Lake Bloomington Fishing
Sized by IDNR at 635 acres, this lake lies in McLean County.
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Lake Bloomington, measured out for Illinois anglers
635 acres of lake water make up Lake Bloomington, which IDNR places in McLean County. A 36-foot maximum depth appears in the IDNR description. Supplies are closest in Hudson, about 4 miles by straight line.
The IDNR launch layer marks 1 boat ramp at this water. The digest names it among the site-specific waters.
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.
IDNR page details for Lake Bloomington
- Location (IDNR)Lake Bloomington is located approximately 15 miles North of Bloomington IL. Lake Bloomington is easily accessible by taking I-39 North to the Lake Bloomington exit, then proceeding east on the Lake Bloomington Road (2500N) 4 miles.
- Description (IDNR)This fertile 635-acre lake has a maximum depth of 36 feet, an average depth of 14.5 feet, and 18.5 miles of shoreline. Lake Bloomington is owned by the City of Bloomington, IL and is maintained and operated by the City's Water Department.
Facilities IDNR checks off at Lake Bloomington
- Family FriendlyYes
- Handicap AccessNo
- Boat FishingYes – 40hp
- Boat RampsYes
- Boat RentalsYes
- CampingNo
- PicnickingYes
- SkiingYes
- SwimmingNo
- Trout StockingNo
Everything above is IDNR wording for Lake Bloomington.
IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
IDNR-rated fish swimming in Lake Bloomington
| Species | IDNR rating | IDNR survey note |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Average | During the most recent fish survey, only four Channel Catfish were collected. The current Channel Catfish fishery is average in Lake Bloomington. Lake Bloomington does not receive any catfish stockings. |
| Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Good | The State record Hybrid Striped Bass was caught at Lake Bloomington in 2017. The record hybrid weighed 21.45 pounds. The Hybrid Striped Bass fishery in Lake Bloomington is considered good. |
| Walleye | Excellent | Walleye were first stocked into this lake in 1984, and it has received approximately 25,000 2-inch Walleye every year. The most recent electrofishing survey for Walleye resulted in 34.3 Walleye per hour of sampling. The… |
| Crappie spp. | Very Good | Both Black and White Crappie are present in Lake Bloomington. The most recent spring electrofishing survey resulted in the collection of 85 White Crappie per hour and 35 Black Crappie per hour. The objective is to… |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair | The most recent bass survey resulted in a catch rate of 59 Largemouth Bass per hour. The management objective is 100 bass per hour. The largest bass collected weighed 3.9 pounds. Of the bass collected over 8 inches, 43%… |
walleye earn a excellent rating from IDNR at Lake Bloomington.
IDNR sources tie these fish to Lake Bloomington: outlook, stocking or a record.
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.
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- IDNRThe IDNR currently stocks Walleye and Hybrid Striped Bass. A community-wide fish survey is completed approximately every 2 years.
IDNR fishery history text, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Getting a boat into Lake Bloomington
- Lake Bloomington Boat Rampfee noted, City permit required to launch/boat on lake
Backup launches if the Lake Bloomington lot is full
- Evergreen Lake Boat Ramp-Comlara Park AccessEvergreen Lake, 5 miles west
- Evergreen Lake Boat Ramp-White Oak AccessEvergreen Lake, 6 miles west
IDNR IFishIllinois map, boat ramp and launch layer of October 2025 (KML; name, waterbody and notes as printed), read November 5, 2026.
Bottom maps for Lake Bloomington
- Lake Bloomington – CampsIDNR depth map
- Lake Bloomington – DamIDNR depth map
- Lake BloomingtonIDNR depth map
IDNR lists 3 depth maps for Lake Bloomington.
IDNR depth map list, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Stocking at Lake Bloomington
| Year | Species as listed | Number | Size class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Walleye | 24,549 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Walleye | 24,247 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 550 | Advanced Fingerling (4 – 7") |
| 2024 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 10,659 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Walleye | 22,880 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2023 | Walleye | 22,440 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2022 | Largemouth Bass | 283 | Adult |
| 2022 | Smallmouth Bass | 17,903 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2022 | Smallmouth Bass | 5,256 | Advanced Fingerling (4 – 7") |
| 2022 | Walleye | 44,594 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
IDNR lists these releases for Lake Bloomington by year; it publishes no stocking dates.
IDNR fish stocking table on ifishillinois.org (year, water, species, size class and number as listed; no stocking dates published), read November 4, 2026.
Fish allowed in the cooler at Lake Bloomington
| 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 |
Statewide limits hold on Lake Bloomington except where its own entry differs.
