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RED HILLS LAKE


Lake Information

County: Lawrence

Acreage: 41

Average Depth: 7.05 feet

Shoreline Length: 2.8 miles

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Electric only

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? Yes

Skiing? No

Swimming? No

Picnicking? Yes

Camping? Yes


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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2022

Channel Catfish

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

800

2023

Channel Catfish

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

800


Additional information for stocking on Red Hills Lake


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLACK CRAPPIE

Fair

Black crappie are sampled in relatively low numbers at Red Hills Lake. However, fish collected in the surveys have good average body condition. Popular crappie bank fishing areas include Veteran’s Point, the fishing dock, and near the restaurant. Crappie fishing in Red Hills Lake should be fair in 2024.

BLUEGILL

Good

The 2023 survey showed the bluegill population to be in fair to good shape. Catch rates were low and only two bluegill between 6” – 8” in length were collected. However, average body condition remained very good and approximately 28% of the adult bluegill in the sample were 8” or longer. Bluegill fishing should be good in 2024. Please practice selective harvest. Bluegill over 8” (especially males) are important for maintaining the size structure of the population. We ask that you consider returning those fish to the water and harvest smaller bluegill instead.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Fair

Channel catfish numbers in Red Hills Lake are relatively low, but the population is supplemented by annual stocking efforts. The lake provides many bank fishing opportunities. Some of the more popular locations include the campgrounds, near the dam, and by the restaurant.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Fair

The overall size structure of the largemouth bass population was poor, but bass numbers were above target. In the 2023 survey, approximately 49% of the adult bass collected were between 12” – 15” in length, 51% were between 8” – 12” in length, and no bass over 15” were collected. The large number of smaller bass in this lake is consistent with the lake management plan for this lake, which emphasizes the panfish populations. Bass fishing should be fair in 2023.

Location: Red Hills Lake is located approximately midway between Lawrenceville and Olney on U.S. Route 50. The lake is located on the south side of the road. The boat launch is located on the southwest corner of the dam.

Description: Red Hills Lake has a surface area of 40 acres, a maximum depth of 22 feet, and an average depth of 8 feet. The lake has 2 miles of shoreline and a watershed of 618 acres.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Red Hills Lake The lake was drained and rehabilitated in 2008 and restocked with fish in 2009. The sportfish in Red Hills Lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and black crappie. The lake also contains a small population of redear sunfish, some very large warmouth, yellow bullhead, and golden shiner. The fish population is surveyed annually. Red Hills Lake is open year-round.

Additional Lake Information: Two pole and line fishing only. Operation of gas motors on the lake is prohibited, but they can be used for loading and unloading of boats. Electric trolling motors may be used on the lake.
Site Regulations:
Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted Bass: 6 fish daily limit; minimum length 15"
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit; no minimum length

Contact Information:
Red Hills State Park
618-936-2469
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Boone LaHood
618-393-6732