crab orchard lake
fishing regulations
devil’s kitchen little grassy lake
regulations contact information fishing license requirements state permits
license & live bait locations
crab orchard refuge fishing regulations crab orchard map
lake of egypt map accommodations
campgrounds marinas
the great lakes of williamson county
lake of egypt herrin city lake #2 Arrowhead Lake Marion city lake
guide services pond fishing
lake of egypt
tips for crappie fishing in williamson county
regulations Anglers should have their license in possession at all times while fishing. Licenses expire on March 31 each year. During the period of June 6, 7, 8, and 9, 2014, it shall be legal for any person to fish in waters wholly or in part within the jurisdiction of the State, including the Illinois portion of Lake Michigan, without possessing a sport fishing license, inland trout stamp, or salmon stamp. This would be a great time to plan a family vacation to beautiful Williamson County. This publication contains only a small portion of the Illinois fishing rules and regulations. A current booklet of Illinois fishing information and regulations is available at local bait shops in the state or by writing the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at the address below. You may also visit www.DNR.Illinois.gov for more information.
Contact Information Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources Department of Fisheries One Natural Resources Way Springfield, IL 62702-1271 www.dnr.illinois.gov
FISHING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Illinois Residents: A resident sport fishing license may be obtained by anyone who has been a resident of Illinois 30 days prior to purchase. Anglers under 16 years of age, and persons declared legally disabled or blind, may fish without a license. Owners or tenants (if they reside on the land) may fish in waters on or flowing over their lands without a license. This exemption does not apply to club and organizational lakes or lake developments. Persons on active duty in the Armed Forces are considered residents. A person on active duty in the Armed Forces, who entered the service from Illinois and is an Illinois resident, may fish without a license while on leave. Non-Residents: Non-residents of Illinois may purchase sport-fishing licenses to fish waters of the state. Non-resident anglers under 16 years of age may fish without a license. All other non-resident anglers must purchase sport-fishing licenses before fishing in Illinois (except in licensed fee fishing areas or on boundary rivers). Resident or non-resident anglers who fish at fee fishing areas licensed by the Department of Natural Resources are not required to have a license.
STATE PERMITS Resident Sport Fishing (Annual). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.00*** Non-Resident Sport Fishing (Annual) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31.50 Non-Resident Sport Fishing (10 Days). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20.00 Resident Sport Fishing (65 Years Old +). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.75 Resident and Non-Resident Sport Fishing (Under 16 Years Old). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . None Needed Resident Sport Fishing (Disabled/Blind). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . None Needed Inland Trout Stamp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.50 Lifetime Residential Sport Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $435.00 ***Half-priced licenses for qualifying resident veterans
LICENSE & LIVE BAIT LOCATIONS Fishing licenses and/or bait is available at the following locations in Williamson County. Anglers may also order license or stamps over the Internet immediately by visiting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at www.DNR.Illinois.gov or by calling 800.705.4164 to IDNR for verification number. Every attempt has been made to verify the following information. Please call ahead for directions and hours of operation.
