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OLSON LAKE


Lake Information

County: Winnebago

Acreage: 45

Average Depth: 6.5 feet

Shoreline Length: 1.4 miles

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? No outboard motors

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? Yes

Picnicking? Yes

Camping? Yes




There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Lake Status Summary  ( Full PDF Report )

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Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Good

A total of 116 Bluegills were collected ranging from 40 – 190 mm (1.6 – 7.5 in), with 93 > Stock size (80 mm [3.1 in]). This survey met the minimum required number of fish > Stock size (n = 50) to quantify population demographics as set forth in the Lake Management Plan (LMP). The PSD and the RSD-7 both fell within their respective ranges. Body condition (as indexed by relative weight) exceeded the 90th percentile for Quality and Preferred sized fish. A high body condition indicates sufficient forage for fish growth. In lakes typically managed for panfish, Largemouth Bass will be allowed to “crowd” to keep panfish densities low (allowing for increased forage, good growth, and ultimately larger panfish).

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Excellent

A total of 83 Largemouth bass were collected ranging from 70 – 502 mm (2.8 – 19.8 in), with 53 of those fish > Stock size (200 mm [7.9 in]). This survey met the minimum required number of fish > Stock size (n = 30) to accurately quantify population demographics as set forth in the Lake Management Plan (LMP). Both the PSD and RSD-15 exceeded their respective target ranges. Body condition (as indexed by relative weight) exceeded the 90th percentile for Quality, Preferred, and Memorable sized fish. A high body condition indicates sufficient forage for fish growth. Overall, the Largemouth bass population looks to be in great shape and the winter drawdowns seem to be aiding in a healthy population.

MUSKELLUNGE

Developing

A total of 10 Muskellunge were collected ranging from 582 – 790 mm (22.9 – 31.1 in), with 10 of those fish > Stock size (510 mm [20.1 in]). The Muskellunge collected was mostly dominated by the quality size fish. This is to be expected from a newly stocked lake. As the population ages future analysis will be done to accurately quantify population demographics as set forth in the Lake Management Plan (LMP).

Location: Olson Lake is located within the 3,092-acre Rock Cut State Park directly upstream from the 162-acre Pierce Lake.

Description: Olson Lake is an artificial impoundment in the watershed of Pierce Lake. It was built in order to be a silt basin and prevent Pierce Lake from filling up with sediment. The lake was first filled in 1990, and it was 50 acres in size at the time of filling. The maximum depth was 12.0 feet with an average depth of 6.5 feet.

Olson Lake has a tremendous coverage of aquatic vegetation, consisting of coontail, Eurasian milfoil and white water lily. The lake was constructed using Build Illinois Funds and its main purpose was to provide swimming opportunities. To this end, an extensive beach was constructed on the south shoreline with a bathhouse and parking. Only a canoe or kayak launch facility is found at Olson Lake.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Olson Lake has a maximum depth of 12 feet and an average depth of 6.5 feet. The lake is 45 acres in size with a watershed of 6,520 acres (144:1 ratio). The storage capacity is 292.5 acre-feet. The lake’s 1.36-mile shoreline, other than the beach is undeveloped consisting of both woody vegetation and natural grasses. The shallow depth of the lake has led to the development of extensive growth of aquatic vegetation. Seven species of aquatic plants have occurred naturally, and white-water lily was planted in 1990.

Additional Lake Information: SPORT FISH REGULATIONS IN EFFECT:

All Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only
Large or Smallmouth Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Fish Daily Creel Limit (14˝ Minimum Length Limit)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Fish Daily Creel Limit (No Minimum Length Limit)
Channel Catfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Fish Daily Creel Limit (No Minimum Length Limit)
Muskellunge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Fish Daily Creel Limit (36˝ Minimum Length Limit)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Fish Daily Creel Limit (No Minimum Length Limit)

Contact Information:
State of Illinois - Rock Cut State Park
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Brennan Caputo
630-360-4181