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Wheel Lake is located in Central Illinois in the 5,524 acre Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area, which lies adjacent to the Illinois River, 4 miles north of Banner, Illinois, along Route 24.
Wheel Lake (approximately 350 acres) is a deep final cut lake which is connected to a large series of strip mine wheel cut lakes. The wheel cut portion contains points, islands, flooded brush and diverse aquatic vegetation, while the final cut portion has little littoral zone and gravel substrate. The maximum water depth is 60 feet. Water clarity averages 4 feet in the summer.
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
Recreational Use Restrictions:
-All live bait > 8 inch must be rigged with a quick set rig
-Waterfowl refuge or hunting area
Wheel Lake (approximately 350 acres) is a deep final cut lake which is connected to a large series of strip mine wheel cut lakes. The wheel cut portion contains points, islands, flooded brush and diverse aquatic vegetation, while the final cut portion has little littoral zone and gravel substrate. The maximum water depth is 60 feet. Water clarity averages 4 feet in the summer.
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
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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We want to see what you've caught on Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh.Frequently Asked Questions About Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh, IL
- How big is Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
- How deep is Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
- What are the closest cities to Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
- Are there places to stay in the Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
- What is the fishing outlook for Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
- What is the average air temp for Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
- Are there any state parks near Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
How big is Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh is approximately 45 sq acres (0.2 sq km) in size.
How deep is Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh is approximately 60 feet (18.3 m) at its deepest point.
What kind of fish can you catch in Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
Although thery may be others but anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskie and White Bass in Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh.
Other fish species in the lake include Crappie.
What are the closest cities to Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
Are there places to stay in the Wheel 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! Wheel 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 Wheel 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 Wheel 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 Wheel 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 Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
What does the future look like for Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh? We have some insignt on what to expect for a number of fish species in Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh.
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
Shovel Lake
For fishing reports: Banner Marsh Ponds
For other lakes in the Banner Marsh SFWA:
Johnson Lake
Shovel Lake
Controling Authority
Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
309-647-9184
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Rob Hilsabeck
309-446-9143
309-647-9184
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Rob Hilsabeck
309-446-9143
What is the average air temp for Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh?
Looking forward to your next adventure at Wheel 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 65°F (18°C) to a low around 44°F (7°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 Wheel 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 Wheel 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 Wheel Lake - Banner Marsh...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Johnson Lake - Banner Marsh | 1.7 mi | 600 | 64 ft |
Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh | 4.8 mi | 78 | |
North Spring Lake | 5.5 mi | 466 | |
Powerton Lake | 6.1 mi | 1,426 | 18 ft |
South Spring Lake | 6.3 mi | 660 | |
Rice Lake | 7.3 mi | 1,383 | |
CANTON LAKE | 8.4 mi | 220 | 35 ft |
Pekin Lake | 9.5 mi | 548 | 3 ft |
Fitch Lake | 12.4 mi | 64 | 37 ft |
Strode Lake | 12.5 mi | 30 | 62 ft |
DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for Wheel 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.