LIVE BAIT
LICENSE
Ace Hardware 635 Pershing Street Energy, IL 62933 618.942.8900
LICENSE & LIVE BAIT Cooksey’s Bait Shop 7832 Old State Road 13 Marion, IL 62959 618.993.3366
AceHardware.com
Ace Hardware 1131 N Carbon Street Marion, IL 62959 618.997.7000
Smokedrinkbehappy.com
Crappie Pro Shop 130 S Division Street Carterville, IL 62918 618.985.8277 CrappieProShop.net
AceHardware.com
Casey’s General Store 1700 N Park Avenue Herrin, IL 62948 618.942.6639 Caseys.com
Casey’s General Store 16060 Cambria Road Hurst, IL 62924 618.987.2979 Caseys.com
Casey’s General Store 1117 Grand Avenue Johnston City, IL 62951 618.983.3406 Caseys.com
Casey’s General Store 505 S Court Street Marion, IL 62959 618.993.0708 Caseys.com
Roll N Up Smoke Shop 1608 S Park Avenue Herrin, IL 62948 618.988.1542 Roll N Up Smoke Shop 2701 W DeYoung Marion, IL 62959 618.993.3006 Smokedrinkbehappy.com
Creal Springs Mini Mart 100 E Keely Street Creal Springs, IL 62922 618.996.2958 Dunn’s Sporting Goods 1904 W Rendelman Marion, IL 62959 618.997.3626 ShopDunns.com
Herrin ZX 3225 Park Avenue Herrin, IL 62948 618.993.0828 Just Add Water 12092 Lake of Egypt Road Marion, IL 62959 618.964.1944 Little Grassy Lake Campground 788 Hidden Bay Lane Makanda, IL 62958 618.457.6655 LittleGrassyLakeCampground.com
Roll N Up Smoke Shop 103 N Court Street Marion, IL 62959 618.997.6224 Smokedrinkbehappy.com
Rural King 1301 Enterprise Way Suite 80 Marion, IL 62959 618.993.0660 Ruralking.com
Walmart 1713 South Park Avenue Herrin, IL 62948 618.942.7386 Walmart.com
Wal-Mart 2802 Outer Drive Marion, IL 62959 618.997.5618 Walmart.com
guide services Buck Brush Fishin’ Guides 490 N 6th Street Nason, IL 62866 618.231.2007
SNS Guide Service 6280 Saline River Road Marion, IL 62959 618.922.0354
Todd Gessner Outdoors 17631 State Highway 37 Whittington, IL 62897 618.513.0520
jiggincrappie@yahoo.com
SNSGuideService.com
ToddGessnerOutdoors.com
the great lakes of williamson county
Content provided by Don Gasaway
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Williamson County is a very popular place for anglers. It can be accessed via Interstate 57 at exit 53 (Old Route 13 or Main Street) or exit 54 (New Route 13 or DeYoung Street) and travel west 4 miles. The refuge offices and Visitor Center is on Illinois Route 148, two miles south of the Williamson County Airport. Refuge passes are available at the Refuge Visitor Center for a nominal fee. Informational literature is also available onsite. Included within the boundary of the refuge are Crab Orchard Lake, Devil’s Kitchen Lake, Little Grassy Lake and a number of small fishing ponds.
POND FISHING The ponds of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge are quite popular with anglers and families. Both novice and experienced anglers find the fishing opportunities a challenge. The placid waters take anglers back to the basics of fishing. Generally those availing themselves of this fishing are people who enjoy sitting in a lawn chair and watching a bobber float on the surface. There are over 80 ponds within the refuge. Only seven are in areas open to the public. The remaining areas are wading areas for ducks and geese.
On the far south side of the refuge, just off Rocky Comfort Road, are two ponds that are open to fishing all year. The other five fishing ponds are in areas that are closed from September 30th to the following March 15th. During the open months, the fishing is available from sunrise to sunset daily. No boats or floatation devices are allowed.
Each year it is possible to catch channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and some redear sunfish. Popular baits are minnows, crickets and meal worms. Those wishing to use artificial lures use a small jig with a twister tail suspended beneath a slip bobber moved up and down to reach the right depth. On hot days, the best fishing is near any kind of wood or other vegetation where fish can find a comfort zone. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be better times for fishing. On cloudy days, the fish tend to suspend in the deeper water. The open ponds are Bluegill Pond, A-41 Pond, Visitor’s Pond, Honkers Corner Pond and Manager’s Pond. All have parking available but are otherwise unimproved. Directions to their locations and other site specific information are available at the Visitor Center Office, 8588 Route 148, Marion, IL.
