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PYRAMID-PINTAIL LAKE


Lake Information

County: Perry

Acreage: 25

Recreational Amenities

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No


There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLACK CRAPPIE

Good

A total of 5 Black Crappie were collected by electrofishing; an additional 7 Black Crappie were captured in fall trap nets and gill nets. Only one crappie over 10 inches was collected during surveys, the others ranging between 5.5 and 8.5 inches. Given the inherent inconsistency of trap net catches in strip mine lakes, it is possible that the crappie population was not adequately represented in survey catches.

BLUEGILL

Poor

Pintail Lake does not appear to have a good fishery for Bluegill. A total of 90 Bluegill were collected during spring electrofishing and 44 were captured in fall trap nets. Only one Bluegill was over 7 inches in length. Mean relative weight of spring-sampled Bluegill in the sample was low at 84. Mean relative weights of spring-sampled fish were below 90 among all size classes. Given that Gizzard Shad are present in the lake, it is unlikely the Bluegill fishery will ever improve, as shad compete with Bluegill for the same food sources.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Developing

No Channel Catfish were collected during 2022. Therefore, annual stockings of non-vulnerable size Channel Catfish are slated to begin during 2023. Annual stockings of non-vulnerable catfish are usually successful at establishing a fishable population in small lakes like Pintail.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Excellent

Results from the 2022 electrofishing survey suggest that Pintail Lake harbors an excellent Largemouth Bass fishery. All management goals for the population were exceeded, including abundance (catch rate), relative weight (plumpness), and size structure. A total of 73 bass (438/hour) were collected during the 10-minute electrofishing survey, of which 41% were at least 15 inches and 5% were at least 18 inches. The mean relative weight of all bass in the sample was good at 95. Mean relative weights exceeded the goal of 90 among nearly all size classes. Bass growth in Pintail Lake is likely driven by the presence of Gizzard Shad and an abundance of small Bluegill.

Location: Pyramid State Park is located south of Pinckneyville in Perry County. The Captain Section is accessed off Panda Bear Road. From State Route 127, head west on Pyatt-Cutler Road. About 6 miles west of Pyramid State Park, turn north onto Panda Bear Road.

Description: Pintail Lake is a 25-acre strip cut located in the Captain Unit Pyramid State Park. There is a gravel boat launch, but no dock or bathroom facilities.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Fisheries surveys conducted during 2022 consisted of community spring electrofishing survey (nocturnal) and fall netting survey. Pintail Lake harbors an excellent bass population and anglers can expect catch an abundance of bass over 14 inches.

Additional Lake Information: Note: There is no motor HP limit, but all boats must be operated at no wake speed.

Site-specific Regulations:
Largemouth bass: 5 fish under 14” and fish 1 over 18” limit, 14–18 inch protected slot (no possession)
Bluegill or redear sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Muskellunge: 48-inch minimum length limit

2 pole and line fishing only and bowfishing is allowed. All live bait in excess of 8" must be rigged with a quick set rig.

Please note that fishing is prohibited from November 1 through the last day of February.

Contact Information:
Pyramid State Park
618-357-2574
Nick Abell - IDNR Fisheries Biologist
618-967-0952