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Fishing in
Southern Illinois
Great Fishing
Locations
South central Illinois has been called the Great Lakes
of southern Illinois and for good reason. Trophy bass, tackle-busting
musky, slab crappie, scrapping bluegill, enormous catfish, and record
breaking redear sunfish are promises kept to the eager angler. Four of
Illinois's fishing records have been caught from this area.
Fishing licenses are available through various vendors in southern
Illinois. Anglers may also order a license or stamp over the internet
immediately by visiting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Home Page at
http://dnr.state.il.us
or the licensing page at
http://dnr.state.il.us/ildnr/offices/permits/s&l.htm
Information on fishing in this region and throughout the
state is available in a free booklet entitled "Illinois 2004 Fishing
Information" available at local bait shops in the state or you can order
on-line at
http://www.dnr.state.il.us/fish/digest/
Free fishing pamphlets and information are available
from the following organizations:
Williamson County Tourism Bureau
Carbondale Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Franklin County Tourism Bureau
Jefferson County Tourism
Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce
Southeastern Illinois Tourism
Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Largemouth Bass
More anglers come to southern Illinois for largemouth bass than any
other fish species. This aggressive and pugnacious game fish makes it
one of the most sought after trophies in the area. Bass up to 10 pounds
are caught with regularity. When the daffodils begin blooming in south
central Illinois, bass begin moving toward the shoreline in search of
small fish and crawfish. Flashy spinner baits and jig-n-pig account for
many of the early bass caught during February through April.
However, in late April and May these fish drop back to deeper water and
feed on forage fish near underwater stumps and brush. Bass chasers
switch over to Lunker Lures and plastic worms. Cooler weather in October
and November bring many of the bass back to the shoreline looking to put
on body fat for winter. If you are looking for trophy bass, then Crab
Orchard Lake and Lake of Egypt are two top lakes in the area. Crab
Orchard Lake gives up numerous 2-7 pound bass each spring. Many local
anglers start catching these bass during late February on warm days
preceding a cold front. Lake of Egypt with its 2,300 acres produces many
stringers in the 1-3 pound class. The water may be clear, but look for
these fish in the weed beds and brush piles in the many coves of the
lake. Many 4-7 pound bass are caught and released in Lake of Egypt each
year.
Several other lakes have very good bass fishing. Rend Lake has 18,900
acres of bays, shoreline with flooded brush, timber, and rock rip-rap
teeming with bass that average 2 1/4 pounds. Kinkaid Lake in Jackson
county is a smaller lake with 2,750 acres of water, but it also has bass
averaging 1 to 4 pounds which can be found on the points and weed beds.
Cedar Lake (1,750 acres) has 1 to 3 pound bass on points and in the
coves.
If you have a smaller boat and prefer smaller lakes, then don't forget
Lake Murphysboro (145 acres) for 1 to 3 pound bass which are found on
the shoreline and points. Harrisburg New City Reservoir (209 acres) has
a variety of fish species including 1 to 3 pound bass. Anglers looking
for a challenge will enjoy the strip mined Pyramid Lakes in Perry
county. There are 135 acres of these small lakes which allow the angler
to fish out of the wind on the worst of blows.
Crappie
Looking for fun and a great eating fish? You might as well head your
boat to south central Illinois for some of the finest crappie fishing in
the state. A fish for all seasons best describes the crappie. March
through June are the months to put up a winter's supply of fish.
Spawning takes place in mid-April on the shoreline of all the lakes. A
crappie's main weakness is that it cannot keep it's mouth shut. Once you
find a school of these minnow chasers, you probably will have a good
morning of fishing ahead of you whether it be in the winter or summer.
Tube jigs and frisky minnows will fill your stringer.
Many people quit fishing for crappie after the spawn. Advanced crappie
chasers know that the larger schools and biggest crappie will cruise the
10 to 15 foot drop-offs all year long. A key submerged stump or man-made
Christmas tree pile will supply anglers with fish all season long.
October and November are excellent months to fish for crappie during the
afternoons.
Crappie fishing in our area is one of this states best kept secrets.
