Fishing and Hunting

Rend Lake Fishing Report

SIZE & LIMITS

BASS – Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted  / Limit 6 / Minimum Length 14”       CRAPPIE – Black or Hybrid / Limit 25 / not more than 10 exceeding 10”    CATFISH / no limit / no size limit For additional information contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (618) 724-2493 Illinois Department of Natural Resources downloadable PDF:  https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/publications/Documents/00000845.pdf 

Rend Lake is known as one of the best crappie fishing “hot spots” in the state.  Many brushy sections of the lake’s 160 plus miles of shoreline provide excellent crappie habitat. Rend Lake has good bluegill action.  Catches of 6” to 8” bluegill weighing ¼ pound can be expected. Largemouth bass fishing is generally best from September to mid-October when the water temperature ranges between 55 to 75-degrees Fahrenheit.  The best areas to fish in the spring or fall are weedy areas.  The average Rend Lake bass should weigh in at about 2 pounds. Catfishing enthusiasts will find excellent fishing for channel “cats” and flatheads.  They can be caught in a variety of ways including pole and line, jugs, and trotlines. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artificial fish habitats including “spider blocks” and “porcupine balls” are anchored throughout the lake with concrete blocks using inserted plastic tubing. Go to our Fish Attractor site for coordinates and maps at: https://indd.adobe.com/view/d9114370-0607-4cc0-8433-f02f754826df or click on Fish Attractors at the bottom of the homepage.

Hunting at Rend Lake

Rend Lake has a variety of great opportunities for hunters. Woodlands and fields are managed for cover and food crops to provide an opportunity for upland game, especially deer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park offers pheasant hunting by reservation during fall and winter. For waterfowl hunters, there is a great opportunity to draw in on the Casey Fork sub-impoundment at the northeast part of the lake or to freelance on the northwest Big Muddy River water holdings. The main lake is open to duck and goose hunting, too.  For information contact Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park – 11094 Ranger Road Whittington, IL 62897   (618) 629.2320 or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake 11981 Rend City Rd. Benton, IL. 62812 (618) 724-2493