Lake of Egypt Fishing Spot

• Mean Depth: 18'
• Max Depth: 52'
• Elevation: 517'
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/10/09 04:26 PM
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Lake of Egypt is a man-made lake in the Little Egypt region of the U.S. state of Illinois. It is located six miles south of Marion, Illinois and covers 2,300 acres with 90 miles of shoreline. The lake has an average depth of 18 feet with a maximum depth of 52 feet. The lake is owned by the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative, who created the impoundment in 1962, by damming the South fork of the Saline River, to supply cooling water for a coal-burning electric power plant. As a privately owned lake it is subject to regulation by its owners and the state. Public access is allowed as are all size boat motors. Waterskiing and jet skis are also permitted in most of the lake. Fishing includes Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and Crappie. Camping at the lake is allowed at Buck Ridge Campground, part of the Shawnee National Forest. Little Egypt is a mecca for fishermen. Few places on earth are as conducive to fishing as Southern Illinois. The lake is located in the Shawnee National Forest. Open year-round. Vehicle Access: Paved and gravel roads leading to the lake provide excellent all weather access. Boat Access: Several private marinas provide boat launches. A launch maintained by the Forest Service is located near the Lake of Egypt Recreation Area. Boats up to 15 feet with no cabins are allowed on the lake. Buck Ridge Campground, a 37 unit camping area, complete with restrooms is located at the Lake of Egypt Recreation Area. Wagon Wheel Picnic Area provides 9 picnic sites. Water skiing, tubbing, and jet skiing is permitted in the designated open portion of the lake. Traveling north or south along Interstate 57 take the Lake of Egypt exit and follow the signs to reach this Johnson County lake.

Lake of Egypt is a reservoir in the Little Egypt region of the U.S. state of Illinois. It is located six miles (10 km) south of Marion, Illinois and covers 2,300 acres (9 km²) with 90 miles (145 km) of shoreline. The lake has an average depth of 18 feet (5.5 m) with a maximum depth of 52 feet (15.8 m). The lake is owned by the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC), who created the impoundment in 1962, by damming the South fork of the Saline River, to supply cooling water for a coal-burning electric power plant.