Horseshoe Lake Fishing Spot

• County: madison
• Elevation: 399'
• Last Modified By: williampool on 09/23/09 12:24 PM
• Ask about Horseshoe Lake in our Fishing Forums

Horseshoe Lake is located off Highway 111 in Madison County which lies in the southwestern part of Illinois. Only minutes away from a large surrounding urban area, the park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities on 2,960 acres. Horseshoe Lake is situated in a low flood plain. This flood plain follows the Mississippi River down to the Kentucky border. Before the present system of levies was constructed, heavy spring floods would cause the river to overflow its banks. It would sometimes change directions and cut a new channel through these bottomlands. During this process an old river section was cut off from the flowing channel forming a natural oxbow lake. Horseshoe Lake was formed in this manner. All lakes, whether man-made or natural, begin to fill in as soon as they are formed. Particles of soil called silt are carried in the wind and in water runoff from nearby fields and ditches. Generally, older lakes fill in to become more shallow than new lakes. Horseshoe Lake is a very old lake as illustrated by its three-foot depth. The lake contains channel catfish, bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, and buffalo. Boat fishing is allowed except during waterfowl season. A 50 horsepower limit exists for all watercraft. Three boat ramps are available for public use. There is a handicap accessible fishing pier. A state fishing license is required. Five shelters are provided for group picnicking while small areas with convenient parking for the family outing are scattered around the lake. Three playgrounds are located with the park. The site also offers two volleyball areas. The park accommodates 48 tent or trailers. A sanitary dump station, pit toilets, and water hydrants are conveniently located. All campers must secure a permit from the site office. The Campground is open from May 1st - Oct 31st, and NO RESERVATIONS are being accepted for camping. Four miles of hiking trails wander through the natural area on the island.

There are several Horseshoe Lakes in the U.S. state of Illinois, notably Horseshoe Lake in Alexander County, and Horseshoe Lake in Madison County. Both lakes are cutoff meander loops of the Mississippi River.