Four area lakes offer great crappie fishing. Kinkaid Lake (2.750 acres 3
miles northwest of Murphysboro) has crappie 1/2 to 1-1/2 pounds. Minnows
fished 6- 10 feet deep around stumps, brush and weed beds are good
places to look for these fish. Lake of Egypt with its 2,300 acres
provide many weedy coves and brushy points for 3/4 pound crappie. Cedar
Lake (1,750 acres) is located 4 miles southwest of Carbondale. It
provides very good crappie fishing in the 1/2 to 3/4 pound range. This
is one of the prettiest lakes in southern Illinois. Rend Lake has
excellent spring and fall crappie fishing with this fish averaging 1/2
pound. Anglers will find plenty of room to fish with its 18,900 acres of
water. Rend Lake Resort and Seasons Lodge at Rend Lake provide high
quality lodging and restaurants for your visit.
Bluegill
Scrappy, great family fish, and excellent eating are only a few words to
describe this most popular fish. Bluegill are found in every pond, lake,
stream, and river of our area. If you are 4 to 94, you will always find
enjoyment with this sunfish. The secret to catching a lot of bluegill is
to think small. Small pencil shaped floats, small hooks, light line (4-6
pound test), an inexpensive rod and reel, and plenty of crickets or
small worms. Bluegill will hit live bait generally the instant that it
is lowered into the water. If the float doesn't go under in less than a
minute, move the bait two or three feet away. Nothing excites an angler
more than to see the float being sucked into the inky depth below.
Bluegill fishing is at its best slightly before, during, and a few days
after a full moon in May. These fish will also attempt spawning during a
full moon in June and July. Top lakes in the region include Crap Orchard
Lake, Devil's Kitchen Lake, and Rend Lake. The bluegill on Crab Orchard
are very numerous, but average only 1/3 pound. These fish can be found
near stumps, dock pilings, brush, and spawn beds. Devil's Kitchen Lake
(810 acres) reminiscent of a lake in Canada with all of the rock out
croppings. Look for 1/2 to 1 pound bluegill on the spawn-beds in May.
The beds may be in 3-12 feet of water in this clear lake. Rend Lake has
large numbers of 1/4 pound bluegill. Look for these fish around brush
and timber in the Nason Point area, Big Muddy and Casey Fork arms.
Channel Catfish
Blood bait, stinky cheese, cut shad, and small shrimp may not sound very
appetizing to us, but to a channel catfish it is a gourmet meal. Prized
for its eating and fighting ability, this fish is recognized by its
forked tail and lack of scales. While it has eight whiskers on its
mouth, it is the only catfish with a deeply forked tail. The channel cat
reaches an average weight of 2 to 4 pounds in most Illinois lakes.
When looking for channel cats, think bottom. This fish spends most of
its time under rocks, logs, and brush in deep water. Catfish are
omnivorous and feed on a variety of minnows, crawfish, insect larvae,
worms, dead animals, and pond weeds. The months of May through October
provide some of the best channel cat fishing on area lakes. Heavy duty
rods, reels, and line are needed to haul in these hard fighting fish.
Since catfish are most active at night, most anglers fish from sundown
to the next morning running their trot lines and jugs all night.
The south central region has several top catfish lakes. Cedar Lake, Crab
Orchard Lake, Harrisburg New City Lake, Jones Lake(Saline County), Lake
Murphysboro, Lake Kinkaid and Rend Lake are your top catfish lakes
according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Hybrid Striped Bass and White Bass
Hybrid striped bass and white bass have similar characteristics, both
species prefer open water, they travel in large schools, each species
has a voracious appetite and their basic food source is gizzard and
thread fin shad.
Hybrid stripers grow much larger than white bass since they are a cross
between a striped bass and a white bass. Look for both of these fish to
frequent the same areas of lakes, near old river channels and creeks, at
the edges of sharp drop-offs and inundated islands or shallow shelves
surrounded by deeper water.
While searching for food, both species move fast, so successful anglers
are equally mobile, willing to move about investigating different lake
areas while staying alert for tell tale "uprisings" of hybrid stripers
and white bass feeding on shad near the surface.
To locate these fish, drift or troll with spoons, spinners, jigs, and
large minnow-like lures and smaller versions of these artificial baits
when fishing for white bass. However, when all else fails and no fish
are caught, veteran anglers turn to live shiners from four inches to
about six inches long for increased action.
Rend Lake has a good population of hybrid stripers which average 2 1/2
pounds in weight. Look for these fish on deep water points, dam area,
and the dam tail waters during the spring. White bass will generally be
near the hybrid striped bass when the feeding frenzy begins.
