Lake Mattoon Fishing
Shelby County holds this 988-acre IDNR-listed lake.
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Lake Mattoon, the Prairie State snapshot
With 988 acres on the IDNR listing, Lake Mattoon is a lake in Shelby County. The deepest spot IDNR mentions is 31 feet. Neoga is the nearest Census place, roughly 3 miles from the IDNR map point.
You can put in at 1 boat ramp on the IDNR map. The digest prints site-specific rules for it.
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.
Amenities IDNR lists at Lake Mattoon
- Location (IDNR)Lake Mattoon is located approximately 12 miles southwest of Mattoon and about 1.5 miles northwest of Neoga, in parts of Shelby, Coles, and Cumberland counties.
- Description (IDNR)The lake covers 1,050 surface acres and has a maximum depth of 31 feet and an average depth of 10 feet. Public boat launching facilities including bait, snacks, ice and more are available at the Lake Mattoon Marina (217-254-6680). The City of Mattoon collects a boating access fee, which also covers Lake Paradise. All tournaments must be scheduled through IFishIllinois.org tournament permitting page.
The IDNR amenity list for Lake Mattoon
- Family FriendlyNo
- Handicap AccessYes
- Boat FishingYes
- Boat RampsYes
- Boat RentalsNo
- CampingYes
- PicnickingYes
- SkiingYes
- SwimmingYes
- Trout StockingNo
This band carries the IFishIllinois text on Lake Mattoon word for word.
IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
The IDNR outlook for Lake Mattoon
| Species | IDNR rating | IDNR survey note |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Average | Saugeye were initially stocked in 2010. Saugeye are moderate in abundance with most fish between 15-20", though larger fish are occasionally caught. Some fish are lost to dam escapement during high water events, which… |
| Flathead Catfish | Poor | Catch and release is encouraged as abundance is low. |
| Freshwater Drum | Average | Moderately abundant with fish exceeding 10 lbs. |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | Moderate in abundance, mainly due to a lack of aquatic vegetation for nursery habitat. Growth rates are average, with most bass in the 2-4lb range, though 6lb+ fish are caught on occasion. |
| Common Carp | Good | Abundant with fish exceeding 10 lbs. |
| Crappie spp. | Excellent | Both white and black crappie are abundant. Growth rates vary from slow to fast within this population. However, anglers may still catch crappie up to 13 inches and 3/4 lbs. |
| Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Good | Hybrid striped bass are stocked annually. Though they can be difficult to locate at times, those who are able to find them report good fishing. Some fish are lost to dam escapement during high water events, which can… |
| Channel Catfish | Very Good | Currently abundant in the lake through a combination of natural recruitment and a stocking event in 2020. The average catch goes from 3/4 – 4.5 lbs., with the occasional fish over 10 pounds caught. Channel Catfish… |
| Bluegill | Fair | Few fish exceed 7.5 inches, but most have a heavy body weight. |
For Lake Mattoon, IDNR gives crappie spp. a excellent outlook.
Names above trace to IDNR for Lake Mattoon, not to angler reports.
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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- IDNRLake Mattoon is surveyed on a regular basis, including several species-specific surveys, in order to monitor and manage the various fish populations found in the lake. The lake boasts quality fisheries for Largemouth Bass, Crappie (both Black Crappie and White Crappie), and Channel Catfish, while Hybrid Striped Bass and Saugeye are stocked annually by IDNR hatcheries to maintain fisheries for both species.
IDNR fishery history text, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
IDNR-mapped launches at Lake Mattoon
- Lake Mattoon Boat Rampfee noted, City boat sticker required to launch/boat on lake
More public launches that reach Lake Mattoon
- Paradise Lake Boat RampLake Paradise, 5 miles north
- Lake Shelbyville Wolf Creek Boat RampLake Shelbyville, 14 miles northwest
IDNR IFishIllinois map, boat ramp and launch layer of October 2025 (KML; name, waterbody and notes as printed), read November 5, 2026.
Depth maps and contours for Lake Mattoon
- Lake MattoonIDNR depth map
IDNR publishes 1 depth map for Lake Mattoon; open them from its IFishIllinois page.
IDNR depth map list, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Fish IDNR stocked in Lake Mattoon
| Year | Species as listed | Number | Size class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | 56,817 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 12,730 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | 61,409 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 10,791 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | 42,827 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2023 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 12,636 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2022 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 12,810 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2022 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | 44,807 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
Rows for Lake Mattoon come from the IDNR stocking table, which gives the year but not the day.
