Crab Orchard Lake Fishing
An IDNR lake of 6,965 acres, found in Williamson County.
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What an Illinois angler should know about Crab Orchard Lake
The IFishIllinois entry gives Crab Orchard Lake 6,965 acres; the lake sits in Williamson County. Count about 2 miles from the map point to Crainville, the closest Census place.
IDNR maps 9 boat ramps along the shore. Statewide limits change here under a digest entry.
Acres as listed on the IDNR IFishIllinois page (printed only where the page text gives the same size); depth only where the IDNR text states a maximum depth. IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026. Census 2023 places.
Site notes IDNR prints for Crab Orchard Lake
- Location (IDNR)Crab Orchard Lake is a 6965-acre impoundment located in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge between Marion and Carbondale in Williamson County, Illinois.
- Description (IDNR)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.
Yes or no: what Crab Orchard Lake offers, per IDNR
- Family FriendlyYes
- Handicap AccessNo
- Boat FishingYes – Unrestricted
- Boat RampsYes
- Boat RentalsYes
- CampingYes
- PicnickingYes
- SkiingYes
- SwimmingYes
- Trout StockingNo
Text and flags in this band repeat the IFishIllinois page for Crab Orchard Lake as printed.
IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
What the electrofishing found at Crab Orchard Lake
| Species | IDNR rating | IDNR survey note |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | Good | The abundance of Crab Orchard Lake Bluegill in 2022 increased to a level not seen in 5 years, but the proportion of fish over 6 inches in length decreased from 62% to 38%. Abundance however still exceeded the management… |
| White Bass | Excellent | White Bass were collected at a rate of 47/hr during the fall 2022 survey, which represented the highest rate since 2004. The proportion over 10 inches (46%) was impressive. Fish in the sample ranged in size from 5 to 15… |
| Largemouth Bass | Very Good | The bass fishing forecast for Crab Orchard Lake is good to very good. In 2022, the percentage of bass larger than 16 inches decreased slightly (19%), likely related to the substantially higher number of young of year… |
| Crappie spp. | Excellent | Fall electrofishing and trapnetting surveys indicate strong Black and White crappie populations in Crab Orchard lake, with high numbers and phenomenal growth. Body condition of both white and black crappie has improved… |
| Channel Catfish | Excellent | Crab Orchard Lake Channel Catfish quality and body condition, similar to previous years, was excellent, and 66% of the fish collected were larger than 22 inches in length. |
IDNR biologists call the white bass fishing at Crab Orchard Lake excellent.
For Crab Orchard Lake, the fish shown have an IDNR outlook line, stocking row or record behind them.
IDNR fishing outlook ratings and survey notes as printed on the IFishIllinois page, read November 4, 2026. IDNR fish stocking table on ifishillinois.org (year, water, species, size class and number as listed; no stocking dates published), read November 4, 2026; IDNR Illinois state record fish list (keeper: Illinois Department of Natural Resources; no angler names printed), read November 4, 2026.
For the bluegill herePiscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reel25% OFFSale $59.99 How Crab Orchard Lake got to be the fishery it is
- IDNRNo sampling was conducted in 2021 because of a 4-foot lake drawdown that began July 5, 2021 and maintained until early March 2022. This drawdown was necessary for much needed dam and boat ramp repairs. IDNR biologists and USFWS staff worked cooperatively to take advantage of this drawdown and conducted multiple habitat optimization projects beginning before the drawdown and continuing until the lake was …
- These efforts, in conjunction with sediment stabilization and nutrient reallocation associated with a large scale, long term drawdown are likely to contribute to a mini "new lake effect" in Crab Orchard over the next few years. The additional benefits of forage species concentration are likely to lead to improved growth and condition in sportfish species. The resulting change in size structure of forage …
IDNR fishery history text, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Trailer ramps that serve Crab Orchard Lake
- Crab Orchard Lake Bluegill Bay Marina Boat Ramplaunch, open to campers and members, dock and fishing piers; user pass required
- Crab Orchard Lake Foreville Road Ramppaved ramp, paved ramp and parking, dock, fishing pier; user pass required
- Crab Orchard Lake North Refuge Rd Boat Rampgravel ramp, gravel ramp, gravel parking; user pass required
- Crab Orchard Lake Old 13 Boat Ramp and Kayak Launchgravel ramp, kayak access, gravel parking SE of ramp; user pass required
- Crab Orchard Lake Playport Marina Boat Ramplaunch, open to campers, dock; user pass required
- Crab Orchard Lake Prairie Creek Access Boat Ramppaved ramp, paved ramp and parking, dock, fishing pier and levee; user pass required
- Crab Orchard Lake Spillway Road Boat Rampconcrete ramp, concrete ramp, small gravel parking; user pass required
- Crab Orchard Lake West End Boat Ramppaved ramp, paved ramp and parking, dock; user pass required
- Crab Orchard Lake Wolf Creek Boat Rampgravel ramp, gravel ramp, small paved parking lot; user pass required
Neighbouring ramps around Crab Orchard Lake
- Herrin Lake 1 Boat RampHerrin Lake 1, 3 miles northeast
- Devils Kitchen Lake Main Boat RampDevils Kitchen Lake, 6 miles south
- Devils Kitchen Lake Line 13 Boat RampDevils Kitchen Lake, 7 miles south
- Devils Kitchen Lake Line 6 Boat RampDevils Kitchen Lake, 7 miles south
- Devils Kitchen Lake Kayak and Canoe LandingDevils Kitchen Lake, 7 miles south
- Lake Of Egypt Pyramid Acres Boat RampLake of Egypt, 10 miles southeast
IDNR IFishIllinois map, boat ramp and launch layer of October 2025 (KML; name, waterbody and notes as printed), read November 5, 2026.
