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LYERLA LAKE/UNION CO. C.A.
Lake Information
County: Union
Acreage: 275
Recreational Amenities
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
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Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Average | A total of 35 Bluegill were collected during the 2021 spring electrofishing survey. Of those Bluegill, 23% were over 7 inches. Bluegill body condition was excellent across all size groups. Similar to Horseshoe Lake in Alexander County, a variety of environmental factors and an influx of riverine species have severely impacted the Bluegill fishery. | |
Very Good | Bowfin are numerous in Lyerla Lake and should provide good opportunities for anglers with the proper gear. Bowfin are aggressive predators and very strong fighters. Similar to Gar, Bowfin are a native species and should not be viewed as detrimental. | |
Very Good | Lyerla Lake contains a quality crappie fishery consisting of both Black and White Crappie, although White Crappie are more numerous and demonstrate greater growth potential. During 2021, 41 crappies were collected during the spring electrofishing survey and an additional 41 were collected during the fall trap netting survey. Of the crappie collected during spring electrofishing, 61% were over 10 inches and 32% were over 12 inches in length. During the fall trap net survey, the average size was much smaller. Only 15% of crappie were over 10 inches. | |
Very Good | Shortnose Gar and Spotted Gar are numerous in Lyerla Lake. Although not popular with most anglers, gar can provide great angling opportunities for anglers with the proper gear to target them. Gar should not be viewed as detrimental species, as they are native and have been shown to have little impact on traditional sport species. | |
Location: Lyerla Lake is located in Union County within Union County State Fish & Wildlife Area near Ware, IL.
Description: Lyerla Lake is roughly 270 acres in size and is very shallow. There is only one gravel boat ramp. Lyerla Lake is a floodplain lake that is frequently flooded with water from adjacent creeks.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The 2021 survey was the first time Lyerla has been sampled since 2000. Going forward, the lake will be surveyed on a biannual basis with spring electrofishing surveys. Although a trap net survey was conducted during fall of 2021, it will not be repeated in the future due the difficult boat access during fall when water levels are usually low.
Similar to Horseshoe Lake, Lyerla Lake possesses a good crappie fishery, but the bluegill and bass fisheries are relatively poor.
Additional Lake Information: Site Regulations:
All Fish - 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only
Channel Catfish - 6 per day harvest limit
Contact Information: Union County State Fish & Wildlife Area 618-833-5175IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Nick Abell618-967-0952
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