crab orchard lake At 6,965 acres, Crab Orchard Lake is the largest in the area. It’s located about five miles west of Marion on Illinois Route 148 in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Stop at the Visitor Center for entrance and vessel permits and detailed information. Crab Orchard Lake boasts a variety of good catches. Approximately a fourth of the largemouth bass in the lake are longer than 16 inches. Fish in the 6 to 9 pound weight class are caught frequently. A significant number of bluegill in the lake are over 7 inches. Most of the larger fish are crappie, with a 50-50 ratio of black to white. Both black and white crappie are in the 7 to 10-inch class. They are particularly fond of small minnows but will take power baits and plastic grubs. Channel flathead and blue catfish are also found in the lake. Most of the catfish population are channel catfish that prefer stink baits and night crawlers. The flatheads and blues like live bait or cut bait suspended below a slip bobber. Fishing for all species of fish continues year-round. Largemouth bass are most often taken February through May. Crappie are caught in the shallows during the spring and in deeper water the rest of the year. In both cases, crappie are usually found close to underwater structures such as rocks, rip rap, concrete and submerged weeds or brush. From May to October, catfish anglers take fish through the use of rod and reel, trotline, or jugs. Boats are allowed with no limit on the horsepower. There is one marina with fuel available. A number of areas around the lake are available for shore fishing.
devil’s kitchen Of all the wilderness lakes in southern Illinois, Devil’s Kitchen Lake is most closely akin to the Canadian Shield lakes in appearance. Taking its name from the sulfur fumes that the builders noticed when constructing the dam that holds the water, this 810-acre lake stretches over some 5 miles. Clear water and submerged timber provide a good habitat for trout, bluegill, redear, largemouth bass and crappie. Trout is one of the more popular species for anglers. 8 to 10-inch trout are placed in the lake each fall. By spring, they are very acclimated to the water. The fishing season generally runs from spring through summer. The best trout bait is a small piece of night crawler on a small bait hook fished beneath a slip bobber near the dam. Despite the 90-foot depth, trout are usually in the first 15 to 20 feet of water.
Early in the year, redear will feed on the bottoms of shallow coves. The bluegill will be slightly deeper, seeking food in the weeds. Later, they will both be in the submerged trees. 6 to 7-inch bluegill are taken regularly. Redear (or Shell Crackers) in the 6 to 9-inch lengths are often found. The wood in this lake is often standing trees. What at first appears to be a submerged bush can be the top of a 60-foot tree standing upright beneath the surface of the lake. Bluegill tend to relate to the vertical portion of the tree and the redear prefer the branches. The crappie in Devil’s Kitchen Lake are not numerous but they are big. Black crappie are in the 10 to 14-inch class. Jig and minnow combinations are the most popular lures for this species. Minnows and night crawler pieces produce the best crappie catches. The lake tends to produce a lot of 10 to 15-inch largemouth bass with some 6 to 8-pound bass taken each year. The latter are an exception. Most bass are caught on spinner baits and crank baits near the flooded timber. There is no development on the lake and no marina services. There are several boat ramps and a 10 horsepower limit on boat motors.
little grassy lake Little Grassy Lake’s 1,000-acres do not get a lot of fishing pressure, despite some excellent populations of panfish and channel catfish. Most fishing here takes place early in the year and at the end of summer due to private campground activity on the eastern shore during the summer months. Anglers slow-rolling a spinner bait through the stump fields and other submerged wood are likely to find some nice largemouth bass. About a quarter of the bass are keeper size (15 inches in length) or larger. Most largemouth bass are 12 to 15 inches in length. Although they can go as deep as 15 feet, most bass are found at an 18-inch to 3 feet depth. The most popular fishing locations seem to be along the western side of the lake. The good habitat for bass has also produced year classes that weigh 3 or 4 pounds and another that are 6 to 7 pounds. The 36-mile length of the lake has an average depth of 27 feet and a 90-foot depth in the main channel near the spillway on the north end of the lake. The standing timber, riprap and assorted vegetation contain bluegill in the 6 to 8-inch length. Crappie are mostly in the 6 to 8-inch length, though some are over 11 inches. Redear sunfish run about 6 to 8 inches in length. The real bread-and-butter fish for anglers in this lake are the channel catfish. Yearly stockings assure that the population is healthy and growing. 2 to 3-pound fish are common. There is a single marina, campground and bait shop at the cove on the northwest corner of the lake. Several boat ramps are available and there is a 10 horsepower limit on engines.
