A 42-inch minimum length limit is in effect with a one-fish daily bag.

For some reason, Lake McMaster produces muskies with big heads and smaller bodies. Even so, McMaster has already produced 50-inch fish and there are more in the works.

The lake lies two miles east of Victoria in Knox County. The ramp can be reached from County Road 28.

For more information, contact the Region I office at (815) 625-2968 or guide Duane Serck at (309) 267-1601 or www.illinoismuskies.com.

EVERGREEN LAKE
"Of the three muskie lakes in my district, Evergreen is the best," fisheries biologist Michael Garthaus said.

Evergreen has a well-deserved reputation as a big-fish lake. Based on studies conducted by the IDNR on Evergreen, Garthaus believes the lake is on track for becoming a true trophy fishery.

"This should be the start of Evergreen's chances to break the current state record," Garthaus said. "During last year's survey, we found a fish that weighed over 43 pounds and measured over 51 inches."

It'll take a 17-year-old muskie to top the state's current 38-pound record.

A 2007 survey found that about 90 percent of the sampled muskies were at least 30 inches, and 29 percent of them were at least 38 inches. Surprisingly, 13 percent topped 42 inches. Over the past two spring surveys, biologists have found two fish that if caught on hook and line would beat the current record.

Evergreen Lake covers 925 acres and averages less than 20 feet deep.

Special regulations are in effect on Evergreen. Muskies must be 48 inches long to be harvested and all fish under that length must be released.

Watercraft are required to have an Evergreen Lake Watercraft Registration, which can be picked up at the Comlara Park Visitor's Center or the self-registration boxes at the two launches. A 10-horsepower limit is in effect.

The lake is 10 miles north of Bloomington on Lake Road in McLean County.

For more information, contact Region III at (217) 935-6860, the McLean County Parks and Recreation Department at (309) 726-2022 or Duane Serck at (309) 267-1601 or online at www.illinoismuskies.com.