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SARA, LAKE
Lake Information
County: Effingham
Acreage: 614
Average Depth: 0.00 feet
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Unrestricted
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? Yes
Swimming? Yes
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
Click on area names for a more detailed map.
Gypsy Cove,
Larson's Landing,
Moccasin Cove,
Ridgerunners Cove,
Shumway Cove
Maps are not intended for navigation.
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Poor | The size structure of the bluegill population remained poor. All bluegill sampled were less than 7” long, body condition remained poor, and growth rates were below average. The bluegill population in this lake will likely always be hindered by the presence of gizzard shad. Anglers can expect to catch an abundance of fish 5” – 7” in length. | |
Improving | Channel catfish numbers are low in Lake Sara and recent stockings could help improve numbers in the coming years. In 2024, average body condition increased above the lake management plan target. Approximately 53% of the adult catfish sampled in 2024 were over 18” long and anglers can expect to see most fish weighing 1 – 3 pounds. | |
Good | Both black and white crappies are present in Lake Sara, but white crappie are the dominant species. Data collected from the 2024 survey indicated that 39% of the adult white crappie were greater than 10” in length and 56% were in the 8” – 10” size range. Average body condition for white crappie remained below the lake management plan target. Black crappie collected in 2024 also had poor body condition and all black crappie collected were less than 10” long. Crappie fishing in the coming year should remain fair/good with most fish weighing 0.2 – 0.6 pounds. | |
Improving | To help improve the size structure of the population, regulations were changed on April 01, 2017, to a 15” – 18” protected slot limit. In 2024, the percentage of the adult bass in the sample over 15” was 20% and 4% exceeded 18”. Bass numbers below the slot remained abundant and body condition was still poor but could improve with time and increased harvest. However, bass over 15” long were in much better condition. For 2025, the majority of bass below the slot should range from 0.5 – 1.5 pounds, while those exceeding 18” should be 3.3 pounds or greater. Harvest of bass below the slot limit (less than 15”) is encouraged. | |
Fair | White bass numbers in 2024 were consistent with four-year trends and average body condition remained below the lake management plan target. Angling opportunities for white bass should be fair/good in 2025 with most larger fish between 10” – 14” long and weighing 0.4 – 1.2 pounds. Harvest of white bass in Lake Sara is encouraged. | |
Location: Lake Sara is located in Effingham County approximately 5 miles southwest of Effingham, Illinois.
Description: Lake Sara was constructed in 1957, and it has a surface area of 614 acres, a maximum depth of 47 feet, and a mean depth of 19 feet. The lake has 38 miles of shoreline and a watershed of 7,560 acres.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The sport fish population in Lake Sara is comprised primarily of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, white and black crappies, white bass, and channel catfish. Other common species include yellow bullhead and common carp. The fish population is surveyed annually.
Additional Lake Information: Site Regulation:
2 pole and line fishing only
Largemouth bass: 6 fish daily limit, protected slot length limit of 15 – 18"
White, black, or hybrid crappie: 25 fish limit (collectively)'>Boat permits are required and can be purchased at either of Lake Sara's two Marinas, the Mach 1 gas station on Rt. 33 West, or Lake Sara Marina in Effingham.
Site Regulation:
2 pole and line fishing only
Largemouth bass: 6 fish daily limit, protected slot length limit of 15 – 18"
White, black, or hybrid crappie: 25 fish limit (collectively)
Contact Information: Lake Sara Water Authority 217-868-2787IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Boone LaHood618-393-6732
Multiple day tournaments are listed with * end date.
Interested in participating in one of these public tournaments? Contact us with tournament ID for more information.
| 2025 Approved or Pending Tournaments | ||||||||
| Start Date | ID | Approval | Ramp Location | Bank/Boat Hook/Bow |
Max Boats | Species | Youth? | Open to Public? |
| May-15 | 28532 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| May-17*May-18 | 27427 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 18 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| May-22 | 28533 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| May-29 | 28534 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| May-31*June-01 | 28075 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 20 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| June-01 | 27906 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 10 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| June-05 | 28535 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| June-07 | 27202 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| June-12 | 28536 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| June-14 | 27203 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| June-19 | 28537 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| June-21 | 28547 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| June-26 | 28538 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| June-29 | 28675 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 6 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| July-10 | 28539 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| July-12 | 28548 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| July-17 | 28540 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| July-19*July-20 | 28482 | Approved | Anthony Acres Ramp | boathook | 10 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| July-24 | 28541 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| July-26 | 27204 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| July-31 | 28542 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| August-02 | 28549 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| August-07 | 28543 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| August-09 | 27206 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| August-14 | 28544 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| August-21 | 28545 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| August-23 | 28546 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 30 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| September-07 | 28587 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 12 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| September-13*September-14 | 27737 | Approved | Anthony Acres Ramp | boathook | 15 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| September-20*September-21 | 27440 | Approved | Marina Ramp | boathook | 18 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| September-20*September-21 | 28991 | Pending | Marina Ramp | boathook | 10 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| September-27*September-28 | 28469 | Approved | Anthony Acres Ramp | boathook | 10 | Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Spotted Bass | No | No |
| October-04*October-05 | 27631 | Approved | Anthony Acres Ramp | boathook | 20 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
| October-11*October-12 | 27370 | Approved | Anthony Acres Ramp | boathook | 50 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
| October-18*October-19 | 27374 | Approved | Anthony Acres Ramp | boathook | 50 | Largemouth Bass | No | Yes |
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