Fishing Lake Shelbyville

AKA: Shelbyville Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Lake Shelbyville Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Shelbyville, IL

Popular Fish Species Lake Shelbyville, IL

Crappie Fishing

Lake Shelbyville has become a very good crappie fishing lake, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The lake has good populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Lake Shelbyville this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Lake Shelbyville Popular Fish - White Bass

White Bass Fishing

Several successful spawning years have white bass flourishing in Lake Shelbyville and anglers should expect some great fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Fish species to fish for...

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 Fishing Video

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.

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.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Shelbyville

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

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