Dawson Lake

Boat Ramps: 2
Access Points: 2
Species: 6

Dawson Lake is a serene 158-acre impoundment located within Moraine View State Recreation Area in McLean County, Illinois. Built in 1962, this fertile lake features a maximum depth of 25.5 feet and an average depth of 10 feet. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has actively managed the fishery since its construction, creating a diverse and productive fishing destination. With its picturesque surroundings and well-maintained facilities, Dawson Lake offers an excellent fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels in central Illinois.

Illinois licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Dawson Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Sauger

Sander canadensis

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

Walleye X Sauger (saugeye)14,443 fish · 2.0 in2026
Channel Catfish3,160 fish · 2.0 in2026
Walleye X Sauger (saugeye)11,859 fish · 2.0 in2025
Channel Catfish3,168 fish · 9.0 in2025
Walleye X Sauger (saugeye)10,477 fish · 2.0 in2024

Source

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Dawson Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Dawson Lake Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

Dawson Lake Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

Know where you can legally fish on Dawson Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Illinois licenses and regulations

Illinois Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Illinois Fishing License

All individuals who are 16 and over are required to have a fishing license. All youth who are below 16 may fish without a license.

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Illinois Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Illinois Steam Access Laws

If the waterway is navigable in fact and the streambed is publicly owned, it is most likely fully accessible. If the streambed is privately owned, it is only accessible for navigation, not for hunting, fishing or portage.

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Take Dawson Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Dawson Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Dawson Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.