IDNR fish stocking table on ifishillinois.org (year, water, species, size class and number as listed; no stocking dates published), read November 4, 2026.
Illinois limits that apply on Lake Mattoon
| 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 |
Those statewide digest rows apply on Lake Mattoon wherever no site-specific line overrides them.
Digest regulations printed for Lake Mattoon
| Water as printed | Species | Rule as printed (code) |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Mattoon | All Fish | 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) |
| Lake Mattoon | Channel Catfish | 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit |
| Lake Mattoon | Large or Smallmouth Bass | 14 inch Minimum Length Limit |
| Lake Mattoon | White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie | 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 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 38, 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.
Lake Mattoon among its neighbours
On size, Lake Shelbyville leads the nearby lakes at 11,100 acres.
| Lake | Distance | Acres (IDNR) | Max depth (ft) | Mapped ramps | First IDNR-rated fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Mattoon | 988 | 31 | 1 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | |
| Lake Paradise | 4 miles north | 138 | 16 | 1 | Channel Catfish |
| Coles County Airport Lake | 13 miles northeast | 20 | 7 | 0 | |
| Toledo Reservoir | 13 miles southeast | 3.0 | 7 | 0 | |
| Woods Lake | 14 miles northwest | 27 | 4 | ||
| Lake Shelbyville | 15 miles northwest | 11,100 | 65 | 16 | Bluegill |
IDNR IFishIllinois pages (acres, depth text, outlook) and the IDNR boat ramp layer; read November 4, 2026.
An Illinois blacktop jaunt from Lake Mattoon
Lakes in the same corner of the state as Lake Mattoon
- Lake Paradise4 miles north
- Coles County Airport Lake13 miles northeast
- Toledo Reservoir13 miles southeast
- Woods Lake14 miles northwest
- Lake Shelbyville15 miles northwest
Filling the bait bucket near Lake Mattoon
- Lake Mattoon Marinamarina, Neoga, 1 mile
- Leprechaun Landingbait and tackle shop, Windsor, 15 miles
- Sullivan Marina & Campgroundmarina, Sullivan, 15 miles
- Lithia Springs Marinamarina, Shelbyville, 17 miles
- Findlay Marinamarina, Findlay, 17 miles
- Spillway Motel & Bait Shopbait and tackle shop, Shelbyville, 17 miles
Guided outings that launch on Lake Mattoon
- Don & Barb Satterfield's Fishingfishing guide, Shelbyville, (217) 774-2419
Tackle loaner sites near Lake Mattoon
- Wolf Creek State ParkWindsor, 15 miles
- Ridge Lake Biological StationCharleston, 17 miles
- Charleston Public LibraryCharleston, 18 miles
- Elizabeth Titus Memorial LibrarySullivan, 18 miles
Illinois towns close to Lake Mattoon
- Neoga3 miles
- Windsor9 miles
- Mattoon10 miles
County guides linked to Lake Mattoon
- Shelby Countyseat: Shelbyville
IDNR IFishIllinois map, tackle loaner site layer (KML), read November 5, 2026.
Piscifun gear a Prairie State angler could stow for Lake Mattoon
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Telling the Lake Mattoon fish apart by photo
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
Photo: robposse, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Craig Chew-Moulding, CC BY-SA 2.0
Straight replies on Lake Mattoon
How do I find Lake Mattoon on an Illinois map?
Lake Mattoon is located approximately 12 miles southwest of Mattoon and about 1.5 miles northwest of Neoga, in parts of Shelby, Coles, and Cumberland counties. Its county listing is Shelby County, about 3 miles from Neoga.
Is Lake Mattoon a large lake for Illinois?
IDNR gives 988 acres, and the IDNR text gives a 31 foot maximum depth.
Can I tow a bass boat to Lake Mattoon and launch?
IDNR maps one: Lake Mattoon Boat Ramp.
Which fish does IDNR list for Lake Mattoon?
The IDNR outlook gives walleye x sauger (saugeye) a average; other fish listed include flathead catfish, freshwater drum, largemouth bass, common carp and hybrid striped bass.
How many black bass does the digest allow at Lake Mattoon?
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. The limits band adds this water's digest entry.
Is an Illinois license required at Lake Mattoon?
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
Where can I bank fish at Lake Mattoon?
No pier on file; IDNR flags Family Friendly No; Handicap Access Yes.
Can I get bait on the way to Lake Mattoon?
Our list starts with Lake Mattoon Marina, about 1 mile away,.
Pack the rods for Lake Mattoon
Fees, stamps and site rules sit on the license page.