Location: Pyramid State Park is located south of Pinckneyville in Perry County. The Captain Section is accessed off Panda Bear Road. From State Route 127, head west on Pyatt-Cutler Road. About 6 miles west of Pyramid State Park, turn north onto Panda Bear Road.

Description: Bufflehead Lake is a 25-acre strip cut lake located on the Captain Section of the Arch Portion of Pyramid State Park. There is a gravel boat launch, but no docks or bathroom facilities.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The most recent fisheries survey of Bufflehead was during 2018. Trap nets were the only gear used to sample the fish population. Sport fishes collected included largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish. Channel catfish have also been collected in prior surveys. A nocturnal electrofishing survey is planned for spring of 2022 and will be repeated every other year.

Additional Lake Information: Note: A new horsepower rule went into effect February of 2018: Unlimited HP motor limit and all boats/motors must be operated at no wake speed.

Site Regulations:
Largemouth bass: 5 fish under 14” and fish 1 over 18” limit, 14–18 inch protected slot (no possession)
Bluegill or redear sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Muskellunge: 1 fish daily limit, 48" minimum length.

2 pole and line fishing only and bowfishing is allowed. All live bait in excess of 8" must be rigged with a quick set rig. Please note that fishing is prohibited from November 1 through February 28. Maps of 23 lakes located on the Arch Portion of Pyramid State Park can be obtained via email by sending a request to Nicholas.Abell@illinois.gov

Contact Information:
Pyramid State Park
618-357-2574
Nick Abell - IDNR Fisheries Biologist
618-967-0952