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. 

Fishing limits increased

The fishing survey showed there are too many of several kinds of fish. Effective immediately there are no limits on small and mid-sized Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass. Catch and eat as many as you like. You can return trophy-sized fish to the lake. Shad and carp...

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Fireworks July 6, 2024

Fireworks begin after dark, usually around 9:20 p.m. but it can change due to weather. A warning shot will sound shortly before they start.  The lake will be crowded. If traveling by boat, please navigate counter-clockwise around the lake (stay on the right just like...

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Lake level dropping

A minor leak was identified along side the spillway today. The Association is working to determine the cause. The lake is being lowered below the identified area to better assess the situation.Please be very cautious around the water. Dropping lake levels may create...

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