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Mastodon Lake in Illinois is a popular fishing location for anglers of all skill levels. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Nearby activities include hiking, picnicking, and camping. Fishing tip: try using live bait or lures that resemble the lake's natural food sources. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 50-70°F.
It is an abundant species and is important both commercially and as a sport fish. Black crappies are easily caught, often as fast as the hook can be rebaited. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: Though they show a definite family resemblance, they are distinctive enough that they shouldn’t be confused with any other species. The black crappie and the white crappie are most often confused with each other. Despite their common names, both species are the same color (dark olive or black dorsally with silvery sides) and both have spots on the sides. However, the pattern of the spotting is distinctly different. In the black crappie the spots are more or less irregular and scattered while in the white crappie the spots may be more vague and are clearly arranged into 7-9 vertical bars on the sides. Another distinction; the black crappie has 7-8 dorsal spines while the white crappie has only 6, the same number as in its anal fin. In body shape the black crappie’s is somewhat deeper than the white crappie.
Largemouth Bass
Rock Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Bluegill
Common Carp
Blue Catfish
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Black Crappie
Redear Sunfish
| Location | Reservations | Toilets | Showers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock 5 | |||
| Lock 8 | |||
| Runaway Branch | |||
| Belmont Park | |||
| Sumter Rec Area | |||
| Jennings Ferry |