crab orchard refuge fishing regulations Crab Orchard Refuge Waters • All Refuge waters, except as noted, have a daily creel limit of 6 with a minimum 15 inches length limit for largemouth or smallmouth bass. • Organizers of all fishing events must possess a Special Use Permit. To obtain a permit call 618.998.5933 • Anglers may not fish within 250 yards of an occupied waterfowl hunting bling. • Anglers may not submerge any pole or similar object to locate or take fish. • Anglers may not use more than 2 poles and each pole may not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing. (Except Crab Orchard Lake anglers may use trotlines or jugs)
Crab Orchard Lake- West of Wolf Creek Road • Fishing from boats is permitted day and night year-round • Trotlines and jugs must be removed from legal sunrise until legal sunset from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Crab Orchard Lake- East of Wolf Creek Road • Fishing from boats is permitted only from March 15 through September 30. • Fishing from the bank is permitted year-round at the Wolf Creek and Route 148 causeways.
Crab Orchard Lake- Entire Lake • The daily creel limit for large or smallmouth bass is 3 with a minimum of 16 inches length limit. • Trotlines and jugs must be checked daily, and must be removed on the last day they are used. • Trotlines must have a buoyed device attached to them that is visible on the water’s surface. • Trotlines and jugs must be tagged with the angler’s name and address. • Using jugs for flotation devices that have previously contained any petroleum based or toxic substances is prohibited. • The use of underwater breathing apparatus to take fish is prohibited.
Little Grassy and Devil’s Kitchen Lakes • Largemouth Bass between 12 and 15 inches must be released at Little Grassy Lake. • Devil’s Kitchen Lake has no size limit on largemouth bass. • Trotlines/jugs are prohibited. • Use of boat motors of more than 10 horsepower is prohibited. • A trout stamp is required to possess trout.
Visitor’s Pond • Daily creel limit for channel catfish is 6. • Daily creel limit for large or smallmouth bass is 1 with a minimum of 18 inches length limit.
Designated Ponds Within the Restricted Use Area • Fishing is permitted from legal sunrise to legal sunset March 15 through September 30. • No boats or floatation devices are allowed.
Special Conditions for Organized Fishing Events • All fish caught will be returned to the lake. • Aerated live wells are required for all boats. • Recreational User Fee decals are required. • No more than 20 boats per fish-off. Disclaimer: All fishing information is provided by the Department of Natural Resources and is subject to change without notice.
Boat Launch Marina/Boat Docks Campgrounds
N
Arrowhead Lake
57
HERRIN JOHNSTON CITY
ILLINOIS
149
CAMBRIA ILLINOIS
148
ILLINOIS
37
ILLINOIS
CARTERVILLE
MARION
13
ILLINOIS
13
Crab Orchard Lake
Marion City Reservior
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
37
57
Devil’s Kitchen Lake Little Grassy Lake
ILLINOIS
Herrin City Lake #2
Lake of Egypt
lake of egypt The largest lake in Williamson County is the 2,300-acre Lake of Egypt. Located in the southeastern part of the county, this lake is 7 miles south of Marion and about 2 miles east. Look for the power plant smoke stack on the horizon. This power plant cooling lake is known for bass and crappie fishing. The 3 marinas on the lake keep busy catering to anglers from a variety of states. The lake has some 93 miles of shoreline and an average depth of 18.5 feet. The deepest areas are about 50 feet. Some of the more productive areas are weed lines, brush, and tree tops in the old creek channels and the many coves. The warm water temperatures result in a bass population that grows fast, reaching an excellent size. Both largemouth and hybrid stripers are to be found. A lot of 1 to 3-pound fish are taken each year. Anglers catch fish up to 12 pounds. The warm water provides a strong growing season nearly all year long. During the winter months, the warm water discharge attracts the shad forage base upon which the bass feed. The warm water current follows the main lake channel and anglers fishing it report excellent cold-weather bass fishing. Crappie anglers begin to fish in mid-February and the fish spawn in April. Early on, the fish are in 3 to 4 feet of water, but as the water warms they move deeper until mid-summer when they are usually about 15 to 20 feet down. Bass are found just about anywhere during the warmer months. Good locations to check out include the points and drop offs, weed beds and creek channels. Fish move to water levels that meet their comfort zones and toward shad concentrations.
