Choose another lake
BURNING STAR STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA - BLAZER LAKES
Lake Information
County: Jackson
Acreage: 123
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Yes
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? No
Camping? 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 |
Poor | The bluegill population is poor. No bluegill collected in the 2023 survey were over 8 inches. Site Regulation: 25 daily limit (includes redear sunfish), no length limit. | |
Poor | One catfish (20 inches) was collected during the 2023 survey. No catfish have been stocked since 2020. Site Regulation: 6 daily limit, no length limit. | |
Average | Blazer Lake has an average crappie population consisting of both black and white crappie. Of the 53 crappie collected in the 2023 survey, 40% were over 9 inches, and 11% were over 10 inches in length. Site Regulation: 25 daily limit, no length limit. | |
Average | Largemouth bass were collected at a rate of 51 bass per hour during the 2023 spring survey. Of the largemouth bass collected, 25% were over 15 inches, and 12% were over 18 inches. Site Regulation: 5 fish under 14" and 1 fish over 18" daily limit, 14-18 inch protected slot (no possession). | |
Average | While not numerous, redear sunfish over 9 inches are present. The largest redear collected in the 2023 survey was 9.8 inches in length and weighed 0.5 pound. Site Regulation: 25 daily limit (includes bluegill), no length limit. | |
Location: Blazer Lakes #1-4 are accessed from State Route 149 in Jackson County. From Route 149, turn north onto Mine Road to the south parking lot for the Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area complex, which is located between DeSoto and Hurst.
A map of the 24 lakes located on Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area can be obtained via email by sending a request to Shawn.Hirst@illinois.gov
Description: There is a gravel boat ramp at Blazer Lake #4. Blazer Lakes #1-4 are connected by passable water.
No fishing is allowed from November 1 through the end of February.
There is no HP boat motor restriction but all boats must operate at no wake speed.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Rough fish species (buffalo, bowfin, gar, gizzard shad, yellow bass) are abundant in this lake.
Additional Lake Information: Fishing is prohibited from November 1 through the end of February.
All species: 2 pole and line fishing only. Bow fishing is allowed.
Site-specific Regulations:
Largemouth bass: No possession of bass equal to or greater than 14 inches and less than 18"; 5 fish less than 14" and 1 equal or greater than 18" daily limit
Bluegill or redear sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Contact Information: Site Superintendent - Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area483 Mine Road, DeSoto, Illinois 62824618-521-8873IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Shawn Hirst618-559-5009