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PYRAMID-WESSELN
Lake Information
County: Perry
Acreage: 35
Average Depth: 0.00 feet
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? No HP limit/No wake only
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2024 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
480 |
2024 |
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
677 |
2024 |
Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
2913 |
Additional information for stocking on Pyramid - Wesseln
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Good | A total of 24 Black Crappie (8/net night) were collected in fall-set trap nets and ranged in length from 6-12 inches. Mean relative weight of fall-sampled Black Crappie was right at the management goal, suggesting that growth is not stunted. Relative wights remained relatively stable among all size classes. Population size structure was desirable and met all management goals. Anglers should expect to find quality angling opportunities for Black Crappie in Wesseln Lake. | |
Poor | Size structure and relative weights were poor for both spring and fall sampled Bluegill. No preferred-size individuals (≥ 8”) were collected, indicating poor growth. Bluegill rarely grow well when Gizzard Shad are abundant, which happens to be the case in Wesseln Lake. | |
Developing | Given the small size of Wesseln Lake, it is unlikely that Channel Catfish recruit naturally. Therefore, Channel Catfish have been stocked annually since 2020. A total of 16 Channel Catfish (8/net night) were collected in fall-set experimental gill nets. Catfish ranged in size from 11-21 inches, the largest weighing nearly 3 lbs. Abundance and size structure should continue to improve as older age classes become established. | |
Very Good | The Largemouth Bass population in Wesseln Lake is impressive, demonstrating very good growth and abundance. A total of 34 bass were collected during the 20-minute electrofishing survey (102/hour), of which 50% were over 15 inches and 26% were over 18 inches. All management goals were met, including size structure, mean relative weight (plumpness), and abundance (catch rate). Relative weights were very good among most larger size classes, but low among size classes under 12 inches. All 34 bass were retained for otolith extraction and aging; growth is somewhat sluggish during the early life stage, but rapidly accelerates after age 3. Sluggish growth during the early life stage is likely a consequence of the dense stock of Gizzard Shad in the lake, which compete with juvenile bass and other game fishes for zooplankton. However, high shad abundance is also a strong driver of bass growth once gape limitations are overcome at larger sizes. | |
Poor | Size structure and relative weights were poor for both spring and fall sampled Redear. No preferred-size individuals (≥ 9”) were collected, indicating poor growth. | |
Location: Pyramid State Park is located south of Pinckneyville in Perry County. To reach Wesseln Lake, head west on Galum Church Road from State Route 127, then turn south onto Pyramid Park Road.
Description: Wesseln Cut is a relatively fertile 35-acre strip mine lake that has existed since the 1950s. There is a gravel boat launch and dock in addition to a camping area next to the lake.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Fisheries surveys conducted during 2022 consisted of a nocturnal spring electrofishing survey and fall netting survey. Survey results indicate quality fisheries for Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie. However, Bluegill and Redear do not grow well in Wesseln Lake. Gizzard Shad are very abundant in Wesseln Lake, most of which are over 7 inches in length. Additional predator stockings (Saugeye and Hybrid Striped Bass) are slated to occur starting in 2024 to help control the shad population and balance the fish community. Channel Catfish are stocked annually at this lake.
Additional Lake Information: Note: There is no motor HP limit, however all boats must be operated at no wake speed.
Site Regulations:
Largemouth Bass: statewide limit of 6 fish/day
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
2 pole and line fishing only and bowfishing is allowed.
Fishing is allowed on this lake year-round.
Contact Information: Pyramid State Park 618-357-2574IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Nick Abell618-967-0952
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