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Shabbona Lake is a popular recreational destination located in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The lake covers an area of about 318 acres and is surrounded by a beautiful park that offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors.
Shabbona Lake was created in the 1970s by damming the Shabbona Creek, which flows into the Fox River. The original river channel can still be found along with old road beds and standing timber creating a unique fishing experience. The lake is named after Chief Shabbona, a Potawatomi Indian who was known for his peaceful relations with white settlers in the area.
The lake is a popular destination for fishing, with a wide variety of fish species including largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, and walleye. There are also several fishing tournaments held at the lake throughout the year. A two-lane concrete boat ramp with car/trailer parking is available. Boat rentals are available from the bait shop. 2-pole and line fishing only.
In addition to fishing, the park offers a range of other recreational activities such as camping, hiking, boating, and picnicking. There are several picnic areas throughout the park with tables, grills, and restroom facilities. The park also has several hiking trails, including a 3.5-mile trail that circles the lake and offers scenic views of the water and surrounding forest.
The lake has a marina where visitors can rent boats and other watercraft, as well as a beach area for swimming. There are also several campsites located throughout the park for those who wish to spend the night.
Overall, Shabbona Lake is a great destination for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing outdoor experience in the beautiful Illinois countryside.
Shabbona Lake is approximately 318 sq acres (1.3 sq km) in size with 7 miles (10.5 km) of shoreline.
How deep is Shabbona Lake?
Shabbona Lake is approximately 40 feet (12.2 m) at its deepest point with an average depth of 15 feet (4.6 m).
What kind of fish can you catch in Shabbona Lake?
Although thery may be others but anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Hybrid Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye in Shabbona Lake.
Other fish species in the lake include Crappie and Redear Sunfish.
Are there places to stay in the Shabbona Lake area?
Are you craving a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Or maybe you're an avid angler in search of the perfect fishing spot? Look no further! Shabbona Lake and its surrounding area offer an abundance of options to suit your needs. If you're in need of accommodation, check out our area map which highlights some of the best places to stay. And if you're looking for even more options, head on over to our Travel section. But why settle for a traditional hotel or resort when you can take your adventure to the next level by renting a RV? The open road awaits you!
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Shabbona Lake?
We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Shabbona Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.
Are there places to eat and drink near Shabbona Lake?
Yes, you can find numerous options in the area. Click the button below to see what's nearby.
What is the fishing outlook for Shabbona Lake?
What does the future look like for Shabbona Lake? We have some insignt on what to expect for a number of fish species in Shabbona Lake.
History & Status of the Fishery
The fishery is managed by annual species-specific surveys. Habitat structures of rock or brush piles are completed annually when weather and conditions allow. Shabbona Lake receives an annual stocking of channel catfish, walleye and hybrid striped bass. Muskie are currently stocked every third year. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are stocked when available or when a poor year class has been identified.
Controling Authority
Shabbona Lake State Park State Park Office 4201 Shabbona Grove Road 815-824-2106 IDNR Fisheries Biologist, David Wyffels 630-360-4185
What is the average air temp for Shabbona Lake?
Looking forward to your next adventure at Shabbona Lake? Don't forget to plan ahead! Weather can be unpredictable, but we've got you covered. On average, air temperatures during this time of year range from a high around 60°F (15°C) to a low around 38°F (3°C). Of course, these are just historical averages, so be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way. For the most up-to-date weather information, be sure to check out our Weather Bar located at the top of this page.
Are there any state parks near Shabbona Lake?
Enjoy more of the outdoors with a visit to an area state park. There are 1 state park in the vacinity of Shabbona Lake.
The crappie and largemouth bass fishing on this lake is decent, but the lake is relatively small and there are way too many boats on the water (especially on the weekends). Also, despite heavy stocking over the last few years, the walleye population hasn't seemed to take off.
Reviewed May 12, 2012
john m.
great crappie,bass fishing all year around big cats as well we usually leave with our limits :)
Reviewed Apr 18, 2010
john m.
shabby is a close get away for our family of 6 we go there almost every weekend if it is just us or takeing the oldest to ISHA fishing practice.
Reviewed Feb 12, 2010
john m.
shabby is a close get away for our family of 6 we go there almost every weekend if it is just us or takeing the oldest to ISHA fishing practice.
Reviewed Feb 12, 2010
eric b.
over pressured lake....it sucks
Reviewed Dec 24, 2009
alex s.
i have been to this lake 5 times and only caught a hand full of fish where is the best spot for walleye and crappie on this lake
Reviewed Sep 2, 2009
reidar j.
Even though this lake gets a tremendous amount of pressure, I have usually caught my limit of panfish. I really enjoy the scenery and it has an abundance of amenities.
Reviewed Dec 3, 2008
larry m.
Nice lake for Catfish ,evening fishing with chicken liver or stink bait .
Try fishing beginning of the week ,very busy on weekends .I fished on the bottom in 15 ft water.Fish were very clean, and very good eating.
Reviewed Dec 14, 2006
mike a.
Great lake, lots structure for muskie and bass to relate to. Receives a great deal of fishing pressure but fish are still able to be caught. Fishing during the week early and late is best also less people on the lake.
Reviewed Jul 26, 2005
chris m.
This lake has a ton of fish. But, it is very heavily fished. A lot of the fish have grown acustome to the lures and hooks. The best thing that seems to work there is blue and chrome lures near large schools of bait fish during days when its cloudy and raining while there are hardly any boats on the water because of the conditions.
Reviewed Feb 21, 2005
chris s.
We fished this lake two weeks ago. Among 5 fisherman over 8 hours, we didn't even get one bite or nibble. Action was dead. Maybe too late in the season.
Reviewed Nov 24, 2003
j. c.
This small body of water has a hard time sustaining itself under huge amounts of fishing pressure.
Reviewed Jun 27, 2002
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