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Located in Central Illinois, the 5,524 acre Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area lies adjacent to the Illinois River, 4 miles north of Banner, Illinois, along Route 24.
Shovel Lake (approximately 200 acres) is the third largest water area at the site. It is a "T" shaped final cut lake with limited habitat in the boat ramp arm. The opposite arm which lies adjacent to the Copperas Creek levee, contains points, flooded brush, beaver lodges, and diverse aquatic vegetation. The water acreage added in 2001 consists of very large littoral zones around deep water pockets. The maximum water depth is 65.0 feet. The average water clarity in the summer is often over 12 feet.
Two-pole and line fishing only except carp can be taken by bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears during May through August.
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie:
- 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10 inches.
Large or Smallmouth Bass:
- Protected Slot Length Limit from 12 to 18 inches with 3 fish daily harvest limit.
Muskie:
- 42 inch minimum and 1 fish per day harvest limit.
Channel Catfish:
- 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye:
- 14 inch minimum and 6 fish daily Harvest Limit
Recreational Use Restrictions:
-All live bait > 8 inch must be rigged with a quick set rig
-Waterfowl refuge or hunting area
Shovel Lake (approximately 200 acres) is the third largest water area at the site. It is a "T" shaped final cut lake with limited habitat in the boat ramp arm. The opposite arm which lies adjacent to the Copperas Creek levee, contains points, flooded brush, beaver lodges, and diverse aquatic vegetation. The water acreage added in 2001 consists of very large littoral zones around deep water pockets. The maximum water depth is 65.0 feet. The average water clarity in the summer is often over 12 feet.
Two-pole and line fishing only except carp can be taken by bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears during May through August.
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie:
- 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10 inches.
Large or Smallmouth Bass:
- Protected Slot Length Limit from 12 to 18 inches with 3 fish daily harvest limit.
Muskie:
- 42 inch minimum and 1 fish per day harvest limit.
Channel Catfish:
- 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye:
- 14 inch minimum and 6 fish daily Harvest Limit
Recreational Use Restrictions:
-All live bait > 8 inch must be rigged with a quick set rig
-Waterfowl refuge or hunting area
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh, IL
- How big is Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
- Are there places to stay in the Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
- What is the fishing outlook for Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
- What is the average air temp for Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
- Are there any state parks near Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
How big is Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh is approximately 78 sq acres (0.3 sq km) in size.
What kind of fish can you catch in Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
Although thery may be others but anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Muskie in Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh.
Other fish species in the lake include Crappie.
Are there places to stay in the Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh 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! Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh 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
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
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 Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh (.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 Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
Yes, you can find numerous options in the area. Click the button below to see what's nearby.
What is the fishing outlook for Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
What does the future look like for Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh? We have some insignt on what to expect for a number of fish species in Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh.
Explore the Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
History & Status of the Fishery
The former bottomland lake and marsh was leveed and drained for agricultural practice from 1910 through 1958. From 1958 to1974 approximately 90 percent of the site was strip-mined for coal. The strip-mined areas have since been reclaimed and purchased by the State of Illinois. Under the management of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (1978 - present) the primary objective for the site is to establish a freshwater marsh providing fish and wildlife habitat in the Illinois River Valley.
For fishing reports: Banner Marsh Ponds
For other lakes in the Banner Marsh SFWA:
Johnson Lake
Wheel Lake
For fishing reports: Banner Marsh Ponds
For other lakes in the Banner Marsh SFWA:
Johnson Lake
Wheel Lake
Controling Authority
Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Site Office
309-647-9184
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Rob Hilsabeck
309-446-9143
Site Office
309-647-9184
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Rob Hilsabeck
309-446-9143
What is the average air temp for Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
Looking forward to your next adventure at Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh? 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 63°F (17°C) to a low around 42°F (6°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 Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh?
Enjoy more of the outdoors with a visit to an area state park. There are 4 state parks in the vacinity of Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh.
Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Rice Lake State Park
Sand Ridge State Forest
Jubilee College State Park
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Rice Lake | 2.6 mi | 1,383 | |
| Johnson Lake - Banner Marsh | 3.2 mi | 600 | 64 ft |
| South Spring Lake | 3.2 mi | 660 | |
| North Spring Lake | 3.3 mi | 466 | |
| Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh | 4.8 mi | 45 | 60 ft |
| CANTON LAKE | 5.8 mi | 220 | 35 ft |
| Fulton Co. Camping & Recreation Area | 9.0 mi | 134 | 20 ft |
| Fitch Lake | 9.3 mi | 64 | 37 ft |
| Bond Lake | 9.5 mi | 64 | 37 ft |
| Strode Lake | 9.7 mi | 30 | 62 ft |
DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh. Although we strive to provide the most accurate information as we can the information contained in this page is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.
