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Currently 46° FAIR
Winds4mph
Humidity67%
Visibility10mi
Dew Point35°
,

Crab Orchard Lake

Williamson County - Illinois
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Crab Orchard Lake is a 6965-acre impoundment located in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge between Marion and Carbondale in Williamson County Illinois.
Largemouth bass have a 16-inch minimum length limit and a 3-per-day creel limit. No other size or creel limits are in effect.

Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Crab Orchard Lake.
Caught by Ron Timmons
CLOSE TO THE LAKE!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crab Orchard Lake, IL


How big is Crab Orchard Lake?
Crab Orchard Lake is approximately 6,965 sq acres (28.2 sq km) in size with 125 miles (201.2 km) of shoreline.

What kind of fish can you catch in Crab Orchard Lake?
Although thery may be others but anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Black Crappie, Bluegill, Carp, Channel Catfish, Drum (Sheepshead), Hybrid Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Striped Bass, White Bass, White Crappie, Yellow Bass and Yellow Bullhead in Crab Orchard Lake.

Other fish species in the lake include Wiper Bass.



What are the closest cities to Crab Orchard Lake?
Nearby cities and towns include Crainville, IL, Carterville, IL and Cambria, IL.

Are there places to stay in the Crab Orchard 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! Crab Orchard 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 Crab Orchard 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 Crab Orchard 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 Crab Orchard 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 Crab Orchard Lake?
What does the future look like for Crab Orchard Lake? We have some insignt on what to expect for a number of fish species in Crab Orchard Lake.

Explore the Crab Orchard Lake 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.

2020 Cherokee Wolf pup
2020 Cherokee Wolf pup
16 ftSleeps 4
Carterville, IL
$80/nightMORE
2022 Cherokee Grey Wolf 22MKSE
2022 Cherokee Grey Wolf 22MKSE
26 ftSleeps 5
Carterville, IL
$105/nightMORE
?Home Sweet Roam? - 2021 Keystone Passport 2400RB
?Home Sweet Roam? - 2021 Keystone Passport 2400RB
29 ftSleeps 4
Marion, IL
$140/nightMORE
Velma from the 90?s
Velma from the 90?s
21 ftSleeps 5
CARBONDALE, IL
$65/nightMORE
More RV Options
Controling Authority
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge:
618-997-3344
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Luke Nelson
618-985-1112

What is the average air temp for Crab Orchard Lake?
Looking forward to your next adventure at Crab Orchard 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 70°F (21°C) to a low around 47°F (9°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 Crab Orchard Lake?
Enjoy more of the outdoors with a visit to an area state park. There are 4 state parks in the vacinity of Crab Orchard Lake.

For more Illinois State Park information see our State Park Guide.

Crab Orchard Lake Reviews
Below is the word on street about Crab Orchard Lake.
Have you been to Crab Orchard Lake? Why not share your personal reveiw with others?
Submit Review
andrew p.
5 star rating
Great lake. Absolutely phenominal crappie fishing. Great lake to jug for catfish at night.
Reviewed Jun 2, 2011
ron t.
4 star rating
"Crab" can be dangerous at times of high wind, rollers 4 to 5 feet. I live 2 miles from the lake & have Fished, Hunted & Boated on it for 57 years. With the Lake being part of the Refuge there are parts that are closed for Goose & Duck migration. Just about all species of fish are in the Lake. Several Bass tournaments are held each year. It is known for big Crappie, Bluegill, Bass & Catfish. I've rated it a 4 because, I live 20 minutes from 10 Lakes in southern Illinois & Devils Kitchen is my favorite.
Reviewed Apr 21, 2005

More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Crab Orchard Lake...
DISTANCE ACRES MAX DEPTH
Herrin Lake #1 4.4 mi 60
Devils Kitchen Lake 6.0 mi 810
Little Grassy Lake 6.8 mi 1,000
Herrin Lake #2 7.0 mi 58
Carbondale City Reservoir 7.9 mi 135
Cedar Lake 12.0 mi 1,750 60 ft
Arrowhead Lake 12.5 mi 30
Lake of Egypt 12.5 mi 2,400 52 ft
Johnston City Lake 13.5 mi 59 11 ft
Ferne Clyffe Lake 14.1 mi 16
DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for Crab Orchard Lake. 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.

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