Site-specific rules for Lake Bloomington
| Water as printed | Species | Rule as printed (code) |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Bloomington | All Fish | 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) |
| Lake Bloomington | Bluegill or Redear Sunfish | 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit |
| Lake Bloomington | Large or Smallmouth Bass | 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit |
| Lake Bloomington | Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass | 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches |
| Lake Bloomington | Walleye | 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit |
| Lake Bloomington | White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie | 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches |
- Code 1Sport fishermen must not use more than 2 poles and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached (Alabama rigs not allowed) while fishing, except that legal size cast nets (in accordance with Section 810.50(a)(2)), shad scoops, and minnow …
Site-specific regulations as printed in the 2026 Illinois Fishing Information digest (IDNR) page 36, 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.
IDNR record weights from Lake Bloomington
| Species | Weight | Division | Date | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 21 lbs 7.2 oz | hook and line | June 12, 2017 | McLean |
IDNR Illinois state record fish list (keeper: Illinois Department of Natural Resources; no angler names printed), read November 4, 2026.
Illinois lakes clustered around Lake Bloomington
For more room, Evergreen Lake has 925 acres on its IDNR page.
| Lake | Distance | Acres (IDNR) | Max depth (ft) | Mapped ramps | First IDNR-rated fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Bloomington | 635 | 36 | 1 | Channel Catfish | |
| Evergreen Lake | 5 miles west | 925 | 50 | 2 | Crappie spp. |
| White Oaks Lake | 11 miles southwest | not printed | 18 | 0 | |
| Holiday Park Lake | 12 miles south | 6.0 | 0 | ||
| Miller Park Lake | 13 miles south | 16 | 28 | 0 | |
| Lake Eureka | 19 miles west | not printed | 17 | 1 | Largemouth Bass |
IDNR IFishIllinois pages (acres, depth text, outlook) and the IDNR boat ramp layer; read November 4, 2026.
Near Lake Bloomington
A second lake for the day after Lake Bloomington
- Evergreen Lake5 miles west
- White Oaks Lake11 miles southwest
- Holiday Park Lake12 miles south
- Miller Park Lake13 miles south
- Lake Eureka19 miles west
Stores with hooks and line around Lake Bloomington
- Mucky Duck Marinamarina, Hudson, under a mile
- Freedom Sports Shopsporting goods store, El Paso, 8 miles
- Dick's Sporting Goods Bloomingtonsporting goods store, Bloomington, 11 miles
- Lounge Sport and Baitbait and tackle shop, Bloomington, 12 miles
- Smiley's Sports Shop Incbait and tackle shop, Bloomington, 13 miles
Free loaner rods within reach of Lake Bloomington
- McLean County Parks and RecreationHudson, 5 miles
- Heartland Community CollegeNormal, 9 miles
- Pontiac Public LibraryPontiac, 23 miles
Town bases for anglers near Lake Bloomington
- Hudson4 miles
- Gridley7 miles
- Lexington8 miles
Each county Lake Bloomington touches, with links
- McLean Countyseat: Bloomington
IDNR IFishIllinois map, tackle loaner site layer (KML), read November 5, 2026.
Piscifun reels to stow in the truck for Lake Bloomington
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
The ponds and rivers around Lake Bloomington, photographed
Photo: David Wilson, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Roger W, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Wizard298, CC BY 2.0
Photo: David Wilson, CC BY 2.0
Before the tackle box goes in the car for Lake Bloomington
Where in Illinois is Lake Bloomington?
Lake Bloomington is located approximately 15 miles North of Bloomington IL. Lake Bloomington is easily accessible by taking I-39 North to the Lake Bloomington exit, then proceeding east on the Lake Bloomington Road (2500N) 4 miles. Head for McLean County, about 4 miles from Hudson.
What size does IDNR list for Lake Bloomington?
Its IDNR size is 635 acres, and the IDNR text gives a 36 foot maximum depth.
Does Lake Bloomington have a ramp on the IDNR layer?
Only Lake Bloomington Boat Ramp appears on the IDNR layer.
How is the fishing at Lake Bloomington?
IDNR rates channel catfish average; its sources also name hybrid striped bass, walleye, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.
What can I take home from Lake Bloomington?
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. Check the site-specific rows above as well.
Which IDNR license goes in my wallet at Lake Bloomington?
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
Did IDNR inventory a fishing pier at Lake Bloomington?
Its IDNR facility line reads Family Friendly Yes; Handicap Access No, with no inventoried pier.
Which counter near Lake Bloomington keeps a minnow tank?
Head to Mucky Duck Marina, under a mile away,.
Has Lake Bloomington produced a state record?
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) at 21 lbs 7.2 oz (hook and line division, June 12, 2017) is the heaviest entry IDNR lists for Lake Bloomington; IDNR prints no angler names.
Plan a morning on Lake Bloomington
Know what goes in the cooler before you launch.