As the summer months pass, the larger fish are off the points in the old creek channels. Plastics, crank baits and jigs are good for catching bass. Minnow on a jig is a popular enticement for crappie. Bluegill and redear love pieces of night crawler or crickets in the wood and weed line areas. The back of coves is best for these panfish species. Boat rentals are available and public launching is possible. Recreational boaters during the summer can cause wave action. No fishing is permitted within 100 yards of any boat docks. Private marinas charge a nominal fee for launching at their ramps. There are no horsepower restrictions but a speed limit and site-specific regulations are posted at the ramps.
herrin city lake #2
marion city lake
Just south of the refuge on Route 148 is a quiet 80-acre lake in an area south of the City of Herrin, Illinois. Directions to the lake can be obtained at the refuge Visitor Center. For additional information about the lake, including free lake passes, contact the City Clerk’s office. Anglers must possess a pass while on the water.
Built as a reservoir for the City of Marion, Illinois, this 235-acre lake has become a popular place for anglers and waterfowl hunters. It is located 3 miles south of Marion, just off Illinois Highway 37. Turn west on Reservoir Road and continue about a half mile. The road ends at the boat ramp and parking lot.
Largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill are the main species in the lake. Shore fishing is difficult due to the brush and trees that extend down to the water in most areas. There is a dam area just to the east of the boat ramp from which anglers can fish. Early spring is a good time to visit this lake but one should be aware that the gravel road entrance can sometimes be slippery. Boat fishing is permitted and there is a gravel boat ramp on the northwest corner of the lake. Motors for boats are limited to 10 horsepower or less.
arrowhead lake A few miles to the north of Marion are Johnston City and Arrowhead Lake. Travelers on Interstate 57 can exit at the Johnston City ramp and proceed east on Broadway Road through town. On the east side of Johnston City, follow Peterson Street north to the lake. Fishing action for this 30-acre lake is best in early spring and late fall. Channel catfish and largemouth bass are the primary species in the lake. Anglers also take some crappie and bluegill. There is no fee for fishing this lake. Electric trolling motors are permitted but not gas-powered boats. A boat ramp is located next to the paved parking lot. There is also a fishing pier.
The lake contains largemouth bass, bluegill, redear and channel catfish. The water lilies along the south side of the lake are a good place for anglers to begin their search. Water levels in this lake are subject to radical change according to rainfall conditions during the year. Fishing is free, and boats may have any size motor.
lake of egypt fishing regulations Lake of Egypt is a private lake. It’s primary purpose is to furnish water for the generation of electricity. The waters and shoreline may be used for recreational purposes subject to the following rules and regulations.
Shoreline Agreement Shoreline property owners who have a boat dock on or make use of the shoreline abutting their property shall execute a standard Southern Illinois Power Cooperative Shoreline Agreement.
Zoning • Recreational Area: All areas of Lake of Egypt except “Restricted Areas” are open to boating and fishing. • Restricted Area: Areas marked “Restricted” are not open to recreation. Authorized boats only are permitted in these areas. • Skiing: NO SKIING AFTER SUNDOWN • Skiing is limited to the northern wide area of the lake. • Skiers shall not ski closer than 100 feet from shoreline or buoy line. • Skiers will ski in counter clockwise direction. This also applies to personal watercraft, e.g. Jet Skis.
Boats- Types Prohibited • Racing type boats. • Boats with loud, open or uninhibited exhaust systems. • Pontoon boats exceeding 28 feet and hull boats exceeding 20 feet. • Boats with toilet, kitchen or lodging facilities. • Boats (except when docked) that have closed sidewalls where all occupants are not visible to passing boats.
Boating Regulations • All provisions of the Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act will be enforced on the Lake of Egypt. • All boats shall carry a container acceptable for holding litter and refuse and must be emptied in litter barrels, not in the lake. • All boats will display anchor lights and, when moving, running lights after sundown. • Boats will not anchor within 25 feet of lake buoys or buoy line. • No one under the influence of alcohol may operate a boat on the Lake of Egypt. • Racing is prohibited. • 35 miles per hour speed limit.