Walleye and Musky
Walleye and musky are fast growing game fish which have been stocked in
the south central region. Although these species are not expected to
successfully reproduce, many of the fish originally stocked have grown
to trophy size.
Walleye prefer a sandy, gravel or rocky area habitat, and are often
found near ridges and drop-offs, points and bars, and at the edges of
flats and banks of old river and creek channels. Some of the most
effective walleye lures include small to medium size spinners and jigs
worked slowly on and off the bottom. Trolling or drifting through likely
walleye habitat is effective if the angler doesn't fish too quickly.
Walleye are not fast feeders. Equally important to remember, a jig
tipped with a live minnow often will excite walleye when they ignore
bare artificial lures.
Musky are found near weed beds where they like to wait in hiding for
passing forage fish. Submerged land bars are a good location to find
musky. Artificial lures include large spoons, spinner baits, large
noise-making surface lures and other lures which simulate large minnows.
Kinkaid Lake (3 miles northwest of Murphysboro), with its 2,750 acres of
water provides the top musky fishing in all of southern Illinois. Musky
range in size from 10 to 40 pounds. November through June are the
preferred months to seek out these mean fish.
Walleye fishing is also found in Kinkaid Lake. Look for these fish on
points and in or near weed beds. The walleye's average 2 to 5 pounds in
this reservoir. A number of walleye are also caught in Cedar Lake which
is located in Jackson county.
Rainbow Trout
Devil's Kitchen Lake is the only lake in the south central region where
anglers can take rainbow trout during the entire year. This 810 acre
lake in Williamson county requires small boats which can be rented at
the boat dock. These fish can be caught on sweet corn, small
marshmallows, Berkley Power Baits, and small worms. Small line diameter
of 2 to 4-pound-test line is recommended for best results. The rainbow
is a great eating fish and a hard fighter. Some of the best angling is
near the dam. An inland trout stamp is required to take these fish, and
it can be purchased at the Devil's Kitchen boat dock. This lake has
rainbows ranging in size from 1-3 pounds. Trout can also be found at
Glen O. Jones Lake trout pond in Saline County, at Ferne Clyffe State
Park in Johnson County, and at Beall Woods State Park in Wabash County.
Source: South Central Illinois Visitors Guide 2001-02, page 21-23.
Great
Fishing Locations
in Southern Illinois:
Beall Woods State Park
Mt. Carmel
(618) 298-2442
15 acre lake; boat launch; only trolling motors allowed; trout stocked
spring & fall, catfish, bluegill, others, no concessions.
Carlyle Lake
Carlyle
(618)594-LAKE
Largest manmade lake in Illinois at 26,000 acres of water. Great central
Illinois location. Marina, numerous boat launches. Excellent fishing for
largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie. Fishing licenses, bait
and supplies are available in Carlyle at several bait shops and mini
marts. http://www.carlylelake.com
Cedar Lake
6 miles south Murphysboro
This 1,750 acre lake has 40 miles of shoreline, a maximum depth of 60
feet and provides largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, sunfish,
crappie, channel catfish, bullheads, carp, walleye, and yellow bass;
10-h.p. limit
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
near Marion
(618) 997-3344
Three lakes available on the refuge; marinas, concessions, supplies;
rentals; Several varieties fish. Request fishing guide at this #.
Fishing reports available March-October at 1-800-GEESE-99
Crab Orchard Lake - 6900 acres; two full service marinas; dozen boat
launch ramps; largemouth bass,white bass, crappie, bluegill, and
catfish, permit required
Devil's Kitchen Lake - 810 acres; max depth 90'; boat rentals;
concessions & supplies; largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, rainbow
trout (inland trout stamp required).
Little Grassy Lake -1200 acres; many tributaries; 10 hp limit, boat
rentals and bait shop; Bass, crappie, bluegill.
Dolan Lake at Hamilton Co. State
Fish & Wildlife Area
McLeansboro
(618) 773-4340
75 acre lake, boat rentals, bait shop, many fish varieties. Ice fishing
in winter.
Dutchman Lake
Goreville
(800) 699-6637
118 acres: max 20 ft.depth; largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie,
bullhead, carp; boat launch; 10 hp limit
East Fork Lake
Olney
(618) 395-7302
934 acres, 35 miles mostly wooded shoreline; bait shop at campground; no
boat rentals - sticker required; no hp limit; popular for bass, also
walleye, bluegill, etc.
