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LAKE OF THE WOODS (CCFPD)
Lake Information
County: Champaign
Acreage: 26
Average Depth: 9.38 feet
Shoreline Length: 1.4 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Electric only
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? No
Trout stocked in spring
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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Lake Status Summary ( Full PDF Report )
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Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Very Good | Based on the most recent fish survey, the catch rate of Bluegill from electrofishing was 264 Bluegill per hour and the management objective is 150 to 220 bass per hour. Based on Bluegill collected over 3 inches, 60% were longer than 6 inches but none were longer than 8 inches. | |
Good | The State Hatchery System stocks channel catfish in Lake of the Woods each year. The stocking program has created a good catfish fishery. Anglers have a good chance to harvest catfish in the 1 pound range. | |
Good | The crappie fishery can experience large swings in numbers and appears to be on the high end now. The majority of crappie collected are black crappie and are less than 10 inches. | |
Good | Based on the most recent fish survey, the catch rate of bass from electrofishing was 162 bass per hour and the management objective is 125 to 150 bass per hour. Of the bass collected over 8 inches, 58% are longer than 12 inches and 9% are longer than 15 inches. | |
Good | The State Hatchery System started stocking saugeye in 2016 and the Champaign County Forest Preserve stocked walleye in 2018. Based on the most recent fish survey, the catch rate of Saugeye from electrofishing was 16 Saugeye per hour and the management objective is 10 Saugeye per hour. Of the Saugeye collected over 10 inches, 75% were longer than 10 inches and 38% over 20 inches. | |
Location: Lake of the Woods Lake is located 1 mile northeast of Mahomet.
Description: Description: Lake of the Woods is operated by the Champaign County Forest Preserve. The lake was constructed in 1945. Lake of the Woods has a maximum depth of 28 feet with an average depth of 11.2 feet. The lake has a shoreline length of 1.8 miles and a watershed of 600 acres.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The long-term goal for Lake of the Woods is to provide quality panfish and catfish fisheries, and provide a quality trout season in the spring. Common species in the lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, redear sunfish, crappie, bullheads, and muskie. The lake currently receives stockings of channel catfish, saugeye, and rainbow trout.
There are plenty of places to fish around Lake of the Woods. Also on the property is a smaller lake called Elks Pond. This small pond can be fished for panfish and catfish.
Additional Lake Information: 2 pole and line fishing only.
Site Regulations:
Largemouth Bass: 15" length limit, 1 fish daily limit
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Saugeye/Walleye: 14" length limit, 6 fish daily limit
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish: daily limit of 5 fish greater than or equal 7 inches; unlimited daily limit less than 7"
Contact Information: Champaign County Forest Preserve District: 217-586-4630IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Mike Garthaus217-784-4730