IDNR depth maps of Crab Orchard Lake
- Crab Orchard Boat ClubIDNR depth map
- Crab Orchard LakeIDNR depth map
- Crab Orchard Pump House NeckIDNR depth map
- Crab Orchard Refuge HeadquartersIDNR depth map
- Crab Orchard West End Boat RampIDNR depth map
The IFishIllinois page for Crab Orchard Lake links 5 depth maps.
IDNR depth map list, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Level, inflow and outflow at Crab Orchard Lake
| NWS gauge | Reading | Flow | Flood category | Time (UTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crab Orchard Creek at Crab Orchard Lake near Marion 12W | 404.88 ft | – | not defined | 2026-11-05 18:15:00 UTC |
NOAA National Water Prediction Service gauge readings (water.noaa.gov), read November 5, 2026; dated readings, not live (kcfs = thousand cubic feet per second).
IDNR hatchery trucks at Crab Orchard Lake
| Year | Species as listed | Number | Size class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Largemouth Bass | 82,047 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | 52,951 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 95,410 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 3,125 | NonVulnerable (8 – 10") |
| 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 280,463 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 19,350 | Advanced Fingerling (4 – 7") |
| 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 247 | Adult |
| 2022 | Largemouth Bass | 10,419 | Advanced Fingerling (4 – 7") |
| 2022 | Largemouth Bass | 34 | Adult |
The IDNR table credits Crab Orchard Lake with these fish; release days are not published.
IDNR fish stocking table on ifishillinois.org (year, water, species, size class and number as listed; no stocking dates published), read November 4, 2026.
The IDNR keep rules for Crab Orchard Lake
| Species group | Daily limit | Statewide rule as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Alligator Gar | 1 per 24 hours | Harvest limit is 1 Alligator Gar per 24 hours. |
| Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish | no limit | There are no daily harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Other Sunfish | no limit | There are no harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Crappie (White, Black or Hybrid Crappie) | no limit | There are no daily harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Lake Sturgeon | no possession | Protected; No possession. |
| Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass | 6 (combined) | Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. In rivers and streams and their tributaries statewide, except for the Mississippi, Ohio (including Golconda Marina), and Wabash Rivers, the d |
| Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and their Hybrid | muskellunge 1, northern pike 3 | All Muskellunge and Muskellunge hybrids (Tiger Muskie) taken must be 36" in total length or longer, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. No more than 1 Muskellunge or Muskellunge hybrid (Tiger Muskie) may be taken per day, except as specified u |
| Paddlefish | 2 | Daily harvest limit is 2 Paddlefish. Please refer to Site Specific Regulations for the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa and the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri. |
| Striped Bass (Ocean Rockfish), White Bass, Yellow Bass, and their Hybrids | no limit under 17 inches; 3 at 17 inches or longer | There are no daily harvest limits or minimum size limits for Striped Bass (Ocean Rockfish), White Bass, Yellow Bass, and their hybrids, which are less than 17" in total length, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. For these fish 17" in total le |
| Trout and Salmon | 5 (combined) | Daily harvest limit is 5 trout or salmon, either singly or in the aggregate. |
| Walleye, Sauger, or their Hybrid | 6 (combined) | All Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid (Saugeye) taken must be 14" in total length or longer, except in the Mississippi River, Wabash River, or except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. Daily harvest limit is 6 Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid, either |
Start with the statewide rows at Crab Orchard Lake, then check its own entry.
Digest lines written just for Crab Orchard Lake
- 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.
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing; trotlines, jugs, hand fishing and bow fishing are allowed with specific restrictions (see regulation booklet for …
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Site-specific regulations on the IFishIllinois page, as printed, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
IDNR 2026 Illinois Fishing Information digest (IDNR), read November 4, 2026. IDNR license fees (ifishillinois.org), read November 4, 2026.
