47 public waters in the Southern Illinois region — 27 lakes/reservoirs and 20 rivers. Every one is public water fishable on an Illinois licence.
See every public fishing venue in Illinois on the map, with boat ramps, camping, parking and full rules for each one.
Cedar Lake (2,771 acres) sits in Jackson, Lake, Perry and 1 more county in Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp. An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Crystal Lake, a 460-acre lake in Henderson, McHenry and Perry Counties, Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Super Lake's 304 acres in Perry County make it one of Southern Illinois's larger public reservoirs, with a split personality: smallmouth and largemouth bass for structure-minded anglers, plus yellow bass and black crappie in shallower zones. Channel catfish and muskellunge add depth to the species mix.
Clear Lake, a 244-acre lake in Sangamon, Washington, Perry and 3 more counties in Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Lost Lake (208 acres) sits in Ogle, White, Perry and 3 more counties in Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp. An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Pinckneyville Reservoir, a 187-acre lake in Perry County, Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Lake Duquoin, a 153-acre Perry County impoundment in Southern Illinois, combines traditional warmwater fishing with the unique draw of saugeye—a pike-perch hybrid that adds variety to the catch. Bluegill, crappie and redear sunfish are prolific, while channel catfish and largemouth bass round out a balanced mix.
Goldeneye Lake, a 108-acre Perry County impoundment, stands out on the Southern Illinois landscape for its hybrid striped bass population alongside muskellunge, offering predator-focused anglers an unusual combination. Largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish complete a richly diverse fishery.
A 71-acre Perry County lake offering uncommon diversity for Southern Illinois: muskellunge and saugeye join the typical warmwater mix of largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish. Channel catfish round out this varied fishery.
Pike, Logan, Perry and 1 more county in Illinois — Pine Lake is a 70-acre lake, managed by Public boat ramp: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Canada Goose Lake, the largest of the Perry County fisheries at 60 acres, supports a full warm-water assemblage including largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish, common carp, and freshwater drum. The presence of carp adds a bonus fishery for anglers targeting bottom feeders in Southern Illinois.
In Perry County, Illinois, Snow Goose Lake is a 59-acre lake, managed by Public boat ramp. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Blue Wing Lake, a 50-acre Perry County water, delivers solid action on white bass and hybrid-friendly species alongside crappie (both black and white), largemouth bass and bluegill. Channel catfish provide a bottom-fishing option in this compact Southern Illinois venue.
Green Wing Lake (44 acres) sits in Perry County, Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Wesseln Lake, spanning 36 acres in Perry County, adds saugeye to its warm-water roster, offering anglers a unique hybrid striped-bass opportunity alongside traditional Southern Illinois species: largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish.
Scaup Lake's 30 acres in Perry County host a walleye population uncommon to most Southern Illinois lakes, making it a distinctive option alongside largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish.
In Perry County, Illinois, Wesseln Cut Lake is a 30-acre lake, managed by Public boat ramp. An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
This 29-acre Perry County lake in Southern Illinois delivers consistent crappie action—both black and white—alongside largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Merganser is a solid choice for panfish enthusiasts working structure in calmer waters.
Boulder Lake, a 28-acre lake in Perry County, Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
In Perry County, Illinois, Pintail Lake is a 28-acre lake, managed by Public boat ramp. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
At 27.5 acres, Ringneck Lake in Perry County holds musky alongside traditional sunfish and crappie habitat, drawing anglers targeting both panfish and larger predators. Channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish round out the species mix on this Southern Illinois lake.
Little Beaver Lake (24 acres) sits in Perry County, Illinois, managed by State Department of Natural Resources. An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Bufflehead Lake, a 22-acre Perry County fishery in Southern Illinois, punches above its weight with a diverse warm-water mix including musky, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish. The presence of musky makes this a destination for pike-family anglers seeking trophy-caliber fish in a smaller package.
Blue Goose Lake is a compact 20-acre Southern Illinois lake in Perry County focused on largemouth bass and bluegill, making it ideal for anglers seeking straightforward warm-water fishing without crowds.
Randolph and Perry Counties, Illinois — Southwestern Community Club Lake is a 19-acre lake, managed by Private: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
At just 18 acres, Wigeon Lake is an intimate Perry County pond stocked with largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill and channel catfish—with common carp adding a bonus target for exploratory anglers on this small Southern Illinois water.
Perry County, Illinois — Hook Lake is a 6-acre lake, managed by State Department of Natural Resources: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
In Perry, Jackson and Washington Counties, Illinois, Beaucoup Creek is a 81 km river or creek. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Little Muddy River (71 km) flows through Perry, Jackson, Franklin and 2 more counties in Illinois. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Galum Creek runs 44 km through Perry and Jackson Counties, Illinois: A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Washington, St. Clair and Perry Counties, Illinois — Mud Creek is a 35 km stream: A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Swanwick Creek (18 km) flows through Perry and Washington Counties, Illinois. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Reese Creek runs 22 km through Perry and Franklin Counties, Illinois: A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Little Beaucoup Creek runs 18 km through Perry and Washington Counties, Illinois: A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Pipestone Creek runs 17 km through Perry and Jackson Counties, Illinois: A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In Perry County, Illinois, Little Galum Creek is a 15 km river or creek. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In Washington and Perry Counties, Illinois, Locust Creek is a 16 km river or creek. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In Perry and Jackson Counties, Illinois, Sixmile Creek is a 13 km river or creek. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Bonnie Creek runs 11 km through Perry County, Illinois: A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Rocky Fork (10 km) flows through Jackson and Perry Counties, Illinois. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
White Walnut Creek (10 km) flows through Perry County, Illinois. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Perry and Jackson Counties, Illinois — Halfmile Creek is a 11 km stream: A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In Perry and Jefferson Counties, Illinois, Collier Creek is a 8 km river or creek. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Brushy Fork (8 km) flows through Jackson and Perry Counties, Illinois. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In Franklin, Jefferson and Perry Counties, Illinois, Little Indian Creek is a 8 km river or creek. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Walkers Creek (8 km) flows through Perry and Jackson Counties, Illinois. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Perry County, Illinois — Chicken Creek is a 6 km stream: A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Across its mapped waters, Perry County holds 21 species on PiscaMaps, including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Common Carp, Freshwater Drum, Flathead Catfish and Rock Bass.
Ramps, put-ins and species for every water — plus the carp layer no other US app has.
Open the Illinois map Join PiscaMapsOne Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing licence covers every public water in the state, the Corps and IDNR reservoirs included — resident annual about $16, non-resident annual about $32, with non-resident 1-day and 5-day options. Illinois has no trout stamp requirement for the great majority of its water. Illinois residents 65 and older, and anyone under 16, need no licence. Buy at dnr.illinois.gov.