Du Quoin City Lake Fishing
An IDNR lake of 210 acres, found in Perry County.
Pick for redear sunfishPiscifun Carbon X ultralight spinning reel28% OFFSale $57.99 Photo of Rend Lake: Aaron Lucas, CC BY-SA 4.0
What an Illinois angler should know about Du Quoin City Lake
The IFishIllinois entry gives Du Quoin City Lake 210 acres; the lake sits in Perry County. IDNR text gives a maximum depth of 16 feet. Count about 3 miles from the map point to St. Johns, the closest Census place.
IDNR maps 1 boat ramp along the shore. Statewide limits change here under a digest entry.
Acres as listed on the IDNR IFishIllinois page (printed only where the page text gives the same size); depth only where the IDNR text states a maximum depth. IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026. Census 2023 places.
Site notes IDNR prints for Du Quoin City Lake
- Location (IDNR)DuQuoin City Lake is located in Perry County north of the City of Du Quoin. From center of town, take State Route 51 north for approximately 4 miles and turn east onto City Lake Road.
- Description (IDNR)Du Quoin City Lake, owned by the City of Du Quoin, was impounded in 1936 and presently covers about 210 acres. After nearly a century of sedimentation, the lake is now quite fertile and shallow, with a maximum depth of 16 feet near the dam. Most of the shallower areas (less than 4 feet) are covered with Spatterdock, a beneficial native emergent plant that provides desirable fish habitat. The lake has one …
- More from IDNRIn 2025, the City of Du Quoin received a $200,000 grant from IDNR to improve boat access to the lake. Anglers can expect improvements to boat ramp and parking area sometime during 2026.
Yes or no: what Du Quoin City Lake offers, per IDNR
- Family FriendlyNo
- Handicap AccessNo
- Boat FishingYes
- Boat RampsYes
- Boat RentalsNo
- CampingNo
- PicnickingNo
- SkiingNo
- SwimmingNo
- Trout StockingNo
Text and flags in this band repeat the IFishIllinois page for Du Quoin City Lake as printed.
IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
What the electrofishing found at Du Quoin City Lake
| Species | IDNR rating | IDNR survey note |
|---|---|---|
| Redear Sunfish | Excellent | The fishery for Redear Sunfish in Du Quoin City Lake is of high quality, containing an abundance of fish between 9 and 11 inches. A total of 124 Redear were captured during the 2025 spring electrofishing survey, of… |
| Crappie spp. | Very Good | Du Quoin City Lake supports a quality crappie fishery consisting of Black, White, and Hybrid Crappie. During the 2025 fall trap net survey, a total of 286 crappie (35.8/net night) were captured in trap nets set… |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | The bass population is showing signs of improvement. Largemouth Bass were captured at a record high rate of 97/hour during the 2025 spring electrofishing survey, which exceeded the management target of 60/hour and was… |
| Channel Catfish | Very Good | A total of 70 Channel Catfish were captured during the 2025 fall hoop net survey. Hoop nets were baited with Zote Soap and allowed to soak for 2 nights. The size structure of catfish collected in the sample indicates a… |
| Bluegill | Very Good | Du Quoin City Lake continues to support a quality fishery for Bluegill. During the 2025 spring electrofishing survey, 208 Bluegill were captured, of which 8.6% were over 8 inches. The largest Bluegill in the sample… |
IDNR biologists call the redear sunfish fishing at Du Quoin City Lake excellent.
For Du Quoin City Lake, the fish shown have an IDNR outlook line, stocking row or record behind them.
IDNR fishing outlook ratings and survey notes as printed on the IFishIllinois page, read November 4, 2026. IDNR fish stocking table on ifishillinois.org (year, water, species, size class and number as listed; no stocking dates published), read November 4, 2026; IDNR Illinois state record fish list (keeper: Illinois Department of Natural Resources; no angler names printed), read November 4, 2026.
