(2)Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 3-5 PM. SEE MORE
size in acres
6,965
moon phase
Sun times displayed in .
Crab Orchard Lake is a 6965-acre impoundment located in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge between Marion and Carbondale in Williamson County Illinois.
The Crab Orchard Lake fishery is cooperatively managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A user permit is required to access the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Information can be obtained by calling the refuge visitor center at 618-997-3344.
A user permit is required to access the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Information can be obtained by calling the refuge visitor center at 618-997-3344.
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.
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.
How big is Crab Orchard Lake?
Crab Orchard Lake is approximately 6,965 sq acres (28 sq km) in size with 125 miles (201.2 km) of shoreline.
What kind of fish are in Crab Orchard Lake?
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 and Wiper Bass.
When are the best fishing times for Crab Orchard Lake?
Today fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 3-5 pm. For more more best fishing times visit our Crab Orchard Lake Fishing Forecast page. Lake-Link Pro Members can get detailed fishing forecasts for up to 10 days in advance and species specific for Crab Orchard Lake.
What are the closest cities to Crab Orchard Lake?
Places To Stay
Crab Orchard Lake Reviews
andrew p.
Tinley Park, Illinois
Great lake. Absolutely phenominal crappie fishing. Great lake to jug for catfish at night.
Reviewed Jun 2, 2011
ron t.
Carterville, Illinois
"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
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.
