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BURNING STAR STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA - BLAZER LAKES
Lake Information
County: Jackson
Acreage: 123
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Trolling motors only.
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? No
Camping? No
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Poor | The bluegill population is poor. No bluegill collected in the 2022 survey were over 8 inches. Site Regulation: 25 daily limit (includes redear sunfish), no length limit. | |
Poor | No catfish were collected during the 2022 survey. Channel catfish (2107 6-inch fish) were stocked in 2020. No catfish were stocked in 2021 or 2022. Site Regulation: 6 daily limit, no length limit. | |
Average | Blazer Lake has an average crappie population consisting of both black and white crappie. Of the 34 crappie collected in the 2022 survey, 44% were over 9 inches, and 6% were over 10 inches in length. Site Regulation: 25 daily limit, no length limit. | |
Average | Largemouth bass were collected at a rate of 54 bass per hr during the 2022 spring survey. Of the largemouth bass collected, 44% were over 15 inches, and 19% were over 18 inches. Site Regulation: 5 fish under 14" and 1 fish over 18" daily limit, 14-18 inch protected slot (no possession). | |
Average | While not numerous, redear sunfish over 8 inches are present. Site Regulation: 25 daily limit (includes bluegill), no length limit. | |
Location: Blazer Lakes #1-4 are accessed from State Route 149 in Jackson County. From Route 149, turn north onto Mine Road to the south parking lot for the Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area complex, which is located between DeSoto and Hurst.
Description: There is a gravel boat ramp at Blazer Lake #4. Blazer Lakes #1-4 are connected by passable water.
Only trolling motors are allowed (no gas motors permitted). No fishing is allowed from November 1 through the end of February.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Rough fish species (buffalo, bowfin, gar, gizzard shad, yellow bass) are abundant in this lake.
Additional Lake Information: From November 1 through the end of February fishing is prohibited. Trolling motors are allowed (No gas motors permitted).
All species: 2 pole and line fishing only. Bow fishing is allowed.
A map of the 24 lakes located on Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area can be obtained via email by sending a request to Shawn.Hirst@illinois.gov
Site-specific Regulations:
Largemouth bass: No possession of bass equal to or greater than 14 inches and less than 18"; 5 fish less than 14" and 1 equal or greater than 18" daily limit
Bluegill or redear sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Contact Information: Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area 618-521-8873IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Shawn Hirst618-559-5009
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