Lake Lou Yaeger Fishing

Fishing

Get out on the water with fishing at Lake Lou Yaeger.

Fishing is a great way to experience the beauty of Lake Lou Yaeger. Even though it is not a power plant lake, as long as the water is not frozen, the Lake is open to the public year-round.* Anyone with an appropriate Illinois Fishing License is invited to fish for crappie, catfish, bluegill and annually stocked bass.

Need some bait? No problem. Fishing bait is available for purchase, during normal operating hours, at Marina 1.

Fishing from the shore is completely free and purchasing a boating day pass from Marina 1 is just $15. Love fishing Lake Lou Yaeger? Get a better deal on boat passes by purchasing an annual pass. Learn more about boating pass rules, regulations and launch fees in the boating section!

*Please note: The Lake is dropped at least four (4) feet in November. Individuals may attempt to put in small fishing boats, but please be cautious. The boat ramp at the Marina doesn’t extend far past 6 feet of the dock. If a boat trailer’s wheels pass the ramp, they could be severely damaged or removed entirely.

Fishing Limits

  • Large or Smallmouth Bass: three per day harvest limit; 15-inch minimum length
  • Channel Catfish: six per day harvest limit
  • Crappie: No limit.
  • All Fish: two pole and line fishing only

Where to Purchase a Fishing License

All fishing in Illinois requires an Illinois Fishing License. You can purchase your fishing license online here, or at the following Litchfield locations: Wal-mart, Rural King and UJ’s.

Fishing Tournaments

Lake Lou Yaeger welcomes fishing tournaments from spring through fall. To host a fishing tournament, please contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) at 1-800-732-8866. Once you have contacted IDNR, please contact complete the Fishing Tournament Registration Form and contact the Lake Superintendent’s Office at 217-324-5832. After you schedule your tournament, be sure to post it on the Litchfield event calendar for all to see!

The Litchfield Bass Anglers is a local organization of Bass Fishermen. If you have questions about joining this organization, and for upcoming tournament information, please contact Terry at 217-710-0255.

Want to join a tournament? Check the event calendar to see what’s coming up.

Considering boating? Learn about boating on Lake Lou Yaeger >

Need information about accessibility at Lake Lou Yaeger Recreational Area. Read more>