Dunlap Lake

 Dunlap Lake is our 138-acre lake with 360 single-family homes, just east of downtown Edwardsville in Madison County, Illinois. It was created by Orie T. Dunlap in 1939. Property owners of Dunlap Lake enjoy boating, swimming, ice skating, and fishing along the lake’s 15 miles of shoreline.

Since the late 1940s Dunlap Lake has been periodically stocked with fish including Channel Catfish, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, and Muskellunge. Fishing is for residents and guests who go out with them. Please catch and release largemouth bass, 

A 2024 study on the fishery showed the lake is overstocked with several types of fish. Currently residents are encouraged to catch and keep as many small and midsized Crappie and Stripers they will eat. ALL Shad and Carp caught need to be removed. Never throw left over bait fish or any kind of pond fish into the lake.

The lake is managed by the Dunlap Lake Property Owners Association which was founded in 1950 and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1952 to maintain and protect the lake and subdivision. The neighborhood was annexed into Edwardsville in 1977 so now the City maintains roads and provides a reliable sewer system. A 20-year master plan completed in 2020 guides current maintenance and improvements around the lake. 

Little Free Library

Come check out the new "Little Free Library" at 607 East Lake Drive. You take a book (or books) to read. No "due date". If you love it, you can keep it or pass it on. But then hopefully you'll have a book or two to add to the L.F.L. for others to enjoy! The goal is to...

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Fireworks Celebration July 7

Fireworks will start around 9:20 pm on Sat., July 7 depending on weather and how quickly it gets dark. A warning shot will be fired 15 minutes before the start. When the fireworks end, all boats should move in an orderly fashion counterclockwise around the...

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Pontoon Potlucks Start Sunday

The first of several "Pontoon Potlucks" will start at 3 pm this Sunday, June 24 in front of the dam.   Any watercraft with a Dunlap Lake sticker is welcome Bring your own beverage and a hearty snack to share Please invite neighbors who don't have a boat to...

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Pontoon Potluck June 24

Pontoon Potluck, Sunday, June 24, 3Pm : Come Join Us at the dam, and we’ll have a marked pontoon boat as the food booth. Any watercraft allowed or hitch a ride, hook up & we’ll mix, mingle & munch! Bring your own beverages & a hearty finger food to...

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Recognizing dangerous blooms

Just as you learn to recognize poison ivy in the woods, it is important to recognize blooms that could affect you in the water. If you see a green scum on top of the water that looks like a paint spill, do not touch it and do not let children or...

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Kid’s Fishing Derby June 9

Kid’s Fishing Derby Saturday — June 9 NEW LOCATION - Commons E8 Between 749 & 833 East Lake Fishing starts at 8 am Please register before starting to fish Pre-registration encouraged Lunch and Weigh-in at 11 am,   All fish will be released back into the...

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This Month in Dunlap Lake History

On May 31, 2001, the lake was electrofished and the following were the results:  - Blue Crappie 1 - Bluegill 47 - Channel Catfish 15 -Common Carp 2 - Gizzard Shad 65 - Green Sunfish 40 - Largemouth Bass 31 Electrofishing  is a common scientific...

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Things to Know for Summer

Lawn Fertilizer: Please do not put lawn fertilizer within 25 feet of the water. Rainwater will wash it the rest of the way down and the roots of the plants will take some of the chemicals out before it goes into the lake. Fertilizer in the silt contributes to...

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