Jet Skis- State Law Same as for Boats • Allowed in ski area only and only in counter clockwise direction. • Not allowed on lake after sundown • May go directly to other areas for access or fuel only following counter clockwise traffic pattern.
Fishing • Bass tournaments, fish-offs or other competitive fishing events for prizes will register their events at Egyptian Hills, Lake of Egypt, Pyramid Acres Marina and Southern Illinois Power Cooperative. No bass tournaments or fish-offs will be allowed from June1 thru September 30 except on a catch-measure-release basis. • No trotlines or jugs allowed in ski area or coves off the ski area. All trotlines and jugs must have name and address on each jug and trotline. Jugs and trotlines cannot be put in before 5:00pm and must be removed by 8:00am. • Crappie: limited to 30 fish per day per fisherman. • Largemouth bass: 2 fish per day with length less than 14 inches and 4 fish per day with length greater than 16 inches. • Walleye: 14 inches minimum length with a 6 fish per day limit. • Hybrid striped bass: 18 inches minimum length with a 3 fish per day limit. • ABSOLUTELY NO Casting of lures within 10 feet of docks, boats, or boathouses.
Other • Boaters will not anchor boats for picnicking or fishing within less than 100 feet of shoreline near residence so as not to interfere with the privacy of the homeowner. • Swimming is prohibited except at approved beaches marked by buoys. Air mattresses are prohibited outside of beach areas. • Skin diving and landing of seaplanes in the lake are prohibited. • The use of kite tubes is prohibited on the lake. • Hunting is not permitted on or over the lake nor is the transportation or discharge of firearms or other weapons permitted on or over the lake. • RULES WILL BE ENFORCED. Failure to abide by these rules will result in arrest and/or denial of further use of the lake.
Chemical Treatment of Lake • Whereas, the lake is under the jurisdiction of State and Federal EPA regulations, there shall be no chemicals or any foreign substances placed into, or allowed as runoff or leaching into, the water of the lake or on the property of Southern Illinois Power Cooperative. • The Southern Illinois Power Cooperative Board of Directors from time to time as necessary may change these rules and regulations. These guidelines were approved July 2006.
banquet room capacity
banquet facilities
business center
fitness center
hot tub, jacuzzi, sauna
outdoor pool
indoor pool
Pin Oak Motel 618-985-4834
20 0 0 54B
Devil’s Kitchen Cabins 618-549-4235
2 0 0 45 0
Mary’s Bed and Breakfast 618-942-2742
4 1 1 54B
Lake Tree Inn & Suites 618-995-1738
8 0 0 59
America’s Best Inn & Suites 618-997-9421
50 3 3 54B
0
America’s Best Value Inn 618-997-1351
70 0 0 54A
Best Western Plus- Marion Hotel 618-998-1220 78 7 0 53
0
Comfort Inn 618-993-0183
79 0 0 54B
0
Country Inn & Suites 618-997-2444
69 18 0 54B
0
Comfort Suites 618-997-9133
64 64 64 53
0
Days Inn 618-993-2631
79 0
Drury Inn 618-997-9600
131 5 0 54B
Econo Lodge 618-993-1644
103 2
Fairfield Inn 618-993-3011
89 23 0 54B
Gray Plaza 618-993-2174
30 0 0 54A
Hampton Inn 618-998-9900
89 1 0 54B
0
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 618-993-5602
105 22 6 54
Jasones Bed & Breakfast 618-997-9459
4 3 1 53 0
Marion Airport Inn & Suites 618-997-4701
35 2 2 54B
Motel Marion 618-993-2101
44 0 0 54B 0
Olde Squat Inn 618-982-2916
18 3 1 45
Quality Inn & Suites 618-993-6221
122 32 32 53
Super 8 Motel 618-993-5577
63 2 0 54B
The Carriage House 312-953-2519
2 0 0 54 0
0 54B
pet friendly
boat parking
wheel-chair access
Wi-Fi
hot breakfast
I-57 exit #
Marion
Herrin
in-room jacuzzis
Lake of Egypt
Devil’s Kitchen Lake
# of suites
Carterville
# of rooms
communities
continental breakfast
accommodations
70
0
50
0
0
0
0
0 54A
0
75
0
0
30
25
0
campgrounds dump station
electricity
Devil’s Kitchen Lake Campground 618-457-5004
0
45
45
Four Seasons Campground 618-942-2069
2
33
59
Arrowhead Lake Campground 618-983-3535
1
54
59
Little Grassy Lake Campground 618-457-6655
0
68
45
Pyramid Acres 618-694-1184
