MAZONIA #6 - GOOSE LAKE

Lake Information

County: Grundy

Acreage: 10

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Trolling Motor Only

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No


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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

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Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Poor

The Spring 2023 survey resulted in a total of 19 Bluegill being collected ranging from 1.2 in to 8.1 in, with 16 of those fish > 3.0 in. Average length was 4.6 in. The Bluegill catch rate greatly improved from the 2020 Spring survey though was still pretty poor. Even though the PSD value is still within the target range, such a poor collection of fish makes size structure indices misleading. Similar to Largemouth Bass, a supplemental stocking may be required to get this fishery back on track.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Fair

Channel catfish are stocked on a rotational basis to augment the population as natural reproduction and recruitment are suspected to be low. Harvestable-size Channel Catfish are likely removed as they are caught. Fishing Regulation: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.

CRAPPIE

Poor

The Spring 2023 survey resulted in a single Black Crappie being collected measuring 8.7 in. Very few Crappie have ever been collected from Goose Lake but it is likely to support a small population. That fishery would not be considered noteworthy.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Poor

The Spring 2023 survey resulted in a total of 18 Largemouth Bass being collected ranging from 3.5 in to 14.5 in, with 15 of those fish > 8.0 in. Average length was 10.1 in. Overall, not much has changed in the Goose Lake Largemouth Bass fishery since the last survey in 2020. Catch rate was slightly higher, though still well below the target of 1.1 fish/minute. Both the PSD and PSD-P are below target levels, and it appears as though the fishery is not expanding either in numbers or size structure. A supplemental stocking of fish may be required to rejuvenate this fishery. Fishing Regulation: 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit).

YELLOW BULLHEAD

Good

The Spring 2023 survey resulted in a total of 9 Yellow Bullhead being collected ranging from 7.1 in to 11.1 in, with 9 of those fish > 6.0 in. Yellow Bullheads have historically been prominent in most surveys and are an underutilized resource.

Location: Goose Lake (Lake #6) is located within the Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area North Unit, 3 miles southwest of Braidwood in Grundy County on Illinois Route 53 and Huston Road.

Description: Goose Lake is one of the smaller impoundments in the Mazonia North Unit at 9.8 surface acres. Due to its proximity to the main access road, it receives a fair amount of bank fishing pressure. Under normal water level conditions, Goose Lake is isolated from other lakes. However, higher water levels facilitate boat access to a smaller interior pond. Shoreline access is limited by extensive stands of tall reed grass but more of the shoreline is assessable on Goose Lake than most others. Goose Lake has a primitive, one-lane gravel boat ramp and adjacent parking area. Goose Lake is closed to fishing during upland game and waterfowl season. Following the completion of the hunting seasons, it reopens for ice fishing dependent upon ice conditions.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Goose Lake is surveyed on a regular basis with boat electrofishing equipment. Fish stocking has included Channel Catfish and Smallmouth Bass (discontinued due to poor results).

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: Trolling motor only. Swimming is prohibited. Fishing at the North Unit is closed ten days prior to the opening of the Central Zone Duck Season and reopens after the season ends. During Upland Game Season, the North Unit is open Wednesdays - Sundays (sunrise to 4:00 P.M) and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. After Upland Game Season ends, the North Unit is open 7-days a week. During Winter, only one entrance might be open due to road conditions.

Additional Site-Specific fishing regulations:
All Fish Species: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only
Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15" Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Creel
Black, White, or Hybrid Crappie:10 Fish Daily Creel Limit
Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Creel Limit

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