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MALLARD LAKE (DCFPD)


Lake Information

County: DuPage

Acreage: 85

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Electric only

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No

Picnicking? Yes

Camping? No


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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

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Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Poor

As in previous years, bluegill catch rate was low at 53 fish per hour. In previous years, fish over 6 inches were not present. Eleven percent of the Bluegill in this sample were longer than six inches. Other species contribute to the panfish fishery at Mallard to make up for a lack of Bluegill. Pumpkinseed, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch are all present in the lake and large individuals of those species are present. One Black Crappie over 10 inches was caught in this survey and Yellow Perch over the nine-inch minimum length limit have been caught in previous years’ spring trap-nets.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Fair

Channel catfish are stocked sporadically. Lack of channel catfish catch in our surveys suggests high angler harvest or low sampling gear efficiency.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

Largemouth Bass were caught at a rate of 63 fish per hour. This rate is in line with the management goal of 60 fish per hour. Bass ranged in length from 4.7 to 17.7 inches, with average bass measuring 10.4 inches. Thirty-three percent of the bass were longer than 12 inches, while only 6% of the sample were over 15 inches.

MUSKELLUNGE

Good

The IDNR began biennial stocking of Muskie in 2006, adding fish at a rate of one fish per acre (≈90 fish) every other year. The largest Muskie captured in IDNR trap-netting was in 2013 and the fish measured 45 ½ inches and weighed 18.8 pounds. Anglers report catches of larger fish. The spring trap-net survey did not occur in 2020 but will resume in 2021. Annual trap-net catch has been variable through since 2012, but typically stays around the one fish per net night management goal.

NORTHERN PIKE

Good

Northern pike are no longer being stocked. Northern Pike up to 27 inches have been caught in Spring trap-net surveys.

WALLEYE

Excellent

Walleye are stocked annually or biennially and fish over 21 inches have been observed every year in spring trap-net surveys. Anglers may harvest three walleye over 16 inches per day.

Location: Mallard Lake is in Hanover Park, in Dupage County. Parking lot is off of Schick Road west of Gary Avenue.

Description: Mallard Lake is an 85 acre man-made lake with a maximum depth of 25 feet owned by the Forest Preserve District of Dupage County. The lake is managed under a cooperative management agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. There is an island with bridges connecting two sides of the lake. There are two handicapped accessible fishing piers and several access paths. Carry-in boats under 20 feet are allowed (no boat ramp is available). No gasoline powered motors allowed. A smaller 9 acre pond (Cloverdale Pond) is also accessible at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Mallard Lake offers quality fishing opportunities Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and Muskie! A variety of forage species include; Yellow Perch, Gizzard Shad, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Green Sunfish, White Sucker, Golden Shiner, and Bluntnose Minnows.

Muskie are stocked at a rate of one fish per acre, every other year. This fish community is surveyed every four years while trap-net surveys targeting muskie take place each spring. A 60-minute “spring” electrofishing survey took place on June 5th, 2020. This survey took place five weeks later due to restrictions associated with COVID-19. Water temperature had already hit 78.6°F, typically water temperature is in the mid 50’s for our spring surveys.

Additional Lake Information: No gasoline powered motors allowed.
Site Specific Regulations
Largemouth bass – 14-18 protected slot limit. Four fish possession limit. Three fish under 14 inches. One fish over 18 inches.
Channel catfish – 6 fish per day, 12 inch minimum length limit.
Crappie – 15 fish per day, no minimum length limit
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish – 25 fish daily harvest limit.
Muskie – 1 fish over 48 inches
Walleye – 3 fish over 16 inches
Northern Pike – 3 fish over 24 inches

Contact Information:
Forest Preserve District of Dupage County
630-933-7200
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Andy Plauck
815-675-2386 ext. 214