Hamilton County State Fish & Wildlife Area

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Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area, also known as Dolan Lake, is located about 8 miles southeast of McLeansboro off Route 14.

Dolan Lake is the main attraction of the park. The earthen dam was constructed in 1962 and the lake was filled shortly thereafter. The 75-acre lake has a shoreline of 3 miles and maximum depth of 18 feet. The lake contains largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish and bullheads. Winter fishing is allowed when the ice is thick enough. A launching ramp and rental boat are available. Motors are limited to 10 hp.

The site was established at the urging of the McLeansboro Kiwanis club. In 1960 the state made its initial acquisition of 99 acres of land. Subsequent purchases have brought the total acreage to 1,683, of which 75 acres are water.

The site is one of gently rolling hills. Most of the hunting area is small open fields bordered by heavy fence rows, border plantings of warm season grasses, lespedeza, and pine trees with small patches of brush and timber. Food for the upland game is supplied by patch planting in the area.

dnr.state.il.us/Lands/landmgt/PARKS/R5/HAMILTON.HTM