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DOLAN LAKE
Lake Information
County: Hamilton
Acreage: 75
Average Depth: 6.23 feet
Shoreline Length: 3.2 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? 10hp
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
Lake Status Summary ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Very Good | Bluegill size structure continues to improve and catchable fish are 6.5 to 8 inches in length with some individuals exceeding eight inches. Bluegill fishing at Dolan Lake is expected to be good to excellent.Site Regulation: A daily catch limit of 25 bluegill or redear sunfish applies. | |
Excellent | Anglers continue to report excellent catches of channel catfish. Many fish reported and collected during electrofishing surveys are 20 inches or better. Fishing prospects for channel catfish at Dolan Lake are expected to be very good to excellent. Site Regulation: A daily catch limit of six fish applies. | |
Good | Crappie abundance at Dolan Lake continues to increase. Abundance of smaller fish has increased, but nine to ten inch crappie are present with some individuals exceeding 12 inches in total length. Crappie fishing at Dolan Lake is expected to be good. Site Regulation: 25 fish creel limit applies with only 10 fish over 10 inches allowed. | |
Excellent | A strong and well balanced bass population exists at Dolan Lake. Size structure is excellent with fish ranging from young of the year to greater than 18 inches. Bass abundance is extremely good as the average number caught in recent samples is 148 bass per hour of electrofishing. The current bass fishing regulation of one fish per day over 18 inches in total length will continue to protect this growing fishery. Improvement in bass size structure should continue as the bass population develops and excellent bass fishing opportunities are expected at Dolan Lake. Site Regulation: One fish per day over 18 inches. | |
Location: Dolan Lake is located approximately eight miles southeast of Mcleansboro off State Route 14 in Hamilton County.
Description: In 1962, an earthen dam was constructed impounding approximately 75 acres of water. The lake has a shoreline distance of 3 miles and a maximum depth of 18 feet. Due to poor fishing and an abundance of undesirable fish species, the lake was drained and restocked with sport fish in 2005.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Currently, the lake is doing very well and has catchable populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie and redear sunfish.
Additional Lake Information: Dolan Lake has a two pole and line fishing regulation and a 10 horsepower or less outboard motor restriction.
Site Regulation:
Crappie: 25 fish daily limit applies with only 10 fish over 10" allowed.
Contact Information: IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Nick Abell618-967-0952
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.
| 2020-2021 Approved or Pending Tournaments | ||||||||
| Start Date | ID | Approval | Ramp Location | Bank/Boat Hook/Bow |
Max Boats | Species | Youth? | Open to Public? |
| April-20 | 26609 | Approved | Dolan Lake | boathook | 20 | Channel Catfish Crappie Largemouth Bass | No | |
| July-20 | 25318 | Approved | Dolan Lake | boathook | 18 | Largemouth Bass | No | |