Fishing opportunities within the Shawnee National Forest are numerous. There are 11 lakes and 52 ponds and about a dozen of these ponds are actively managed. By actively managing these waterbodies the angler’s fishing experience is greatly improved. Active management includes: Erosion control to reduce sedimentation and improve water quality, control and removal of nuisance vegetation by water level manipulation and mechanical removal, maintain the stability of the dams through the removal of woody vegetation and submerging structures to provide habitat for fish and other aquatic life. These actions improve fish habitat and quality, but also improve access to the lake/pond and clear areas along the bank for fishing. Other improvements that have been made include creating parking areas, placing signs to identify pond locations and stocking with native species. Whether you are alone or with friends and family, one of the best places to take in the sights and sounds of the Shawnee National Forest is along the bank of a pond or lake. The size of the lakes and ponds varies greatly within the Shawnee National Forest. All are open year-round for fishing and other water-based activities. Fish stocking is done on a rotational basis in 11 lakes and about 12 of the ponds. The Forest Service has also improved fish habitats with the use of submersible fish attractor structures. Most of the ponds were originally stocked with bass, bluegill and catfish. Since bass and bluegill can typically self-sustain their populations, channel catfish are preferred for supplemental stocking. Access: Larger lakes such as Cedar Lake, Kinkaid Lake, Lake
Glendale and One Horse Gap Lake all accommodate truck and trailers. Many of the remaining lakes and even some ponds have small gravel parking lots with access by gravel roads. Most of the small ponds have walk-in access only. Fishing Regulations: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) set the state fishing regulations. While fishing in the Shawnee National Forest all anglers are required to follow IL. State Fishing Guidelines and to obtain a state fishing license if applicable.Boat Rental: Limited number of john boats are available for rental at Lake Glendale Recreation Area. Interested persons should contact Lake Glendale Concessionaire at (618) 638-8340.
The 2,300-acre lake can be spectacular for crappies in the summer.
Renowned for its abundant fish populations, the lake is a haven for anglers of all skill levels. From the thrill of the catch to the peace of being surrounded by nature, fishing at the Lake of Egypt offers an unparalleled outdoor experience. Enhance your journey with the convenience and amenities provided by the Marion/Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday, your gateway to a memorable fishing trip.
The Lake of Egypt teems with a variety of fish, making every fishing trip a potential story of a great catch. Key species include:
If you want to spend your summertime soaking up all the sun and enjoying life’s simpler pleasures, we invite you to stay on or near Lake of Egypt, a great destination for all your outdoor summer fun. The Lake of Egypt, just south of Marion, has several marinas, vacation rentals, boat rentals, bars and restaurants. You can ride jet skis, tube, water ski, swim, fish, or leisurely cruise in your boat while on these waters. This lake is great for family vacations, couples’ getaways, reunions, and much more! They are surrounded by lush forests that create a most beautiful and serene experience.
Whether you enjoy fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, or just laying out and soaking up the sun, the Carbondale area is home to some of the best lakes in Southern Illinois. Cedar Lake, considered by many the most beautiful lake of the area, spans 1,750 acres and has more than 30 miles of shoreline. Cedar Lake has a lot to offer: 170 acres of water; 14 miles of hiking and horseback trails; a public sandy beach with lifeguards and all the amenities; and two boat access areas. Cedar Lake Beach opens Memorial Day weekend and then is open only on weekends until Labor Day. Perfect for swimming, paddle boating, canoeing, kayaking and motor boating, Cedar Lake is about 15 miles south of Carbondale. Cedar Lake imposes a 10-hp limit so fishermen can take advantage of the peaceful waters. Cedar Lake is managed for bass and crappie fishing, and fishermen often catch Channel catfish and bluegill as well. The Little Cedar Loop is a breathtaking 4.3 miles and leads to a rocky, cascading spillway. The lake is family and pet friendly. SIU Campus Lake, a 40-acre spring-fed lake in the heart of the campus has a newly renovated boathouse and offers a plethora of outdoor activities including canoe and paddle boat rentals. Take a stroll on the paved path going around the lake, picnic or even fish from one of many docks. Evergreen Park, also known as The Reservoir is a pleasant place to go fishing or boating without having to travel far at all. Located on W Pleasant Hill Road the park offers playgrounds, picnic tables and covered gazebos. It’s a quiet place to kayak or fish. There are several other popular lakes located within a 15-30 minute drive of Carbondale that offer many outdoor recreational opportunities to explore! Crab Orchard Lake is the largest of three lakes on the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and is open to a multitude of different boating options, from large capacity motors to jet skiing to sailboats powered by Mother Nature. The 7,000- acre lake has a marina, eight boat ramps, a beach and two campgrounds. Kinkaid Lake is about 13 miles northwest of Carbondale
and encompasses 2,750 acres, crossing through rolling hills and sandstone bluffs. The lake is perfect for fishing bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, walleye and muskie. Four boat ramps and a marina are located on site. Devil’s Kitchen Lake is a clear and deep lake located in Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. The lake is open paddle boating, canoeing, kayaking and motorboats no more than 10 horsepower. Fishing is also permitted. Lake Murphysboro is 145 acres, with more than seven miles of shoreline of rolling hills, and a vast and varied population of trees. A large variety of fish live in the lake: largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, channel catfish and crappie. The lake also offers a fishing pier and boat rental. The boat horsepower limit is 10. Lake Murphysboro is located off of Route 149 about 11 miles northwest of Carbondale.