Illinois records caught at Crab Orchard Lake
| Species | Weight | Division | Date | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Carp | 38 lbs 2 oz | bow and arrow | April 5, 2013 | Williamson |
IDNR Illinois state record fish list (keeper: Illinois Department of Natural Resources; no angler names printed), read November 4, 2026.
Sizing Crab Orchard Lake against other Illinois lakes
Little Grassy Lake tops this table with 1,000 IDNR acres.
| Lake | Distance | Acres (IDNR) | Max depth (ft) | Mapped ramps | First IDNR-rated fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crab Orchard Lake | 6,965 | 9 | Bluegill | ||
| Herrin Lake 1 | 3 miles northeast | 60 | 1 | Crappie spp. | |
| Devils Kitchen Lake | 7 miles south | 810 | 4 | Largemouth Bass | |
| Little Grassy Lake | 8 miles southwest | 1,000 | 0 | ||
| Carbondale City Reservoir | 9 miles west | 135 | 1 | Redear Sunfish | |
| Shop Lake (Burning Star) | 10 miles northwest | 24 | 0 | Channel Catfish |
IDNR IFishIllinois pages (acres, depth text, outlook) and the IDNR boat ramp layer; read November 4, 2026.
Inside a cornfield drive of Crab Orchard Lake
Nearby impoundments to try after Crab Orchard Lake
- Herrin Lake 13 miles northeast
- Devils Kitchen Lake7 miles south
- Little Grassy Lake8 miles southwest
- Carbondale City Reservoir9 miles west
- Shop Lake (Burning Star)10 miles northwest
Bait counters on the drive to Crab Orchard Lake
- Dunn's Sporting Goodsbait and tackle shop, Marion, 6 miles
- Dick's Sporting Goods Carbondalesporting goods store, Carbondale, 7 miles
- Just Add Water Bait Tackle & Morebait and tackle shop, Marion, 10 miles
- Egyptian Hills Marina Incmarina, Creal Springs, 13 miles
- Rend Lake Fishing Guidesbait and tackle shop, Benton, 18 miles
- G & S Bait and Tacklebait and tackle shop, Benton, 22 miles
No rod? Loaner sites near Crab Orchard Lake
- Little Grassy Fish HatcheryMakanda, 6 miles
- Little Grassy Campground and MarinaMakanda, 7 miles
- Carbondale Public LibraryCarbondale, 8 miles
- Giant City State ParkMakanda, 11 miles
Places to sleep and eat near Crab Orchard Lake
- Crainville2 miles
- Carterville3 miles
- Cambria5 miles
Crab Orchard Lake, cut along Illinois county lines
- Williamson Countyseat: Marion
IDNR IFishIllinois map, tackle loaner site layer (KML), read November 5, 2026.
A Piscifun reel lineup for a day on Crab Orchard Lake
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Timber, cornfield and water around Crab Orchard Lake through a lens
Photo: Mark and Allegra Jaroski-Biava, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Aaron Lucas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Aaron Lucas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Crab Orchard Lake, sorted out question by question
Which counties border Crab Orchard Lake?
Crab Orchard Lake is a 6965-acre impoundment located in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge between Marion and Carbondale in Williamson County, Illinois. Point the car at Williamson County, about 2 miles from Crainville.
How many IDNR acres does Crab Orchard Lake spread over?
IDNR lists 6,965 acres.
Which IDNR ramp is handiest for Crab Orchard Lake?
9 boat ramps are mapped, including Crab Orchard Lake Bluegill Bay Marina Boat Ramp.
Which fish turn up in IDNR surveys of Crab Orchard Lake?
bluegill lead the IDNR outlook (good), with white bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish and common carp also named.
What does the 2026 digest let me keep at Crab Orchard Lake?
Statewide digest row for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass: Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. The same row adds a separate rule for rivers and streams, quoted in the limits band. Site rules printed above take priority.
May a visitor from Indiana or Iowa fish Crab Orchard Lake?
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
Does Crab Orchard Lake have shore access?
IDNR facility flags: Family Friendly Yes; Handicap Access No; piers are not listed.
Where do Crab Orchard Lake anglers buy tackle?
Dunn's Sporting Goods, about 6 miles away, is the first shop on our list.
How do I see the stage at Crab Orchard Lake?
See Crab Orchard Creek at Crab Orchard Lake near Marion 12W (NWS, dated reading) in the level band.
Is Crab Orchard Lake in the IDNR record list?
Common Carp at 38 lbs 2 oz (bow and arrow division, April 5, 2013) is the heaviest entry IDNR lists for Crab Orchard Lake; IDNR prints no angler names.
Make the drive to Crab Orchard Lake
IDNR fees and the statewide table are on one page.