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WILLIAMSVILLE, LAKE
Lake Information
County: Sangamon
Acreage: 18
Average Depth: 5.00 feet
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? NO BOATS allowed
Boat Ramps? No
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? No
Camping? No
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2024 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
450 |
Additional information for stocking on Williamsville, Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Fair | The numerous bass in the lake have had a positive impact on the bluegill over the last several years. However, the 2013 spring survey showed a high density of bluegill and a reduced body condition (CPUE = 300, Wr = 96). In 2017, a lower density of bluegill were collected (CPUE = 132), and body condition remained stable (Wr = 97). Seventeen percent of bluegill collected during the 2013 spring survey measured over 6”, while 3% measured over 7”. Only 6% of bluegill collected in 2017 exceeded 6”, and none exceeded 7”. The bluegill population indices do not fall within the management goals. Samples taken in 2013 and 2017 were poor. Clear water and fish avoiding our gear may explain poor sampling efficiency. | |
Very Good | One channel catfish was collected in the spring 2017 survey. Two channel catfish were collected in the spring 2013 population survey. Gill nets would sample the channel catfish population more effectively, but using this gear is unlikely due to time and man-power constraints. Non-vulnerable sized channel catfish are stocked biennially so it is assumed they are doing well. Anecdotal information from local anglers reflects the same. On July 21, 2016 Little Grassy Fish Hatchery stocked 450 – 7” channel catfish. | |
Average | The largemouth population remains much as it has for the past fifteen years. It is characterized by having a high density of small bass in poor body condition. Largemouth bass relative weights are poor (Wr = 89 in 2017) suggesting that the population is still stunted and overpopulated. No bass over 12” were collected in 2013. One 13” bass was collected in 2017. A high density, low body condition population is fun for anglers, but there is little chance of catching a quality bass. However, the stunted predator population has helped produce a nice bluegill fishery in past years. High densities of hungry bass allow for control of the bluegill population through predation. Bluegill that avoid predation grow quickly to large sizes. | |
Location: Lake Williamsville is in Sangamon County, 20 miles north of Springfield, and 1 mile east of Williamsville. The lake is owned by the Village of Williamsville.
Description: The lake is 18 acres with a maximum depth of 13 feet and an average depth of 5 feet. The dam is rip-rapped and most of the shoreline is gently sloping. The lake also contains dense beds of aquatic vegetation. The entire shoreline is accessible via a footpath.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The Division of Fisheries entered into a formal Cooperative Management Agreement with the Village of Williamsville in 1986. The lake was drained completely in 1984 and restocked with breeder largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and non-vulnerable channel catfish.
Additional Lake Information: No boats allowed.
Other fish species: A total of 8 fish species have been collected in Lake Williamsville since 1989. While their numbers and potential for successful angling are low, anglers may catch common carp, green sunfish, or green sunfish x bluegill hybrid.
Fishing Regulations:
2 pole and line fishing only
Channel catfish - 6 fish daily harvest limit
Contact Information: Village of Williamsville IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Tad Locher217-720-0235
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