For the redear sunfish herePiscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reel25% OFFSale $59.99 How Du Quoin City Lake got to be the fishery it is
- IDNRDu Quoin City Lake supports quality fisheries among all traditional sport fishes, which is uncommon among aged small impoundments. The high density of Spatterdock in the lake can likely be attributed to the quality of sportfish populations, especially for panfish species. Undesirable species such as Gizzard Shad, Yellow Bass, and Common Carp are present in the lake and directly compete with sport fishes for …
- A multi-gear fish population assessment is completed on a biennial basis during odd years to monitor long-term trends in the fish community. Spring electrofishing is utilized to target Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Redear, while fall netting is utilized for crappies (trap nets) and catfish (baited hoop nets). On occasion, fall electrofishing is utilized to assess the abundance and size structure of Gizzard …
IDNR fishery history text, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Trailer ramps that serve Du Quoin City Lake
- Du Quoin City Lake Boat Rampfee noted, Fee required to launch
Neighbouring ramps around Du Quoin City Lake
- Sesser City Lake Boat RampSesser City Lake, 10 miles east
- Christopher Old City Lake Boat RampChristopher Old City Lake, 10 miles southeast
- Rend Lake North Sandusky Boat RampRend Lake, 12 miles east
- Rend Lake Jackie Branch Boat RampRend Lake, 12 miles east
- Rend Lake South Sandusky Boat RampRend Lake, 13 miles east
- Rend Lake Turnip Patch Boat RampRend Lake, 13 miles east
IDNR IFishIllinois map, boat ramp and launch layer of October 2025 (KML; name, waterbody and notes as printed), read November 5, 2026.
IDNR hatchery trucks at Du Quoin City Lake
| Year | Species as listed | Number | Size class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | 10,780 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 115 | Adult |
| 2024 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | 9,710 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2023 | Redear Sunfish | 500 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2022 | Channel Catfish | 3,090 | Advanced Fingerling (4 – 7") |
| 2022 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2022 | Redear Sunfish | 100 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2022 | Triploid Grass Carp | 10 | NonVulnerable (8 – 10") |
| 2022 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | 11,727 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
The IDNR table credits Du Quoin City Lake with these fish; release days are not published.
IDNR fish stocking table on ifishillinois.org (year, water, species, size class and number as listed; no stocking dates published), read November 4, 2026.
The IDNR keep rules for Du Quoin City Lake
| Species group | Daily limit | Statewide rule as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Alligator Gar | 1 per 24 hours | Harvest limit is 1 Alligator Gar per 24 hours. |
| Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish | no limit | There are no daily harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Other Sunfish | no limit | There are no harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Crappie (White, Black or Hybrid Crappie) | no limit | There are no daily harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Lake Sturgeon | no possession | Protected; No possession. |
| Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass | 6 (combined) | Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. In rivers and streams and their tributaries statewide, except for the Mississippi, Ohio (including Golconda Marina), and Wabash Rivers, the d |
| Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and their Hybrid | muskellunge 1, northern pike 3 | All Muskellunge and Muskellunge hybrids (Tiger Muskie) taken must be 36" in total length or longer, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. No more than 1 Muskellunge or Muskellunge hybrid (Tiger Muskie) may be taken per day, except as specified u |
| Paddlefish | 2 | Daily harvest limit is 2 Paddlefish. Please refer to Site Specific Regulations for the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa and the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri. |
| Striped Bass (Ocean Rockfish), White Bass, Yellow Bass, and their Hybrids | no limit under 17 inches; 3 at 17 inches or longer | There are no daily harvest limits or minimum size limits for Striped Bass (Ocean Rockfish), White Bass, Yellow Bass, and their hybrids, which are less than 17" in total length, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. For these fish 17" in total le |
| Trout and Salmon | 5 (combined) | Daily harvest limit is 5 trout or salmon, either singly or in the aggregate. |
| Walleye, Sauger, or their Hybrid | 6 (combined) | All Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid (Saugeye) taken must be 14" in total length or longer, except in the Mississippi River, Wabash River, or except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. Daily harvest limit is 6 Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid, either |
Start with the statewide rows at Du Quoin City Lake, then check its own entry.
Digest lines written just for Du Quoin City Lake
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Walleye, Sauger or Hybrid Walleye: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Site-specific regulations on the IFishIllinois page, as printed, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
IDNR 2026 Illinois Fishing Information digest (IDNR), read November 4, 2026. IDNR license fees (ifishillinois.org), read November 4, 2026.
