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PYRAMID-CANVASBACK LAKE
Lake Information
County: Perry
Acreage: 66
Average Depth: 0.00 feet
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Unlimited HP/Wake Only
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2024 |
Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
7185 |
Additional information for stocking on Pyramid Denmark - Canvasback Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Poor | Although Bluegill are abundant, the size structure is poor. The majority of Bluegill collected during surveys have been in the 4”-7” range. Very few Bluegill over 7 inches are collected during surveys. | |
Average | A small number of Channel Catfish have been collected during past surveys. Most individuals ranged in size from 2 to 5 lbs. | |
Excellent | Canvasback Lake is known to harbor a quality fishery for crappie and frequently yields both Black and White Crappie in the 10 to 16-inch range. During the 2023 spring survey, several crappies were collected, ranging from 8 to over 12 inches in length. Multiple brush piles have been sunk in the lake to provide crappie anglers with offshore structure on which to fish. | |
Excellent | During the 2023 electrofishing survey, Largemouth Bass were caught at a high rate of 134/hour. In addition, 50% of bass were over 15 inches, and 27% were over 18 inches. The largest bass collected was 21 inches and weighed 5.6 lbs. Bass anglers should expect quality fishing opportunities in Canvasback Lake. | |
Average | Muskie stockings have been discontinued due to limited growth potential, as no Muskies were ever observed over 36 inches in length. However, some stocked Muskies will likely remain in Canvasback Lake over the next decade. | |
Fair | Redear Sunfish are less abundant than Bluegill, although their size structure is slightly better. Several Redear were collected which were around 8 inches in length. | |
Developing | Canvasback Lake is now on the stocking request list for Saugeye fingerlings. Saugeye have been chosen to replace Muskie for stocking due to their success in nearby Mallard Lake, which has a similar size, depth profile, vegetation coverage, and forage base. It is hoped the first year class of Saugeye will be stocked in 2024 | |
Location: Pyramid State Park is located south of Pinckneyville in Perry County. The Denmark Section is accessed off of the Pyatt-Cutler Road. From State Route 127, head west on Pyatt-Cutler Road. About 7 miles west of Pyramid State Park, turn south into the Denmark Section.
Description: Canvasback Lake is a strip cut lake located on the Denmark Section of Pyramid State Park. Facilities at this 66-acre lake include a concrete boat launch, floating dock, and bathrooms.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: A multi-gear fish community survey is completed on Canvasback Lake on a biennial basis. Additional targeted surveys (single-species) are also completed as needed. Survey data indicates excellent populations of Largemouth Bass and Crappie. Although Muskie have been stocked for over 20 years, none over 36 inches have ever been collected. Angler reports also suggest the Muskie fishery is mediocre at best relative to other Muskie lakes. In consequence, Muskie stockings have been discontinued and will be replaced with Saugeye, which have done well in nearby Mallard Lake and now support a popular fishery.
Additional Lake Information: Note: There is no motor HP limit, however all boats must be operated at no-wake speed.
Site-specific Regulations:
Largemouth Bass: statewide limit of 6 fish/day
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Muskellunge: 48-inch minimum length limit
2 pole and line fishing only and bowfishing is allowed. All live bait in excess of 8" must be rigged with a quick set rig.
Please note that fishing is prohibited from November 1 through the last day of February.
Maps of fish attractor locations can be obtained via the link on this page that says "Fish Attractor Locations Map."
Contact Information: Pyramid State Park 618-357-2574IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Nick Abell618-967-0952