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MONSTER LAKE


Lake Information

County: KANKAKEE

Acreage: 53

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Unlimited HP, No Wake

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No


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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2021

Walleye

Fingerling 1 - 3"

4640

2021

Walleye

Fry

304000

2022

Walleye

Fingerling 1 - 3"

3308

2022

Walleye

Fry

627000


Additional information for stocking on Mazonia - Monster Lake


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Fair

The Spring 2021 electrofishing survey saw a dramatic increase in Bluegill catch rate (1.2 fish/minute) from the Fall 2018 survey. The proportion of adult fish over 6 inches (27%) also greatly increased. Fish over 8 inches remain elusive, which appears to be a historical trend. Body condition was good for all size groups, indicating sufficient forage for adequate growth.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Fair

Surveys tend to produce a very low number of Channel Catfish and the 2021 Spring electrofishing was no different. Unlike other waterbodies within the Mazonia complex, Monster Lake does not receive Channel Catfish from the State Hatchery System. The population is sustained through natural reproduction and/or fish migration from connected creeks. Electrofishing is not typically used to evaluate Channel Catfish populations, and as such this survey does not provide a good assessment of the fishery. 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.

CRAPPIE

Fair

Due to timing constraints, Spring or Fall Trap netting was not conducted. However, 16 Crappies (6 Black and 10 White) were collected during the Spring 2021 electrofishing survey. Sizes collectively ranged from 3.4 – 12.4 inches. Electrofishing is not typically used to evaluate Crappie populations, and as such this survey does not provide a good assessment of the fishery. 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.

FLATHEAD CATFISH

Fair

Flathead catfish are present in Monster Lake and have been sampled in low number in IDNR surveys. None were collected in the Spring 2021 electrofishing survey.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

The Spring 2021 electrofishing survey Largemouth Bass catch rate (1.1 fish/minute) remained similar to the Fall 2018 survey (1.0 fish/minute), though average fish length increased to 10.6 inches. The proportion of adult fish over 12 inches reached a 10-year high (79%), and the proportion of adult fish over 15 inches was 19%. Both of these metrics exceed their respective target ranges. Body condition was good for all size groups of fish, indicating sufficient forage for adequate growth. 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit).

WALLEYE

Developing

The Walleye stocking program was initiated in 2016 and annual stockings are ongoing. The fishery is still in its infancy.

Location: Monster Lake is located within the Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area South Unit, 2 miles northeast of South Wilmington in Kankakee County off West 5000 Road.

Description: Monster Lake is a large impoundment, covering 52.9 surface acres with depths to 60 feet. Siltation and nutrient loading have resulted due to Granary Creek being routed through the lake (Monster Lake acts somewhat as a flood control reservoir). This connection to the stream, which is a tributary of the Mazon River, has diversified the fishery. Some opportunity for shore fishing exists and a primitive gravel ramp serves as boat access. See “Additional Lake Information” below for important site information.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Surveys are conducted on Monster Lake on an alternating year basis. A Walleye stocking program was initiated in 2016. Additional species found in Monster Lake include Freshwater Drum, Common Carp, Rock Bass, Longnose Gar and various Sucker species.

No special mercury advisory or other contaminant-related consumption advisories pertain. However, the statewide methylmercury advisory for sensitive populations is in effect (one meal per week of predatory sportfish for the most sensitive populations).

Additional Lake Information: Swimming is prohibited. Gasoline motors (unlimited horsepower) are permitted on Monster Lake with a no wake regulation in effect. Unlike other Mazonia waterbodies, Monster Lake is open year-round to angling. Statewide fishing regulations apply.

Additional Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
All Fish Species: Two Pole and Line Fishing Only.
Channel Catfish – 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.
Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie – 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Contact Information:
Mazonia/Braidwood State Fish & Wildlife Area
815-237-0063
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love
630-360-4772