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GILLESPIE NEW CITY LAKE
Lake Information
County: Macoupin
Acreage: 196
Average Depth: 11.00 feet
Shoreline Length: 8.9 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Unrestricted
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? Yes
Swimming? Yes
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
Click on area names for a more detailed map.
Dam,
Middle,
Ramp
Maps are not intended for navigation.
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2023 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
4140 |
Additional information for stocking on Gillespie New City Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Average | 33 Black Crappie ranging from 6.3-9.4” were collected in 2017. Like the White Crappie, the 2017 CPUE was the highest catch rate recorded.Historic surveys (1999, 2002, 2007, & 2013) during this 20-year period yielded between 4-19 fish per hour. In 2017, 72.7% of fish exceeded 8”, 6.1% of which measured greater than 9”. The largest fish measured 9.4” and weighed 0.37lbs. Black Crappie relative weights (Wr=87) were poor, like previous years. | |
Good | Three Channel Catfish were collected, measuring 16.9-26.4”. Body Condition was excellent. Channel Catfish were stocked in 2017 and 2019. IDNR will continue to stock Channel Catfish as hatchery production allows. | |
Good | Hybrid Striped Bass samples tend to be low using electrofishing equipment. Two Hybrid Striped Bass were collected per hour in 2017. These fish measured 9.8” and 12.2”. Hybrid Striped Bass are periodically stocked as hatchery production allows. | |
Excellent | In 2017, 87 Largemouth Bass ranging from 4.3-21.7” were collected. 19.7% of Largemouth Bass collected were 15” or greater. The largest fish measured 21.7” and weighed 5.84lbs. Fish less than 6” (16 fish) were collected, suggesting that natural reproduction is occurring. The catch rate of 87 bass/hour surpasses the catch rate goal (≥60 bass/hour). Structural indices are in good shape and this lake should continue to offer excellent bass fishing. | |
Very Good | 49 White Crappie ranging from 4.3-12.2” were collected in 2017. The 2017 CPUE s the highest catch rate of White Crappie recorded in the last 20 years. The 2002 White Crappie catch rate comes in as the 2nd highest CPUE at 38 fish per hour. Three other surveys occurred during this 20-year period and White Crappie catch rates yielded between 17-31 fish per hour. In 2017, 64.6% of fish exceeded 8”, 8.3% of which measured greater than 9”. The largest fish measured 12.2” and weighed 0.85lbs. Relative weights of White Crappie were excellent in 2017 in comparison to previous years. | |
Location: Gillespie New City Lake resides in south-eastern Macoupin County, 3 miles northwest of Gillespie, Illinois.
Description: The lake is 196 acres and has a shoreline length of 8.9 miles, a maximum depth of 30 feet, and an average depth of 10.9 feet.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Gillespie New City Lake was built in 1953 and entered into a cooperative management agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 1984. This agreement was developed to improve fishing opportunities for the angling public. There are two concrete ramps on the east end of the lake. Lake users can fish, camp, boat, and swim.
Additional Lake Information: There is a General Store and Bait Shop located at the lake. During the Illinois Waterfowl Season, fishing is only allowed between the hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm.
Contact Information: Gillespie Lake Office 618-362-6363IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Eric Ratcliff618-931-4217
Multiple day tournaments are listed with * end date.
Interested in participating in one of these public tournaments? Contact us with tournament ID for more information.
| 2024–2025 Approved or Pending Tournaments | ||||||||
| Start Date | ID | Approval | Ramp Location | Bank/Boat Hook/Bow |
Max Boats | Species | Youth? | Open to Public? |
| July-26 | 27642 | Approved | Gillespie New City Main Ramp | boathook | 15 | Largemouth Bass | No | No |
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