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MAZONIA #7 - BULLHEAD LAKE
Lake Information
County: Grundy
Acreage: 33
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Yes
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? 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 |
Average | The Spring 2022 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 46 Bluegill collected ranging from 3.4 – 8.1 inches, with an average length of 6.1 inches. The catch rate of Bluegill remained largely unchanged from the Spring 2019 survey (1.0 fish/min), though the Proportional Size Distribution (PSD) and Proportional Size Distribution – Preferred (PSD – P) increased to 67 and 4, respectively. This indicates that 67% of the adult population is over 6 inches and 4% are over 8 inches. Body condition was decent for all but the largest size group of fish. | |
Average | No Channel Catfish were collected during this survey. This “poor” collection is likely not representative of the population as they often evade electrofishing capture. Non-vulnerable Channel Catfish (NVC) are requested on a triennial basis. Reproduction is likely non-existent, and this fishery is viewed as “put-grow-take.” Fishing Regulation: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. | |
Good | The Spring 2022 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 8 Black and 3 White Crappie collected ranging from 9.2 – 12.2 inches with an average length of 11 inches. The number of Crappie collected declined from previous surveys, though the cause of this decline remains unknown. Electrofishing is not considered a “standard” gear for evaluating Crappie populations and trap netting will be used to evaluate this fishery if net locations can be found (trap netting is challenging in waterbodies with steep slopes and quick drop-offs).Fishing Regulation: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. | |
Good | The Spring 2022 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 64 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 5.9 – 19.6 inches, with an average length of 12.3 inches. The catch rate of Largemouth Bass declined from the Spring 2019 survey (however it was still quite good), though the average length increased from 10.8 to 12.3 inches. Additionally, both the Proportional Size Distribution (PSD) and Proportional Size Distribution- Preferred (PSD – P) increased to 62 and 15, respectively. This indicates that 62% of the adult population is over 12 inches and 15% of the adult population is over 15 inches (legal size). Body condition was range from poor to excellent for each size group but was overall “fair.” Fishing Regulation: 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit). | |
Location: Bullhead Lake (Lake #7) is located within the Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area Main Unit, 3 miles southwest of Braidwood in Grundy County on Illinois Route 53 and Huston Road.
Description: Bullhead Lake is one of the largest impoundments in the Main Unit at 32.9 surface acres. Shoreline access is limited by extensive stands of tall reed grass. The lake has a one-lane concrete boat ramp with adjacent parking. Bullhead Lake is currently closed to larger boat usage due to ramp damage during the 2020 flood, however vessels small enough to be carried down to the lake are permitted to launch.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Bullhead Lake is surveyed on an alternate year basis. Fish stocking has been limited to mainly Channel Catfish, which are requested from the State Hatchery System on a triennial basis. Besides the sportfish listed above, a variety of other species are present and include Common Carp, Freshwater Drum, Bullheads, Green Sunfish and several Gar species.
No special mercury advisory or other contaminant-related consumption advisories pertain. However, the statewide methylmercury advisory for sensitive populations is in effect (one meal per week of predatory sportfish for the most sensitive populations).
Additional Lake Information: Trolling motor only. Swimming is prohibited. Fishing at the North Unit is closed ten days prior to the opening of the Central Zone Duck Season and reopens after the season ends. During Upland Game Season, the North Unit is open Wednesdays - Sundays (sunrise to 4:00 P.M) and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. After Upland Game Season ends, the North Unit is open 7-days a week. During Winter, only one entrance might be open due to road conditions. Statewide fishing regulations apply.
Additional Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
All Fish Species - Two Pole and Line Fishing Only.
Channel Catfish – 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.
Large or Smallmouth Bass – 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit).
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie – 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Contact Information: Mazonia/Braidwood State Fish & Wildlife Area 815-237-0063IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love630-360-4772
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