LAKE MATTOON STATUS REPORT SUMMARY
CHANNEL CATFISH: The lake is located approximately eight miles southwest of Mattoon and about 1.5 miles northwest of Neoga, in Shelby, Coles, and Cumberland Counties. The lake covers 1050 surface acres with a maximum depth of 31 feet and average depth of 11.4 feet. Public boat launching facilities are available. The City of Mattoon (217-234-3611) collects a boating access fee which covers Lake Paradise as well. P.J.’s Bait Shop owner and the City of Mattoon have been stocking a limited number of advanced fingerling catfish within the past ten years. In summer 2002 the IDNR stocked 52,000 4-inch fingerlings. In the fall 2002, Reliant Energy Inc., the City of Mattoon, local bait shops, and local fishermen formed a partnership to purchase and stock 6,000 8-10' advanced fingerling channel catfish. Fishing prospects for channel catfish are fair to good.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: LAKE MATTOON - Fingerling bass have
been stocked in 1990 and 1992 2003 due to poor natural recruitment of
bass fry in the lake, likely due to the lack suitable aquatic vegetation
for nursery habitat. Catch rates during the 2003 stocking success survey
through electrofishing (50 bass/hour) were better than recent surveys.
A very good distribution of fish from 8 through 18 inches was collected
and all size structure indices (YAR, PSD, RSD14, RSD16) were within management
plan objectives. A fair number of 1 2 pound bass are available with bass
up to 7 pounds caught. Bass fishing prospects are rated as fair for catch
rates and good for quality. A 14 inch minimum length limit is in effect.
Through a partnership between Reliant Energy Corp., the City of Mattoon, the Friends of Lake Mattoon, local bait shops, and local fishermen, a total of 17,350 advanced fingerling largemouth bass from 6 8 inches have been purchased and stocked in springs ‘01, ‘02, and ‘03. Results of these stockings have yet to be determined.
STRIPED BASS (HYBRIDS): LAKE MATTOON - is located approximately
eight miles southwest of Mattoon and about 1.5 miles northwest of Neoga,
in Shelby, Coles, and Cumberland Counties. The lake covers 1,050 surface
acres with a maximum depth of 31 feet and average depth of 11.4 feet.
Public boat launching facilities are available and the City of Mattoon
(217-234-3611) collects a boating access fee which covers Lake Paradise
as well. Statewide regulations are in effect, with no limit for fish under
17 inches, but only three striped bass hybrids over 17 inches can be kept.
Anglers are catching some larger striped bass hybrids, but this fishery
is not attracting many anglers specifically fishing for hybrids. A fish
kill below the spillway indicated that a wide size range of hybrids is
present in the lake with fish over 20 inches observed. Fishing prospects
for striped bass hybrids are rated as fair to good.
