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Fishing At Lake Shelbyville In 2024

AKA: Shelbyville Reservoir

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

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Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow bass, muskie and sauger at Lake Shelbyville in Illinois.

Lake Shelbyville, IL

One of the better largemouth bass fisheries in Illinois, Lake Shelbyville is a large impoundment with plenty of water to fish. This 11,000-acre lake, located in the town of Shelbyville, has over 120 miles of shoreline.

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Lake Shelbyville, in Illinois, is a haven for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Spanning over 11,000 acres, this sprawling reservoir offers a plethora of recreational activities and an impressive array of fish species, making it a prime destination for anglers of all backgrounds.

Fishing is the main attraction at Lake Shelbyville, providing an exciting and rewarding experience for those who cast their lines into its waters. Bass fishing is particularly popular, with both largemouth and smallmouth bass thriving in the lake. Anglers can test their skills and enjoy the thrill of reeling in these elusive and hard-fighting fish. Walleye, another prized species, can also be found in abundance, providing a challenging and rewarding pursuit for anglers.

Lake Shelbyville is also home to a diverse range of fish species, including bluegill, catfish, crappie, sunfish, white bass, yellow bass, muskie, and sauger. Bluegill, with their striking colors and eager biting behavior, are a favorite among anglers of all ages. Catfish, known for their size and strength, offer an exciting challenge for those seeking a trophy catch. Crappie, with their delicate meat and plentiful numbers, provide excellent angling opportunities throughout the year. Sunfish, white bass, yellow bass, muskie, and sauger add to the variety of fish available, ensuring there is always something to target and keep anglers engaged.

Whether it's the thrill of landing a trophy bass, the excitement of reeling in a walleye, or the tranquility of camping by the lake, Lake Shelbyville has something to offer every outdoor enthusiast. With its diverse fish population, stunning scenery, and a variety of recreational activities, it remains a sought-after destination for fishing, boating, and camping, providing an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Much of this shoreline is not accessible for fishing, due to steep banks which are lined with trees. Much of the surrounding area is also private property. There are places to fish from the bank scattered around the lake. Numerous boat launch ramps are conveniently placed, providing access for pontoon boats, pleasure boats, sailboats, bass boats, canoes, kayaks and all types of fishing boats. Bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, sauger, muskie and several species of sunfish reside in these waters. During bass tournaments held on the lake, numerous bass over the 6-pound mark are often brought to the scales. Marinas, stores, restaurants and other amenities make this a great lake for a weekend fishing trip or a family vacation.

Fishing Boats For Rent In IL

Primary fish species residing in Lake Shelbyville

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill White Bass Yellow Bass Muskie Sauger

Lake Shelbyville Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Beyond fishing, Lake Shelbyville offers a host of other recreational activities. Boating enthusiasts can take advantage of the expansive lake to enjoy a range of water sports and activities, from leisurely cruises to water skiing and tubing. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular, allowing visitors to explore the lake's serene coves and secluded corners. For those who prefer to stay on land, camping facilities are available, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Findlay Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
217 756-8595

Lithia Springs Marina
Rentals: Bass boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
217 774-4121

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

2400 E Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off 2400 E Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and concrete parking.

Eagle Creek Boat Access
Located mid lake, east side, in Eagle Creek State Recreation Area, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Forrest Wood Access Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, in the Forrest Wood Access Area, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lithia Springs Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off 1500 N Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lone Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off 2175 East Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and lots of paved parking.

Opossum Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, in Opossum Creek Recreation Area, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.

Shelbyville Dam West Access Area Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off N 9th Street, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and lots of paved parking.

Whitney Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, south side, off County 19 Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Wilborn Creek Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, east side, off County Road 1175 N, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and lots of paved parking.

Wolf Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off N Wolf Creek Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Findlay Marina
536 County Rd 800 N
Findlay, IL 62534
217 756-8595

Lithia Springs Marina
2060 E. 1500 North Rd
Shelbyville, IL 62565
217 774-4121

Sullivan Marina & Campground
925 IL-32
Sullivan, IL 61951
217 728-7338

Click here for a Illinois Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Sullivan Marina & Campground - 217 728-7338

Bo Wood Campground - 217 774-3951

Eagle Creek State Park Campground - 217 756-8260

Wolf Creek State Park Campground - 217 459-2831

Lithia Springs Recreation Area Campground - 217 774-3951

Kaskaskia River Campground - 217 774-4721

Robin Hood Woods Campground & Resort - 217 774-4222

Lake Shelbyville IL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Shelbyville
Sullivan Marina & Campground
925 IL-32
Sullivan, IL 61951
217 728-7338

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 217-774-3951

IDNR County Fisheries Biologist 217-345-2420

 

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Lake Shelbyville in Illinois.

Information about fishing lakes in Illinois

Lake Shelbyville offers an ideal location for bass tournaments and general bass fishing in east-central IL.

Fishing on Lake Shelbyville, in Illinois.