Guide To Fishing At Kinkaid Lake

AKA: Lake Kinkaid

Located in the southern part of the state, Kinkaid Lake covers 2,700 acres offering excellent fishing, boating and other water sport options. If you enjoy fishing from shore, there are over 70 miles of shoreline to explore in search of your favorite fish.

The lake is home to several bass tournaments each year with better than average catches - including bass over 8 pounds. The lake is also home to crappie, catfish, walleye, sunfish and muskie. Boat ramps, a marina, bait and tackle, fishing docks and restaurants are all easily accessible. Bring a pleasure or fishing boat and enjoy water sports and sight seeing on this placid waterway. For fishing, canoes and kayaks can be portaged to water from various locations.

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish and muskie at Kinkaid Lake in Illinois.

Primary fish species residing in Kinkaid Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Kinkaid Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Kinkaid Marina
Rentals: Jon boats and pontoon boats
618 687-5624

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Johnson Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Johnson Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Lake Kinkaid Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Marina Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Paul Ice Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Paul Ice Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Kinkaid Marina
2063 Marina Rd
Murphysboro, IL 62966
618 687-4914

Click here for a Illinois Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Johnson Creek Recreation Area Campground - 618 833-8576

Sharp Rock Falls Campground - 618 763-5511

Dry Lake Campground - 618 684-8486

Mudline Lodging Campground - 618 967-2678

Kinkaid Lake IL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Lake Video

Contact Information

Kinkaid Lake
Johnson Creek Recreation Area
Johnson Creek Rd
Ava, IL 62907
618 833-8576

Kinkaid Lake Fish & Wildlife Area 618 684-2867

IDNR Fish Biologist 618 687-4546

Fishing lakes in each state.