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RAMSEY LAKE


Lake Information

County: Fayette

Acreage: 46

Average Depth: 8.33 feet

Shoreline Length: 2.8 miles

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? No gas motors

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? Yes

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"

1400

2024

Channel Catfish

Non-vulnerable 8 - 10"

840


Additional information for stocking on Ramsey Lake - RLSP


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLACK CRAPPIE

Good

The 2023 survey showed that average black crappie body condition remained very good. The size structure of the population was also good and fish over 9” accounted for 64% of the adult crappie in the sample. With good growth rates, the population should remain strong and continue to provide good fishing opportunities. Keeper fish in 2024 should be 0.40 pounds or larger.

BLUEGILL

Good

The average body condition for bluegill collected in 2023 remained at the lake management plan target. Electrofishing catch rate remained high and the population size structure was good. Approximately 44% of the adult bluegill in the sample exceeded 7” in length and 12% exceeded 8”. This lake should provide good bluegill fishing in the coming year with some larger fish over 0.33 pounds. Please practice selective harvest. Bluegill over 8” (especially males) are important for maintaining the size structure of the population. We ask that you consider returning those fish to water and harvest smaller bluegill instead.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Good

Catfish are abundant in Ramsey Lake and should provide good fishing opportunities in the coming year. Most fish will range from 1 to 3 pounds. This lake provides many bank fishing opportunities. The best places to fish include the dam, the parking area near the boat ramp, the upper end of the lake, and in the backs of coves.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Average

Approximately 28% of the adult bass in the sample exceeded the 14” minimum length. Average body condition remained above the lake management plan target. Electrofishing catch rates remained high and well above the lake management minimum target. Recent surveys have collected many bass in the 9” – 14” size group and the size structure of the bass population could improve in the coming years if these smaller fish continue to grow. However, abundant numbers of bass in this size range may be helping to promote the quality panfishery at Ramsey Lake. In 2024, most bass over the 14” minimum length limit should weight 1.5 – 4 pounds.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Good

The redear population in Ramsey Lake is in good shape. Average body condition remained above the lake management plan target. Nearly 9% of the adult redear sampled exceeded 10” in length and 71% were 7” or longer. Redear fishing in 2024 should remain good with some of the larger fish approaching 0.75 pounds.

Location: Ramsey Lake is located in Fayette County, approximately 2 miles northwest of Ramsey Illinois.

Description: Ramsey Lake was constructed in Ramsey Lake State Park near Ramsey, IL in 1949. Ramsey Lake has a surface area of 46 acres, a maximum depth of 22 feet, and a mean depth of 8 feet. The lake has 2.8 miles of shoreline and a watershed of 1,500 acres.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The sport fish population in Ramsey Lake is comprised of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish. The lake also contains green sunfish and yellow bullhead. The fish population is surveyed annually, and summaries below are based on the results of the recent population survey and four-year trends in the population indices.

Additional Lake Information: Two pole and line fishing only. No gas motors are allowed.

Site Regulations:
Largemouth bass: 6 fish daily limit, 14" minimum length limit
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Bluegill and redear sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
White, black, or hybrid crappie: 10 fish daily limit; 9" minimum length limit

Contact Information:
Ramsey Lake State Park
618-423-2215
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Boone LaHood
618-393-6732