City of Olney, IL - Area Lakes

General Information	Boating Fees

East Fork Lake	Vernor Lake

Borah Lake

General Information

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The City of Olney requires boating permits for all watercrafts put into the water at any of the three City-owned lakes; East Fork, Borah and Vernor. The permits can be obtained in Olney at City Hall which is located at 300 S. Whittle Avenue, Lakeside RV Park (5238 N. Silver Road) and Kay's Bait on the Lake (5559 N. Sugar Creek Road).

Information needed to receive a daily permit includes the name, address and phone number of the owner. The make of the boat, horsepower and state registration number is also needed. To complete the daily permit form, the name and address of your insurance provider is required along with your signature and payment for the number of days requested.

Information needed to receive an annual permit includes the name and address of the insurance company and agent's name which provides the watercraft with no less than $100,000 of liability insurance, the state registration number of the boat, the horsepower of the boat, make of the boat and the name and the address of the owner. Permits are valid through December 31^st of each year.

The permit classes and the cost of each permit is as follows:

Classification

Daily Fee

Annual Fee

Class A - Non-Powered

$ 2.50

$10.00

Class B - Electric Trolling Motors To 24.99 h.p.

$ 5.00

$20.00

Class C - 25 h.p. Up To 74 h.p.

$ 7.50

$35.00

Class D - 75 h.p. And Up

$10.00

$50.00

Daily/Annual Boat License

For your convenience daily/annual boat license forms are available through the link provided above. Boat licenses can be mail ordered by printing and completing the appropriate form. Mail orders should include the completed form, a Certificate of Insurance for an annual license, check or money order and a self addressed stamped envelope. Mail orders should be sent to the Olney City Hall, 300 S. Whittle Avenue, Olney, IL 62450. Boat licenses will be processed and returned the same day, but please allow enough mailing time before the license is needed.

East Fork Lake

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East Fork Lake was built in 1970 for the purpose of recreation and a primary water source for Olney. The lake covers 934 acres and has a water storage capacity of 5.5 billion gallons.

WATCH THAT ANCHOR!
The City of Olney has installed a new aeration system near Miller’s Grove at the west end of East Fork Lake. We are asking all boaters not to drop your anchor near any area where the water is bubbling up. The cove where our water intake valves are located will remain off limits to any boaters, canoeist, etc. Enjoy your boating experience and thank you for your cooperation.

All Fish
2 Pole & Line Fishing Only

Bluegill or Redear Sunfish
25 Fish Daily Creel Limit

Channel Catfish
6 Fish Daily Creel Limit

Large or Smallmouth Bass
15" Miminum Length Limit

White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie
25 Fish Daily Creel Limit

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Vernor Lake

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Vernor Lake, located 1 1/2 miles north of Olney on Illinois Route 130, was Olney's original water source and was built in the early 1900's. The lake covers 45 acres. Vernor Lake is no longer used as a water source. A small wooded park is located on the north side of the lake and is an excellent location for fishing and picnicking. Privately owned cottages line the shore of Vernor Lake. The Richland County Country Club adjoins Vernor Lake to the north.

Boating is permitted on Vernor Lake with proper license, but motors are limited to 10 h.p.

All Fish
2 Pole & Line Fishing Only

Channel Catfish
6 Fish Daily Creel Limit

Large or Smallmouth Bass
14" Miminum Length Limit

Borah Lake

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Borah Lake was constructed in 1955-56 as a water source to replace Vernor Lake. The lake covers 136 acres and is located north of East Fork Lake off of Golf Lane.

More Information & Maps