2
50
45
Marion Campground 618-997-3484
0
58
53
Motel Marion Campground 618-993-2101
0 53
Lake of Egypt
boat slips/fishing
showers
54B
Herrin
Marion
I-57 exit #
70
Little Grassy Lake
RV friendly
0
Johnston City
Devil’s Kitchen Lake
# of campsites
Crab Orchard Lake Campground 618-997-3344
Carterville
# of cabins
convenience store
communities
For a detailed list of lodging accommodations go to www.VisitSI.com
marinas Devil’s Kitchen Campground & Marina 1625 Tacoma Lake Road Carbondale, IL 62901 618.997.3344
Little Grassy Lake Campground & Marina 788 Hidden Bay Lane Makanda, IL 60058 618.457.6655 LittleGrassyLakeCampground.com
Mack’s Lake of Egypt Marina 12024 Laguna Drive Marion, IL 62959 618.964.1821 MacksMarina.com
Pyramid Acres Marina & Campground 12171 Marina Road Marion, IL 62959 618.964.1184 PyramidAcresMarina.com
tips for crappie fishing in williamson county
By Don Gasaway
A seemingly endless variety of presentations produce good fishing in Williamson County. Here are some to help you boat more crappie this year. Early season crappie fishing is dependent upon weather conditions. Warming water stimulates activity. Fish move into shallows and feed hard prior to spawning. A passing thunderstorm can scatter them. Between storms, begin your exploration shallow and move to deeper water for larger fish. Fish locating electronics are helpful. Spring crappie activity requires flexibility in technique and tackle. To that end here are some suggestions. SLIP BOBBERING is probably the most popular fishing technique for crappie. Place a small knot on the line above a hook and bobber to prevent the bobber from sliding up the line. It keeps the hook and sinker from moving too deeply in the water. The line goes through the bobber and a hook tied at the end. By moving the knot location, you control the depth of the bait presentation. DROPSHOTING requires an ultra-light spinning rod that is bendable but still has a stiff backbone. Find a comfortable stance and point the rod at the spot where you believe fish to be hiding. This can be under overhanging limbs or under man-made structure such as a dock or pier. Hold the lure in one hand and bend the rod down in an arc before letting go. It sounds simple but does require some practice and skill to master.
JIGGERPOLING has its origins in the early history of crappie fishing. Modern fiberglass poles of 12 to 14 feet length have replaced the old cane pole. The trolling motor has replaced sculling the boat along the shore. Hold the pole in one hand and rest it across the opposite knee. Gently shaking the pole causes the jig to move slightly in the water representing a crippled baitfish. Shake the lure or bait along the edges of weed lines and buck brush as well as in and out of small pockets. It works well in visible wood such as brush tops, lay downs and stumps. DIPPIN’ is popular as the water temperatures cool and the fish move shallower. Extend a long crappie pole over the brush or other vegetation. Do not fish past the end of the pole. This way you are using a vertical jigging presentation. The presentation allows you to hold excess line in your hand and to drop in and out with minimal hang-ups. Once a fish is on the hook, lift it straight up so it is free of brush. VERTICAL JIGGING involves two basic rigs. The most popular is a line with a sinker at the end and an 18-inch drop line about a foot above it. Tie a jig or plain hook, with a minnow attached, to the drop line. Drop the rig straight below the boat until it hits the bottom. Then raise it into the crappie strike zone. This is usually about 6 inches off the bottom. The second rig is to tie a jigging spoon to the end of the line. Drop the spoon over the edge of the boat and allow it to sink. Raise it into the strike zone of the fish as with the above rig, gently jig both of the rigs up and down very slowly.
fish identification guide
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1602 Sioux Dr. Marion, IL 62959 618.997.3690
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