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NIPPERSINK LAKE (LCFPD)


Lake Information

County: Lake

Acreage: 13

Average Depth: 4 feet

Shoreline Length: 1.7 miles

Recreational Amenities

Boat Ramps? No

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No

Picnicking? No

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

Fair

In 2015, bluegill collected during the survey ranged from 2” to 7.8” long. 32% of the catch were over 6”, 2.6% were over 7” long and 1% were over 7.5” long. Growing larger bluegill depends on a higher bass abundance so predation can contain reproduction and open up space for fish to grow.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Excellent

This species is stocked as part of the County's Fishing Clinic Program. We collected fish between 19” and 21” long, which provide for some “bulldog” fights at the ends of the line! Channel catfish are good secondary predators and provide diversity to the fishery.

CRAPPIE

Very Good

Black and white crappie were collected. Black crappie measured between 5” and 11.8”, 12.5% were longer than 9”, 3% were over 10” long and 3% exceeded 12”. White crappie all ranged about 8.5” in size. Very strong predation is necessary to contain and manage for crappie in a very small lake like Nippersink. They have the potential to become very abundant and dominate this fishery over time, at which point all crappie will stockpile at about 8” to 9” long.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

In 2015, largemouth bass were collected at a slightly higher rate than our goal of 1 fish/minute. Bass ranged from 4” to 18.2” long, with the largest weighing 3.2 lbs. 62% were over 12” long, 38% were over 14”, 19% exceeded 15” long and 14% of the sample exceeded 16”, so the size structure is in place to provide quality bass fishing and improve panfish size structure so anglers can enjoy their fishing experience.

Location: Nippersink Lake is located west of the Village of Hainsville, IL on Route 120 in Lake County.

Description: Nippersink Lake is owned by the Lake County Forest Preserve District. This impoundment was constructed in 1965 and acquired by the Forest Preserve District around 2005. Nippersink Lake is 13 acres; shoreline length 1.7 miles; watershed 225 acres (4 to 1); maximum depth 17 feet; average depth 4 feet. The lake is one of Lake County's fishing clinic locations, so it is managed as a “catch and release” lake. There is no concession or boat access available. Amenities include ample parking, pit toilets, handicap fishing piers and a crushed limestone trail system.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Nippersink Lake is occasionally stocked with fish to enhance fishing opportunities for fishing clinics the County sponsors. Fish surveys are occasionally conducted to remove common carp (which stir up the soft sediments and disrupt spawning of nest building fishes) and assess the fishery present in the lake.

Approximately 7 species live in this small County impoundment. Additional fish species include: common carp, green sunfish and central mudminnow. Mudminnows were observed in the shallow southern section of the lake.

Additional Lake Information: Site Regulation: catch and release only (all species).

Contact Information:
Lake County Forest Preserve District:
847-367-6640
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Andy Plauck
815-675-2386 ext. 214