Crab Orchard Lake Fishing Spot

• Elevation: 403'
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/09/09 05:18 PM
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3 mi. E of Carbondale.Crab Orchard Lake is a 6,965-acre (28.2 km²) artificial lake in Williamson County, Illinois. It is the centerpiece of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. It is fed by Devils Kitchen Lake and Little Grassy Lake, which are also within the National Wildlife Refuge.Crab Orchard Lake was created when Crab Orchard Creek, a tributary of the Big Muddy River in southern Illinois, was dammed in the 1930s for purposes of recreation and flood control. The lake offers opportunities for boating, camping, fishing, and swimming. Many users of the lake live in the large nearby communities of Carbondale and Marion. Species Present:Bluegill-Largemouth Bass-Crappie-Carp-Channel Catfish-Yellow -Striped-White,or Hybrid Bass. Anglers must not use more than 2 poles and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing. Open year-round. Best fishing occurs may through June. Vehicle Access: A paved road leading to the lake provides excellent all weather access. Boat Access: Several boat ramps are available. Fishing from boats equipped with electric, or gas motor driven rigs are allowed, either can be the preferred way to fish this lake. Camp/Picnic/Swimming/Water Skiing/Boat Rentals are available. Crab Orchard is renowned for its superior stock of largemouth and white bass. The lake also contains the standard fare for the region-- crappie, flathead and channel catfish, and bluegill. A marina is located on Crab Orchard at Spillway Road and Old 13. Crab Orchard Beach is the only public beach located on expansive Crab Orchard Lake. Just a few miles east of Carbondale, Crab Orchard Beach is open to the public every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Lifeguards are on duty, and concessions, restroom, and shower facilities are available. During the hottest days of the summer, one-hundred to 150 daily visitors find relief at Crab Orchard Beach. The swimming area is shallow, reaching a maximum depth of less than six feet, which makes Crab Orchard well suited for kids. Of course, children should always be supervised, and anyone younger than seventeen must be accompanied by an adult. Picnic areas are sparsely scattered around the perimeter of the beach with picnic tables and some shade trees. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic supplies, and if you forget any necessities, the concession stand sells ice, soda, and snacks.

Crab Orchard Lake is a 6,965-acre (28.2 km²) reservoir in Williamson County, Illinois. It is the centerpiece of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. It is fed by Devils Kitchen Lake and Little Grassy Lake, which are also within the National Wildlife Refuge.[1]