33 public waters in the Southern Illinois region — 20 lakes/reservoirs and 13 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.
Crab Orchard Lake (7,000 ac) on the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge — largemouth and White Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, with a big-bass reputation and a national wildlife refuge backdrop (eagles winter here in numbers).
Lake of Egypt, a 2,129-acre lake in Johnson and Williamson Counties, Illinois, managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources: A large Illinois Corps or IDNR reservoir (Rend Lake, Carlyle Lake, Lake Shelbyville, Clinton Lake, Kinkaid Lake, Lake of Egypt, Crab Orchard) — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, a strong white-bass and hybrid-striped-bass fishery, Walleye or Muskellunge on several, slab Crappie, Bluegill and redear, and channel, blue and Flathead Catfish. Illinois's flagship 'downstate' fishing lakes.
In Williamson and Jackson Counties, Illinois, Little Grassy Lake is a 905-acre lake, managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources. A large Illinois Corps or IDNR reservoir (Rend Lake, Carlyle Lake, Lake Shelbyville, Clinton Lake, Kinkaid Lake, Lake of Egypt, Crab Orchard) — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, a strong white-bass and hybrid-striped-bass fishery, Walleye or Muskellunge on several, slab Crappie, Bluegill and redear, and channel, blue and Flathead Catfish. Illinois's flagship 'downstate' fishing lakes.
Devil's Kitchen Lake, a 810-acre lake in Williamson County, Illinois, managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources: A large Illinois Corps or IDNR reservoir (Rend Lake, Carlyle Lake, Lake Shelbyville, Clinton Lake, Kinkaid Lake, Lake of Egypt, Crab Orchard) — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, a strong white-bass and hybrid-striped-bass fishery, Walleye or Muskellunge on several, slab Crappie, Bluegill and redear, and channel, blue and Flathead Catfish. Illinois's flagship 'downstate' fishing lakes.
Devils Kitchen Lake (712 acres) sits in Williamson and Union 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.
In Williamson County, Illinois, Marion Reservoir is a 245-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.
Johnston City Lake is a 62.7-acre Williamson County lake in Southern Illinois where largemouth bass and yellow bass lead the sport-fish lineup, supported by steady white crappie, bluegill, and yellow bullhead populations. White suckers also inhabit this publicly accessible reservoir.
Williamson County, Illinois — Herrin Lake is a 52-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.
Arrowhead Lake in Williamson County, Southern Illinois, is a 39-acre reservoir known for its reliable largemouth bass and crappie action. The lake's sunfish and catfish populations provide excellent options for anglers targeting panfish and bottom-feeders throughout the season.
In Williamson County, Illinois, Pond 17 is a 39-acre lake, managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 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.
Sweet Lake, a 37-acre lake in Williamson County, Illinois, managed by City Land: 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.
Teal Lake (30 acres) sits in Williamson County, Illinois, managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 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.
Madison Lake, a 26.4-acre Williamson County impoundment in Southern Illinois, packs impressive diversity into a modest footprint: walleye, northern pike, white bass and yellow perch thrive alongside largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and channel catfish. The species mix makes this a versatile choice for anglers willing to adjust tactics through the seasons.
Lake Number 5, a 25-acre lake in Williamson 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.
Pond 38, a 24-acre lake in Williamson County, Illinois, managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 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.
Johnston City Sewage Lagoon, a 22-acre lake in Williamson 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.
Pond 60, a 21-acre lake in Williamson County, Illinois, managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 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.
Visitors Pond, a 20-acre lake in Williamson 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.
Pleasant Valley Lake (12 acres) sits in Williamson County, Illinois, 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.
Belford Lake, a 12-acre lake in Williamson County, Illinois, 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.
Jackson, Jefferson, Franklin and 2 more counties in Illinois — Big Muddy River is a 169 km stream: The Kaskaskia or Big Muddy River in southern Illinois — largemouth and Spotted Bass, White Bass, channel, flathead and Blue Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill and Drum in slow, tree-lined, southern-Illinois bottomland rivers.
Williamson, Saline and Johnson Counties, Illinois — South Fork Saline River is a 66 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.
Williamson and Jackson Counties, Illinois — Crab Orchard Creek is a 27 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 Williamson and Franklin Counties, Illinois, Pond Creek is a 28 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.
Williamson, Union and Johnson Counties, Illinois — Grassy Creek is a 23 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.
Bankston Fork runs 17 km through Saline and Williamson 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 Williamson County, Illinois, Lake Creek is a 14 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.
Saline and Williamson Counties, Illinois — Brushy Creek is a 13 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 Williamson, Jackson and Union Counties, Illinois, Little Grassy Creek is a 10 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 Williamson County, Illinois, Limb Branch is a 10 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 Johnson and Williamson Counties, Illinois, Little Saline Creek is a 10 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 Franklin and Williamson Counties, Illinois, Tilley 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.
Williamson and Johnson Counties, Illinois — Middle Wolf Creek is a 9 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, Williamson County holds 24 species on PiscaMaps, including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Flathead Catfish, Muskellunge and Black Crappie.
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.