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PIERCE LAKE
Lake Information
County: Winnebago
Acreage: 147
Average Depth: 12.5 feet
Shoreline Length: 4.2 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Unrestricted, over 10 hp no wake speed
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
Maps are not intended for navigation.
There are zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2021 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
4305 |
2021 |
Muskellunge |
Adult |
162 |
2021 |
Smallmouth Bass |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
6050 |
2021 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
10242 |
2022 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
4713 |
2022 |
Muskellunge |
Adult |
171 |
2022 |
Smallmouth Bass |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
5985 |
2022 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
9180 |
Additional information for stocking on Pierce Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Improving | A total of 168 Bluegills were collected ranging from 30 – 187 mm (1.2 – 7.4 in), with 26 > Stock size (80 mm [3.1 in]). Unfortunately, this survey did not meet the minimum required number of fish > Stock size (n = 50) to quantify population demographics as set forth in the lake management plan (LMP). However, I believed 26 fish > Stock size sufficient to continue with the analysis. The PSD and RSD-7 fell below its target ranges. Body condition (as indexed by relative weight) exceeded the 90th percentile for Quality and Preferred sized fish. A high body condition indicates sufficient forage for fish growth. Despite Bluegill densities being high, and good Bluegill body condition, very few larger Bluegill were collected (as indicated by low the RSD-7 value). | |
Excellent | A total of 69 Largemouth bass were collected ranging from 70 – 535 mm (2.8 – 21.1 in), with 33 of those fish > Stock size (200 mm [7.9 in]). This survey met the minimum required number of fish > Stock size (n = 30) to accurately quantify population demographics as set forth in the Lake Management Plan (LMP). Both the PSD and RSD-15 fell within their respective target ranges. Body condition (as indexed by relative weight) exceeded the 90th percentile for Quality, Preferred, and Memorable sized fish. A high body condition indicates sufficient forage for fish growth. Overall, the Largemouth bass population looks to be in great shape. | |
Excellent | A total of 45 Muskellunge were collected ranging from 700 – 1055 mm (27.6 – 41.5 in), with 45 of those fish > Stock size (510 mm [20.1 in]). The 45 Muskellunge collected were mostly dominated by males given that only 11 out of the 45 were female. Later than normal cold temperatures may have made sampling a little early this year with water temperatures only around 46 degrees during sampling. The CPUE exceeded the goal of 1 fish per net night as set forth in the Lake Management Plan (LMP). | |
Very Good | A total of 27 Walleye were collected ranging from 366 – 718 mm (14.4 – 28.3 in), with 27 of those fish > Stock size (250 mm [9.8 in]). Unfortunately, this survey did not meet the minimum required number of fish > Stock size (n = 30) to quantify population demographics as set forth in the lake management plan (LMP). However, I believed 27 fish > Stock size sufficient to continue with the analysis. Both the PSD and RSD-15 fell below their respective target ranges. Body condition (as indexed by relative weight) exceeded the 90th percentile for Quality, Preferred, and Memorable sized fish. A high body condition indicates sufficient forage for fish growth. | |
Location: Pierce lake is located in Rock Cut State Park in Northeastern Winnebago County. It lies between the towns of Machesney Park and Caledonia on Rt. 173.
Description: Pierce Lake covers a former rock quarry and much of the lower end was cut through solid rock. The lake has a maximum depth of 36 ft. with an average depth of 12.5 ft. The pool elevation is 826 ft. giving the lake 4.9 miles of shoreline. The watershed has 8,150 acres with a ratio of 50:1 allowing a retention time of 132 days.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Pierce Lake is an artificial impoundment made from a rock quarry. The initial 13 park acres were purchased in 1959 and at the present time the park contains 3,092 acres. The lake began impounding water on May 15, 1961. The lake is annually stocked with Muskellunge, Walleye, Channel Catfish and Smallmouth bass.
Additional Lake Information: SPORT FISH REGULATIONS IN EFFECT:
All Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only
Large or Smallmouth Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Fish Daily Creel Limit (15˝ Minimum Length Limit)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Fish Daily Creel Limit (No Minimum Length Limit)
Channel Catfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Fish Daily Creel Limit (No Minimum Length Limit)
Pure Muskellunge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Fish Daily creel Limit (48˝ Minimum Length Limit)
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye . . . . . . .6 Fish Daily Creel Limit (14˝ Minimum Length Limit)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie . . . . . . . . . .25 Fish Daily Creel Limit (No Minimum Length Limit)
Contact Information: State of IllinoisRock Cut State Park: 815-885-3311IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Brennan Caputo630-360-4181
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