Kinkaid Lake Fishing Spot

• Mean Depth: 39'
• Max Depth: 100'
• Elevation: 434'
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/09/09 07:54 PM
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Located in southwestern Illinois' Jackson County, Kinkaid Lake is approximately 5 miles north of Murphysboro and 100 miles southeast of St. Louis. Built in 1968, the lake encompasses 2,750 acres. The ownership of the surrounding land is divided among the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which manages approximately 4,000 acres; the U.S. Forest Service, which administers 5,000 acres; and Kinkaid-Reed's Creek Conservancy District, which oversees 300 acres. Topography varies from sandstone bluff formations to rolling hills surrounding the lake where oaks and hickories predominate. Numerous flat contours are planted with prairie grasses, cool-season grasses and wildlife food plots. Picinic tables, shelters, charcoal grills and restroom facilities are provided at Johnson Creek Recreation Area and Paul Ice Recreation Area, which also has playground equipment. Camping is permitted by the U.S. Forest Service, Kinkaid-Reed's Creek Conservancy District, and at Johnson Creek Recreation Area at Kinkaid Village Marina who can be reached at: 618-687-4914. Camping is not allowed on DNR property. The lake offers fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, walleye and muskie. Four boat ramps are available to the public with a full-service marina also available. No horsepower restrictions apply, although numerous no-wake areas exist on the lake. Kinkaid Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is located in Jackson County on the north side of Rt. 149, approximately 2 miles west of Murphysboro. From Rt. 13, 127, and 149 junction, take Rt. 149 west 2 miles to the entrance of Lake Murphysboro State Park/Kinkaid Lake. From Rt. 3, take 149 east approximately 5 miles to the entrance of Lake Murphysboro State Park/Kinkaid Lake. Surrounded by 91 miles of limstone bluffs and wooded hillsides in the Shawnee National Forest. Long known for it's scenery, Kinkaid produced more 40+ inch muskies in 1995 than any other lake in Illinois...and the fishing continues to get better every year!

Kinkaid Lake is a reservoir located in southwestern Illinois. Entirely within Jackson County, the lake is approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) northwest of Murphysboro and 100 miles (160 km) southeast of St. Louis.