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PYRAMID-MALLARD LAKE


Lake Information

County: Perry

Acreage: 66

Average Depth: 0.00 feet

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Unlimited HP/Wake Only

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No

Picnicking? Yes

Camping? Yes


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Maps are not intended for navigation.


There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2022

Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)

Fingerling 1 - 3"

5432


Additional information for stocking on Pyramid Denmark - Mallard Lake


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Poor

The Bluegill population size structure is poor. Very few Bluegill over 7 inches have been collected. Most collected during surveys are between 4 and 7 inches.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Average

A low density population of Channel Catfish is present in the lake. A small number are usually collected during population surveys.

CRAPPIE

Good

Crappie have been very difficult to sample in Mallard Lake due to the steep banks and limited shallow water. Although little data has been collected, anglers report that a quality fishery exists.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

Mallard Lake is known to harbor a high quality bass fishery. Past surveys have yielded good numbers of Bass between 15 and 20 inches. However, the 2023 survey yielded a much smaller number of bass than past years, which was not likely representative of the population. Just prior to the 2023 spring survey, the spillway structure partially collapsed, leading to water levels in the lake dropping rapidly by about 2 to 3 feet. This likely impacted our survey results, as the warmest water at the surface was flushed out of the lake, leaving colder water in its place and affecting bass catchability during our survey. A repeat fish survey will be completed during 2025.

SAUGEYE (Walleye/Sauger Hybrid)

Good

Saugeye have been stocked in Mallard Lake since 2021, before which Walleye were stocked during 2019 and 2020. Catch rates of Saugeye/Walleye during targeted electrofishing surveys have exceeded management goals each year, indicating a desirable survival rate of stocked fingerlings. Saugeye/Walleye captured during the 2023 targeted survey ranged from 12 to 19 inches in length. Anglers can expect to find good numbers of legal-size (>14") fish present. This fishery should only get better with time as additional year classes are stocked and older fish continue to grow.

WHITE BASS

Good

White bass have been collected in Mallard Lake up to 2 lbs. during past surveys and are often caught as a bonus while fishing for other species in Mallard Lake.

Location: Pyramid State Park is located south of Pinckneyville in Perry County. Mallard Lake is located on the Denmark Section of Pyramid State Park. The Denmark Section is accessed off of Pyatt-Cutler Road. From State Route 127 head west on Pyatt-Cutler Road. About 7 miles west of Pyramid State Park turn south into the Denmark Section.

Description: Mallard Lake is located on the Denmark Section of Pyramid State Park. Facilities at this 66-acre strip cut lake include a boat launch, floating dock, and bathrooms.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: A multi-gear fish community survey is completed on Mallard Lake on a biennial basis. Additional targeted surveys (single-species) are also completed as needed. The lake supports good fisheries for Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Saugeye/Walleye. Based on survey data, stocked Saugeye/Walleye fingerlings demonstrate good survival rates and grow to legal-size (14") in 2 to 3 growing seasons. This fishery has grown in popularity, as anglers have reported good success rates when targeting these species. Due to the success of this stocking program, Saugeye stockings will be expanded to several more lakes within Pyramid if adequate numbers of fingerlings are available for stocking.

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

Site Regulations:
Largemouth Bass: statewide limit of 6 fish/day
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Walleye/Saugeye: statewide limit of 6 fish/day, 14" minimum length
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 except within the designated area between the boat launch and marker buoy. Legal fishing hours from November 1 through the last day of February are from one half hour before sunrise to 2 p.m.

Maps of fish attractor locations can be obtained via the link on this page that says "Fish Attractor Locations Map."

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