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PYRAMID-CANVASBACK LAKE
Lake Information
County: Perry
Acreage: 66
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Unlimited HP/Wake Only
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
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Maps are not intended for navigation.
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2021 |
Muskellunge |
Adult |
36 |
2022 |
Muskellunge |
Adult |
35 |
Additional information for stocking on Pyramid Denmark - Canvasback Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Poor | The bluegill population is poor. The majority of Bluegill collected during surveys have been in in the 4”-6” range. | |
Average | A small number of Channel Catfish have been collected during past surveys. Most individuals ranged in size from 2 to 5 lbs. | |
Excellent | Canvasback Lake is known to harbor a quality fishery for crappies and frequently yields both Black and White Crappies in the 12 to 16-inch range. During the 2022 spring trap net survey, seven crappies were collected and ranged in length from 10 to over 14 inches. Although trap nets are generally considered the best gear for sampling crappies, trap net catches in strip mine lakes are notoriously inconsistent in comparison to reservoirs and often vary widely from year to year. Catches of crappie in nets have been sporadic during past surveys. During years when numbers of crappie were collected, most fish were in the 12 to 15-inch range, with some individuals exceeding 17 inches and 3 lbs. The largest crappie ever collected during a survey was 3.75 lbs. | |
Very Good | Electrofishing is now a suitable sampling tool at this lake thanks to modernized equipment that can effectively stun fish in high conductivity water. Therefore, an electrofishing survey was conducted during April of 2021. The survey was conducted at night due to the deep, clear, steep-sided nature of the lake, which can limit the efficiency of electrofishing during daylight hours. A total of 46 Largemouth Bass were collected during 30 minutes of electrofishing. Of the bass collected, 48% were at least 15 inches and 17% were over 18 inches in length. Body condition was relatively good for such a clear lake. The largest bass collected was 4.4 lbs. | |
Average | This lake is stocked annually with Muskie. One Muskie was collected during the fall netting survey that measured 33 inches and weighed 9.6 lbs. Muskie have traditionally been very difficult to sample in this lake. | |
Location: Pyramid State Park is located south of Pinckneyville in Perry County. The Denmark Section is accessed off of the Pyatt-Cutler Road. From State Route 127, head west on Pyatt-Cutler Road. About 7 miles west of Pyramid State Park, turn south into the Denmark Section.
Description: Canvasback Lake is a strip cut lake located on the Denmark Section of Pyramid State Park. Facilities at this 66-acre lake include a concrete boat launch, floating dock, and bathrooms.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Thanks to upgraded equipment, electrofishing is now an effective sampling tool for this lake.
The 2021 spring nocturnal electrofishing survey was the first conducted on Canvasback Lake. All fishery information prior to 2021 was based on spring trap net surveys. Trap nets and gill nets are still utilized to collect information on species frequently underrepresented during electrofishing surveys.
Survey data indicates the lake harbors good opportunities for bass and crappie anglers. The crappie in particular are noteworthy, as fish up to 3.75 lbs. have been collected in surveys. Although Muskie have been stocked for over 20 years, none over 36 inches have ever been collected. Angler reports also suggest the Muskie fishery is mediocre at best relative to other Muskie lakes. In consequence, Muskie stocking will likely be discontinued after 2023 and will be replaced with Saugeye, which are thriving in nearby Mallard Lake.
Additional Lake Information: Note: There is no motor HP limit, but all boats must be operated at no wake speed.
Site-specific 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: 48-inch minimum length limit
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 the last day of February.
Maps of fish attractor locations can be obtained via the link on this page that says "Fish Attractor Locations Map".
Contact Information: Pyramid State Park 618-357-2574IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Nick Abell618-967-0952
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