Effingham County · reservoir · 553 acres
Lake Sara
Stocked 8× since 2021 · Illinois DNR
Lake Sara is a reservoir in Effingham County, Illinois, stocked with Channel Catfish — most recently on Jan 1, 2026. FishableWaters aggregates every stocking record for this water from Illinois DNR; the latest schedule and today's bite windows are above.
Best days this week
Days near a new or full moon tend to fish best.
Today's bite windows
Conditions, next 3 days
Today
Overcast
84°
63°
7 mph
0%
Fri
Rain
86°
65°
12 mph
33%
Sat
Rain
79°
66°
16 mph
67%
→ pressure steadyStable weather — expect a normal bite.
Stocking ledger
| — 2026 — | ||||
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 1,010 | 5.5" | |
| — 2025 — | ||||
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 1,000 | 5.5" | |
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 7,000 | 5.5" | |
| — 2024 — | ||||
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 3,000 | 5.5" | |
| — 2023 — | ||||
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 5,000 | 9" | |
| — 2022 — | ||||
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 5,011 | 5.5" | |
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 7,000 | 9" | |
| — 2021 — | ||||
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 5,040 | 5.5" | |
When does Lake Sara get stocked?
Going by 8 records since 2021, stocking here peaks in January.
Angler reports
What's biting
No reports yet — be the first
Best bite times
No reports yet
Field notes
No notes yet
Nearby waters
- Blue Point Creek2.7 mi
- Little Wabash River Reservoir3.2 mi
- Central Illinois Public Service Reservoir3.1 mi
- Cips Lake3.3 mi
- Green Creek3.3 mi
- Shoal Creek3.8 mi
- Lake Pauline3.8 mi
- Lily Creek5.5 mi
Seasons, limits, and rules are the state's call — check the official IL regulations and buy your license before you go. We link the source; we never restate the rules.
Lake Sara fishing — FAQ
What fish are stocked in Lake Sara?+
Lake Sara is stocked with Channel Catfish in Effingham County, Illinois, most recently on Jan 1, 2026 by Illinois DNR. The full stocking ledger is on this page.
When does Lake Sara get stocked?+
Going by 8 records since 2021, stocking at Lake Sara peaks in January. Check this page for the season's scheduled and most recent stockings.
Do I need a license to fish Lake Sara?+
Yes — Illinois requires a fishing license. Buy one from the state and check current seasons and limits before you go; both are linked on this page.
Where is Lake Sara?+
Lake Sara is a reservoir in Effingham County, Illinois. Driving directions and an interactive topo map are on this page.
Data: Illinois DNR · updated Jan 1, 2026 · checked daily · we publish what agencies publish, nothing else.