Olney / Newton Area Fishing Reports
WEEKLY FISHING REPORTS
LAKE INFORMATION & MAPS
KIDS FISHING HOTSPOTS
Sam Parr Lake - Jasper County (IDNR)
This 180 acre lake is located in Sam Parr State Park 3 miles northeast of Newton, IL. The lake contains largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish. This lake has abundant bluegill from 5 - 7 inches in length. Crappie from 7 - 10 inches are also plentiful, and are especially easy to catch in the spring. The lake has a very good population of largemouth bass, with many fish in the 2 - 4 pound range. There is a 14 inch minimum length limit for bass. It is also one of the best lakes in this part of the state to catch channel catfish. Channel catfish are very abundant. Most range from 2 - 4 pounds, however, larger fish up to 12 pounds are not uncommon. The lake offers good access sites for bank anglers, and there are two boat ramps. There is a 10 hp limit for outboard motors. Non-electric campsites and picnicking facilities are also available at the site. More information can be obtained by calling Sam Parr State Park at 618/783-2661.
Red Hills Lake - Lawrence County (IDNR)
Red Hills Lake is a 40 acre lake located on IL Rt. 50 between Olney and Lawrenceville. The lake contains largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish. Regulations include a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass, and an 8 inch minimum length limit with a 10 fish daily creel limit for bluegill and redear sunfish. The site offers excellent access for bank anglers. There is also a boat ramp and row boats for rent, but boats are restricted to electric motors only. The lake has excellent fishing for channel catfish, bluegill and bass. Both electric and non-electric campsites and picnicking facilities are available. There is also a restaurant at the site open year-round. For more information, call Red Hills State Park at 618/936-2469.
