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SAM DALE LAKE
Lake Information

County: Wayne
Acreage: 194
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? 10hp
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? Yes
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
Trout stocked in fall
Trout stocked in spring
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Lake Status Summary ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Good | Fewer bluegill were collected in 2016 than in the previous three years, but the population status remained essentially the same. Fish over 6 inches comprised 50% of the sample, while 19% were larger than 7 inches. Body condition of bluegill was slightly lower than the management plan goal range. | |
Very Good | Nine channel catfish were collected per hour in Sam Dale Lake during the 2016 survey, which was nearly identical to the previous year. These fish ranged in size from 14 to 26 inches and displayed good body condition. Channel catfish are stocked annually to maintain the population. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit. | |
Very Good | Largemouth bass were collected in Sam Dale Lake at an impressive rate in fall 2016, and 36% were larger than 12 inches. Approximately 16% of these fish were also larger than the 14-inch minimum size limit. Body condition of Sam Dale largemouth bass was very good. Site Regulation: 14 inch length limit, 6 per day creel. | |
Fair | A remnant population of pure muskellunge exists in Sam Dale Lake as a result of stockings related to a statewide research project. However, no muskies were collected during the fall 2016 survey. Site Regulation: 48 inch length limit, 1 per day creel. | |
Very Good | Similar to the previous year, redear were much less abundant than bluegill in 2016, and just 19 were collected per hour of electrofishing. However, quality of these fish was impressive, with 81% over 8 inches in length. Redear body condition was also within the goal range. | |
Average | The white crappie population in Sam Dale Lake is somewhat stunted with many fish 6 to 9 inches in length. The fall 2016 survey produced white crappie 3 to 13 inches with 70% larger than 8 inches and 9% over 10 inches in length. Crappie body condition was acceptable. | |
Location: Sam Dale Lake is located in northwestern Wayne County within Sam Dale Lake State Park five miles northwest of Johnsonville, Illinois.
Description: Sam Dale Lake is a relatively fertile, 194-acre, IDNR-owned impoundment. The lake is largely surrounded by forest and has two boat ramps.
Additional Lake Information: Boats are allowed on the lake, but are limited to 10 horsepower.
Site Regulations:
Largemouth bass: 14 inch length limit, 6 fish daily limit.
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit.
Muskellunge: 48 inch length limit, 1 fish daily limit.
Contact Information: Sam Dale State Park 618-835-2292IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Luke Nelson618-985-1112
There were 8 tournaments held on this waterbody in 2018.
Species | Total Fish Caught |
Largemouth Bass | 141 |
Top 5 Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2018 tournaments:
1 7.43 lbs | 2 6.94 lbs | 3 6.06 lbs | 4 5.05 lbs | 5 5.00 lbs |
Top 5 Bag Weights of Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2018 tournaments:
1 | 65.75 lbs |
2 | 56.36 lbs |
3 | 41.25 lbs |
4 | 40.17 lbs |
5 | 38.85 lbs |
Multiple day tournaments are listed with *end date and
Interested in participating in one of these public tournaments? Contact us with tournament ID for more information.
2019-2020 Approved or Pending Tournaments | ||||||||
Start Date | ID | Approval | Ramp Location | Bank/Boat Hook/Bow |
Max Boats | Species | Youth? | Open to Public? |
April-04 | 14093 | Approved | Sam Dale boat ramp | boathook | 15 | Largemouth Bass | No | |
April-26 | 13942 | Approved | Sam Dale boat ramp | boathook | 15 | Largemouth Bass | No | |
May-03 | 14355 | Approved | Sam Dale boat ramp | boathook | 12 | Largemouth Bass | No | |
May-16 | 14957 | Pending | Sam Dale boat ramp | boathook | 15 | Largemouth Bass | No | |
June-27 | 14101 | Approved | Sam Dale boat ramp | boathook | 15 | Largemouth Bass | No | |
July-05 | 14358 | Approved | Sam Dale boat ramp | boathook | 12 | Largemouth Bass | No | |
August-30 | 13967 | Approved | Sam Dale boat ramp | boathook | 15 | Largemouth Bass | No | |
September-13 | 14109 | Approved | Sam Dale boat ramp | boathook | 15 | Largemouth Bass | No | |
October-04 | 14110 | Approved | Sam Dale boat ramp | boathook | 12 | Largemouth Bass | No |