Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh

Banner Marsh SFWA was characterized by narrow strip pits and upland ponds, but in 1994, the hydrology changed due to the intentional cessation of pumping operations in the levee district. The water level rose approximately 7 feet (435 M.S.L.) due mainly to groundwater recharge by seepage under the existing 1-100 year flood-tight levee with the Illinois River. The total surface water acreage for the site increased from 530 acres to approximately 2400 acres and created a large vegetated littoral zone.

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.

8 inch must be rigged with a quick set rig
-Waterfowl refuge or hunting area

The Bell's Landing access area has a concrete boat ramp, 25 vehicle and trailer parking lot and restrooms. The lake has a 25 h.p. motor limit. The site is open 24 hours a day, except for the Central Zone Duck Season, at which time only shoreline fishing is allowed after 1:00 p.m.

Two-pole and line fishing only except carp can be taken by bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears during May through August.

Site Regulations
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
'>Site Regulations
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
'> 8 inch must be rigged with a quick set rig
-Waterfowl refuge or hunting area

The Bell's Landing access area has a concrete boat ramp, 25 vehicle and trailer parking lot and restrooms. The lake has a 25 h.p. motor limit. The site is open 24 hours a day, except for the Central Zone Duck Season, at which time only shoreline fishing is allowed after 1:00 p.m.

Two-pole and line fishing only except carp can be taken by bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears during May through August.

Site Regulations
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

Are there places to stay in the Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh area?