Sizing Du Quoin City Lake against other Illinois lakes
Pinckneyville City Lake tops this table with 165 IDNR acres.
| Lake | Distance | Acres (IDNR) | Max depth (ft) | Mapped ramps | First IDNR-rated fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Du Quoin City Lake | 210 | 16 | 1 | Redear Sunfish | |
| Long Cut Lake (DuQuoin Fairgrounds) | 6 miles south | 40 | 0 | Largemouth Bass | |
| Pinckneyville City Lake | 10 miles west | 165 | 1 | Crappie spp. | |
| Sesser City Lake | 10 miles east | not printed | 1 | Channel Catfish | |
| Clear Lake (Pyramid State Park) | 10 miles west | 12 | 1 | Redear Sunfish | |
| Christopher Old City Lake | 10 miles southeast | not printed | 1 | Channel Catfish |
IDNR IFishIllinois pages (acres, depth text, outlook) and the IDNR boat ramp layer; read November 4, 2026.
Inside a cornfield drive of Du Quoin City Lake
Nearby impoundments to try after Du Quoin City Lake
- Long Cut Lake (DuQuoin Fairgrounds)6 miles south
- Pinckneyville City Lake10 miles west
- Sesser City Lake10 miles east
- Clear Lake (Pyramid State Park)10 miles west
- Christopher Old City Lake10 miles southeast
Bait counters on the drive to Du Quoin City Lake
- Simonton Bait Storebait and tackle shop, Nashville, 16 miles
- Rend Lake Fishing Guidesbait and tackle shop, Benton, 16 miles
- G & S Bait and Tacklebait and tackle shop, Benton, 17 miles
- Rend Lake Sporting Goodsbait and tackle shop, Mount Vernon, 21 miles
- Dick's Sporting Goods Carbondalesporting goods store, Carbondale, 24 miles
No rod? Loaner sites near Du Quoin City Lake
- Benton Public LibraryBenton, 17 miles
- West Frankfort Public LibraryWest Frankfort, 20 miles
- Nashville Public LibraryNashville, 20 miles
- Logan Sallie Public LibraryMurphysboro, 23 miles
Places to sleep and eat near Du Quoin City Lake
- Du Quoin5 miles
- Pinckneyville6 miles
- Sesser9 miles
Du Quoin City Lake, cut along Illinois county lines
- Perry Countyseat: Pinckneyville
IDNR IFishIllinois map, tackle loaner site layer (KML), read November 5, 2026.
A Piscifun reel lineup for a day on Du Quoin City Lake
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Timber, cornfield and water around Du Quoin City Lake through a lens
Photo: Aaron Lucas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paul Sableman, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Mark and Allegra Jaroski-Biava, CC BY-SA 2.0
Du Quoin City Lake, sorted out question by question
Which counties border Du Quoin City Lake?
DuQuoin City Lake is located in Perry County north of the City of Du Quoin. From center of town, take State Route 51 north for approximately 4 miles and turn east onto City Lake Road. Point the car at Perry County, about 3 miles from St. Johns.
How many IDNR acres does Du Quoin City Lake spread over?
IDNR lists 210 acres, and the IDNR text gives a 16 foot maximum depth.
Which IDNR ramp is handiest for Du Quoin City Lake?
The single mapped ramp is Du Quoin City Lake Boat Ramp.
Which fish turn up in IDNR surveys of Du Quoin City Lake?
redear sunfish lead the IDNR outlook (excellent), with largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, saugeye and grass carp also named.
What does the 2026 digest let me keep at Du Quoin City Lake?
Statewide digest row for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass: Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. The same row adds a separate rule for rivers and streams, quoted in the limits band. Site rules printed above take priority.
May a visitor from Indiana or Iowa fish Du Quoin City Lake?
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
Does Du Quoin City Lake have shore access?
IDNR facility flags: Family Friendly No; Handicap Access No; piers are not listed.
Where do Du Quoin City Lake anglers buy tackle?
Simonton Bait Store, about 16 miles away, is the first shop on our list.
Make the drive to Du Quoin City Lake
IDNR fees and the statewide table are on one page.