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GLADSTONE LAKE
Lake Information
County: Henderson
Acreage: 27
Average Depth: 0.00 feet
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Electric motors only
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2023 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
700 |
Additional information for stocking on Gladstone Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Average | In 2023, the black crappie population was sampled by 16 fish from 7.6 to 9.3 inches in length. A low density black crappie population is present at this time. No harvest or length limit is necessary currently for the crappie population. | |
Poor | The bluegill population was sampled by 35 stock-sized fish in the electrofishing survey. The current bluegill population is rated as average with the larger fish up to 7.5 inches in length. This population is of high density and in good body condition for stock-sized fish. | |
Good | The channel catfish population was sampled by 2 fish from 18 to 18.5 inches in length. Little Grassy hatchery stocked 700 fish at 8 inches in length 2023. An annual stocking of 700 non-vulnerable channel catfish is scheduled for the future. | |
Poor | In 2023, a late spring D.C. electrofishing survey was used to evaluate the fish population. The largemouth bass population was evaluated by 52 stock-sized bass from electrofishing. The largemouth bass population appears to be defined by a high percentage of fish from 3 to 14 inches in length with good average Relative weights. The bass population appears to have a a high density of fish competing for space and food. A very large year class was produced in the spring of 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The current bass regulation will remain in place for 2024. Anglers can and hopefully will harvest some of the bass under 12 inches in length. | |
Developing | No muskie were sampled in the 2023 electrofishing survey. Two female muskie at 33 inches in length were stocked into Gladstone Lake in the spring of 2016 by IDNR Fisheries, 10 fish at 12.5 inches in 2018, and 10 fish at 13.5 inches in 2019. A low density muskie population will be the goal for Gladstone Lake. A total density of less than 10 fish per year will be stocked over the next five years. In 2017 the muskie harvest regulation was established at a 48 inch minimum and 1 fish per day harvest limit for Gladstone Lake. | |
Poor | In 2023, The redear sunfish population was sampled by 19 fish in the electrofishing survey. The current redear population is rated as average with the larger fish up to 8.0 inches in length. This population is of moderate density and in average body condition for stock-sized fish. | |
Location: Gladstone Lake is located in Henderson County one mile southwest of the Village of Gladstone. Access to the lake is also off of U.S. Route 34, one mile to the north.
Description: This 32 acre small sandpit or watertable impoundment is owned and managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is situated within a 87.5 acre site that in addition to fishing, offers primitive camping.
The lake has a maximum depth of 25 feet with the bottom contour very irregular due to a series of underwater ridges. The 1.5 miles of shoreline is accessible to bank fishing. A boat ramp is provided along the southeast shoreline.
Formation of Gladstone Lake started in 1910 and continued until 1947 as sand was dredged from the site to be used by steam locomotives as rail traction. In 1961, the site was purchased by the Illinois Department of Conservation and developed as a state park, known today as the Henderson County Conservation Area.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The historic flood of 2008 on the Mississippi River inundated Gladstone Lake and contaminated it with undesirable, non-sportfish. Within a four year period, the introduced fish had resulted in a very poor quality sport fishery. In 2012, the lake was rehabilitated with a fish toxicant to remove the undesirable fish and then restocked in 2012 and 2013.
The lake and its sport fishery are evaluated annually.
Additional Lake Information: All fish: 2 pole and line fishing only. A boat ramp is available for boat anglers. The use of gasoline motors to propel watercraft is not permitted; electric motors only.
Site Regulation:
Muskie: 48 inch minimum; 1 fish daily limit
Largemouth or Smallmouth Bass: 1 fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and/or 2 fish less than 12 inches; 3 fish daily limit
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 10 fish daily limit
Channel or Blue Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Contact Information: Big River State Park: 309-374-2496IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Rob Hilsabeck309-446-9143
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