| Species | Total Fish Caught |
| Largemouth Bass | 864 |
Top 5 Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2022 tournaments:
| 1 6.42 lbs | 2 6.35 lbs | 3 6.19 lbs | 4 6.10 lbs | 5 5.84 lbs |
Top 5 Total Tournament Weight of Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2022 tournaments:
| 1 | 291.26 lbs |
| 2 | 185.76 lbs |
| 3 | 141.65 lbs |
| 4 | 114.57 lbs |
| 5 | 106.80 lbs |
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