Ferne Clyffe State Park
near Marion
(618) 995-2411
16 acre lake; bank fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, channel cat,
redear, trout
Fort Massac State Park
Metropolis
(618) 524-9321
Fishing on or along the Ohio River; boat launch; bullhead, carp,
crappie, bass.
Golconda Marina
Golconda
(618) 683-5875
Gateway to the Ohio River's Smithland Pool; 23,000 acre recreation area
of fingered tributaries; full service marina.
Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area
Miller City
(618) 776-5689
2,400 acre shallow lake; boat rentals; only trolling motors allowed in
winter; variety fish
Lake Glendale (U.S.F.S.)
Glendale
(618-949-3807)
82 acre lake offers boat rental, launching ramp, (electric motors only)
concession stand, and is known for its channel catfish, crappie, sunfish
and large mouth bass. Grills and picnic area to cook and eat your catch.
Lake Kinkaid
Murphysboro
(618) 687-4914
2,750 acre lake in Shawnee National Forest; 92 miles of shoreline; full
service marina; concessions, supplies; Top spot for Musky fishing in
southern Illinois, spotted bass, walleye, carp, catfish, bluegill,
others.
Lake Murphysboro State Park
Murphysboro
(618) 684-2867
145 acre lake, largemouth bass, bluegill, redear; sunfish, channel
catfish; boat rental, fishing pier for handicapped, concessions &
supplies.
Lake of Egypt
(south of Marion)
(618) 964-1184
2300 acres, 93 miles of shoreline; full service marina and supplies;
boat launch fee; largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, hybrid stripers,
abundant crappie.
Mermet Lake Conservation Area
Belknap
(618)-524-5577
Shallow 452 acre lake; boat rentals; largemouth bass, catfish, others:
no concessions.
Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Newton
(618) 783-3478
1,775 acres; pole and line fishing only, bait shop.
Pinckneyville City Lake
near Pinckneyville
(618) 357-3243
165 acres; excellent bass fishing; 10 hp limit.
Pyramid State Park
near Pinckneyville
(618) 357-2574
350 acres of water forming lakes of varying sizes; largemouth bass &
bluegill featured. Max 10hp motors allowed; some lakes have boat launch.
Racoon Lake
Centralia
(618) 533-7625
707 acres, no boat rentals-permit required from city hall; boat ramp; no
concessions or supplies; shallow, 5mph limit, no wake; crappie, bass,
catfish.
Red Hills State Park
Sumner
(618) 936-2469
40 acre lake; bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, bullhead; boat rentals
but no gas motors allowed; concession.
Rend Lake
Whittington
(618) 439-4321
http://www.rendlake.org
18,900 acres; boat rentals; crappie, bass, bluegill, catfish; marina;
supplies
Saline Co. Fish & Wildlife Area
Equality
(618) 276-4405
105 acre Glen O. Jones Lake; 2 docks, 2 launch ramps; boat rentals;
concession; plus pond trout fishing.
Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area
Johnsonville
(618) 835-2292
194 acre lake, many curves & fingers; boat rentals; floating fishing
docks; concession & bait shop; ice fishing; largemouth bass, bluegill,
redear, crappie and channel cat.
Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife
Newton
(618)783-2661
183 acre lake; boat rentals; 10 hp limit; variety fish.
Stephen A. Forbes State Park
near Kinmundy
(618) 547-3381
585 acre lake; featuring largemouth bass, other varieties; marina;
concession & bait shop; rentals; pond fishing available.
Ten Mile Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area
McLeansboro
(618) 643-2862
250 acres of water, 25 strip pit lakes various sizes; gravel boat ramps.
10 hp limit; largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, channel catfish.
Washington County Conservation Area
Nashville
(618) 327-3137
248 acre lake, 13 miles of shoreline, 2 launch ramps and boat docks; 10
mph limit. boat rentals; features largemouth bass and channel catfish;
bluegill, sunfish, crappie, and carp; seasonal concessions
Wayne Fitzgerald State Park
Whittington
(618) 629-2320
19,000 acre Rend Lake Reservoir; white and black crappie; largemouth
bass, channel cat, and bluegill.
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