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Amenities

Lake Galena & Marina

FAQs

 

Who can boat or fish on the lake?

People who are property owners, guests of property owners, or guests of Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa may use the lake. Of course, a fishing license is required to fish the lake. Licenses are available at the marina and the Owner's Club.

What kinds of boats are allowed on the lake?

Any type of manually powered boat, including canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, are allowed. Motorized boats are restricted to an 8 foot beam 18 feet in length, and the motors must be below 10 hp. There is a no wake zone around the marina.

How big is it?

How big is it? The lake is 225 acres, which is created by a 1,150 foot cement curtain dam. A 200 foot wide and 40 foot deep waterfall is at the west end of the lake. Average depth is 20 feet, but there are several spots that are 60 feet deep. The bays and the marina are shallower, ranging from 1 to 15 feet deep.

What fish live in it?

The Galena Territory stocks muskie, walleye, and both large and small mouth bass. Healthy populations of bluegill and crappie are also in the lake.

What is the creel census?

A creel census is the tabulation of fish species, by size, that are caught in the lake. LMEC asks people to fill out the forms that are found in the boxes on the dock ramps. They are tabulated at the end of the season and reported in the Territory Times and to the lake biologist. This information helps him to decide what actions should be taken to keep our fishery healthy.

What are slot limits?

Slot limits are ranges of fish lengths that must be released. For example, the protected slot limit for walleye is 20" to 24". Any walleye that is within this range must be returned to the lake. If one is caught that is longer or shorter, it may be kept. These slots may change annually upon recommendation of the lake biologist, so please read the slot limits each year.

Where can I fish from shore?

There is a fishing area at the marina. There are several benches and trashcans in the area for your convenience.

Why can't I swim in the lake?

There are several reasons, but the most compelling one is that there are several feedlots upstream from the lake. E coli bacteria is found in the water, and the Galena Territory cannot regulate the availability of water clean enough for swimming on a daily basis. There is a swimming pool at the Owner's Club for your convenience.

What services are available at the marina?

The marina has many items available for sale, including fishing equipment, bait, and boating equipment, such as floats, rope, anchors, and batteries. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are also available. Finally, things such as sunscreen, 9 volt batteries, and other miscellaneous items are sold. Fishing licenses can be purchased at the marina also. The marina has a screened pavilion, bocce ball courts, grills, playground, picnic tables, beach, and a shore fishing area as well.

How good is the water quality?

The water quality is good, and is holding steady even as the housing density increases. The Galena Territory works in conjunction with the EPA and DNR to test for clarity, phosphorous, nitrogen, pH, temperature, and other parameters. Each year the results of the water testing are reported to the lake biologist as another piece of information to help him make recommendations for the lake.

What kinds of plants grow in the lake?

The aquatic plants are mostly coontail and sago pond weed. These are plants that are rooted in the floor of the lake and grow during the spring and early summer. During July and August, a floating plant, called duckweed, is commonly found in the bays. Various algae species grow during the spring and summer. The one specie that can negatively impact the lake is the blue-green algae, which is toxic to fish. If the summer is hot, blue-green can be found on the lake, usually in mats along the sunny side of the lake.

 

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2000 Territory Drive / Galena, Illinois / 61036 PH (815) 777-2000 / FX (815) 777-9194
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