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LAKE OF THE WOODS (CCFPD)


Lake Information

County: Champaign

Acreage: 26

Average Depth: 9.38 feet

Shoreline Length: 1.4 miles

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Electric only

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? Yes

Skiing? No

Swimming? No

Picnicking? Yes

Camping? No

  Trout stocked in spring


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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2021

Channel Catfish

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

506

2021

Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)

Fingerling 1 - 3"

5112

2022

Channel Catfish

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

506

2022

Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)

Fingerling 1 - 3"

5076


Additional information for stocking on Woods, Lake of the - CCFPD


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Very Good

The most recent fish survey resulted in a large increase in bluegill over 6 inches. The catch rate of bluegill over 6 inches was more than twice the 5-survey average.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Good

The State Hatchery System stocks channel catfish in Lake of the Woods each year. The stocking program has created a good catfish fishery. Anglers have a good chance to harvest catfish in the 1 pound range.

CRAPPIE

Good

The crappie fishery can experience large swings in numbers and appears to be on the high end now. The majority of crappie collected are black crappie and are less than 10 inches.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

Based on the most recent fish survey, the bass population at Lake of the Woods has a good distribution of bass sizes. Of the bass collected over 8 inches, 36% are longer than 12 inches and 25% are longer than 15 inches. In 2019, the catch rate of bass over 15 inches was the highest ever recorded. The largest bass collected weighed 4.8 pounds.

SAUGEYE (Walleye/Sauger Hybrid)

Good

The State Hatchery System started stocking saugeye in 2016. The numbers are relatively low, but should provide a good angling opportunity.

WALLEYE

Good

The Champaign County Forest Preserve stocked walleye in 2018. The numbers are relatively low, but should provide a good angling opportunity.

Location: Lake of the Woods Lake is located 1 mile northeast of Mahomet.

Description: Description: Lake of the Woods is operated by the Champaign County Forest Preserve. The lake was constructed in 1945. Lake of the Woods has a maximum depth of 28 feet with an average depth of 11.2 feet. The lake has a shoreline length of 1.8 miles and a watershed of 600 acres.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The long-term goal for Lake of the Woods is to provide quality panfish and catfish fisheries, and provide a quality trout season in the spring. Common species in the lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, redear sunfish, crappie, bullheads, and muskie. The lake currently receives stockings of channel catfish, saugeye, and rainbow trout.

There are plenty of places to fish around Lake of the Woods. Also on the property is a smaller lake called Elks Pond. This small pond can be fished for panfish and catfish.

Additional Lake Information: 2 pole and line fishing only.

Site Regulations:

Largemouth Bass: 15" length limit, 1 fish daily limit
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Saugeye/Walleye: 14" length limit, 6 fish daily limit
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish: daily limit of 5 fish greater than or equal 7 inches; unlimited daily limit less than 7"

Contact Information:
Champaign County Forest Preserve District:
217-586-4630
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Mike Garthaus
217-784-4730