Southern Illinois, ensconced between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, is known for its agriculture and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Due to its abundance of crops and proximity to these major rivers, over time, the southernmost portion of The Land of Lincoln became known as Egypt. Right in the center of this region is one of the primary venues for a variety of outdoor activities: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. One of the main draws of this sprawling wildlife refuge is Crab Orchard Lake, a nearly 7,000-acre reservoir that is an ideal location for fishing, boating, waterskiing, camping, and more.
Crab Orchard Lake is essentially the centerpiece of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, which spans a total of 44,000 acres. The lake is surrounded by a dynamic ecosystem featuring a wide variety of habitat and natural features, including wetlands, prairies, and a few types of forests. This diverse ecological system is home to dozens of animals and hundreds of bird species. A half-dozen pairs of nesting bald eagles inhabit the refuge. Visitors are also likely to catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and an endless array of songbirds. Since it sits along the Mississippi Flyway, Crab Orchard also sees large numbers of migratory birds, including a massive population of Canada geese that spend the winter there.
Fishing and boating on Crab Orchard Lake
Crab Orchard Lake has a good population of several freshwater game fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and white bass. The lake is considered an excellent destination for those targeting crappie and white bass specifically. Largemouth bass fishing is rated above average as well. While fishing can be good throughout the year, spring through fall is usually the best time for consistent angling action.
Fishing on Crab Orchard Lake is open year-round. Anglers have several shore and pier fishing options. There are also numerous places to shore launch canoes and kayaks. Both boaters and fishermen have access to a pair of marinas and over half a dozen boat ramps scattered around the lake. Boat and slip rentals are available at both Bluegill Bay Marina and Playport Resort & Marina. Regardless of whether they are fishing from shore or boat, anglers 16 years and older are required to have a valid Illinois fishing license.
While fishing is allowed year-round, the area to the east of the Wolf Creek Causeway is only open for boating (including fishing from a boat) from the beginning of March through mid-October. Boaters are allowed on the portion of the lake west of the causeway all year long. Boaters also should be aware that there is a no-wake zone extending 150 feet from shore around the entire perimeter of the lake. That said, there is no horsepower restriction on Crab Orchard Lake, as there is on the other lakes within the wildlife refuge. As a result, waterskiing and other watersports are popular activities during the summer months. However, even then, skiing is restricted to the western portion of the reservoir.
Camping at Crab Orchard Lake
There are a few different options for visitors looking to stay at the lake. Two campgrounds are situated along the shores of Crab Orchard Lake. The Crab Orchard Campground features 62 RV sites, some of which have full hookups. Others have only water and electric, although there is a dump site in the campground. There are also seven primitive tent sites. The campground has a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets, a camp store, beach access, and a fish cleaning station.
Bluegill Bay Campground is located adjacent to Bluegill Bay Marina. This campground has 34 sites, each of which has water and electric hookups. There are also 137 boat slips available for rent, as well as a boat ramp, fishing pier, bathhouse, and store on site. Reservations for both Crab Orchard and Bluegill Bay campgrounds can be made online. Another overnight option is Playport Resort and Marina, which has a variety of waterfront cabins for rent.
Regardless of whether they are coming for the day or for an overnight stay, visitors to Crab Orchard Lake and the wildlife refuge will find it is very easy to get to. The lake is located along Highway 13 between Carbondale, Southern Illinois’ family-friendly getaway, and Marion. Each city is less than 20 minutes away. While there is a small airport in Marion, St. Louis’ Lambert International Airport (STL), which is some two hours away, is the closest with regular commercial service. Visitors also have the option of fishing or boating on Devil’s Kitchen Lake, Illinois’ deepest lake, while in the refuge or visiting Giant City State Park, one of Illinois’ best state parks, which is just a short distance from Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
