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PYRAMID-CLEAR LAKE


Lake Information

County: Perry

Acreage: 12

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? No HP limit/No wake only

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No




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

BLACK CRAPPIE

Average

Only one 9.6-inch Black Crappie was collected during the 2022 survey. Much of Clear Lake is very steep-sided and difficult to sample with trap nets. Angler reports indicate the lake harbors a decent fishery.

BLUEGILL

Good

A total of 27 Bluegill (231/hour) were collected during spring electrofishing. The lake contains an abundance of Bluegill in the 7”-7.9” range. However, none exceeded 8 inches in length. Mean relative weight (plumpness) of all Bluegill was 87, below the goal of 90. Mean relative weights declined after Bluegill reached 7 inches in length but rebounded slightly at 7.5 inches. Clear Lake appears to be on the cusp of growing numbers of 8-inch Bluegills, which are often sought by panfish anglers. Unlike many other lakes within Pyramid, Clear Lake does not appear to harbor Gizzard Shad, meaning that Bluegill growth potential should be relatively high. Bluegill growth may increase if herbicide treatments are performed to reduce the density of aquatic plants in the lake, which would make it easier for bass to thin the Bluegill population. If adequate herbicide can be obtained, treatments will begin during 2023.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Developing

Given the small size of Clear Lake, it is unlikely that Channel Catfish recruit naturally. Therefore, Channel Catfish have been stocked annually since 2020. Four Channel Catfish were collected in fall-set experimental gill nets. Catfish ranged in size from 14-19 inches. Abundance and size structure should continue to improve as older age classes become established.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Fair

The Largemouth Bass population in Clear Lake appears to be truncated, with an abundance of small fish under 12 inches and relatively few large fish. A total of 20 bass (171/hour) were collected during the electrofishing survey. The mean relative weight of all bass in the sample was poor at 86 and did not exceed the goal of 90 among any size classes. Although bass growth appears to be limited in Clear Lake, the primary management goal is to create a quality fishery for Bluegill and Redear with ample numbers of fish ≥8 inches. Therefore, improving bass size structure is not a management concern.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Good

A total of 8 Redear (69/hour) were collected during spring electrofishing, some of which were over 8 inches. However, none exceeded 9 inches in length. Mean relative weight of all Bluegill was 87, below the goal of 90. Clear Lake appears to be on the cusp of being a great panfish lake. Redear growth may increase if herbicide treatments are performed to reduce the density of aquatic plants in the lake, which would make it easier for bass to thin the population. If adequate herbicide can be obtained, treatments will begin during 2023.

Location: Pyramid State Park is located south of Pinckneyville in Perry County. To reach Clear Lake, head west on Galum Church Road from State Route 127, then turn south onto Pyramid Park Road.

Description: Clear Lake is a 12-acre strip mine lake that has existed since the 1950s. There is a gravel boat launch and dock, in addition to a camping area next to the lake.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Fisheries surveys conducted during 2022 consisted of a nocturnal spring electrofishing survey and fall netting survey. Channel Catfish are stocked in the lake annually. The primary management goal at this lake is to provide quality angling opportunities for Bluegill and Redear.

Additional Lake Information: Note: There is no motor HP limit, but all boats must be operated at no wake speed.

Site-specific Regulations:
Largemouth bass: 5 fish under 14” and fish 1 over 18” limit, 14–18 inch protected slot (no possession)
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit

2 pole and line fishing only and bowfishing is allowed.

Fishing is allowed on this lake year-round.

Contact Information:
Pyramid State Park
618-357-2574
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Nick Abell
618-967-0952