Forbes Lake (SFSP) Fishing
585 acres on the IFishIllinois page, a lake of Marion County.
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First Illinois notes on Forbes Lake (SFSP)
IDNR lists Forbes Lake (SFSP) at 585 acres, a lake lying in Marion County. At its deepest, the IDNR text says, it reaches 31 feet. From the IDNR pin it is around 6 miles to Kinmundy.
2 boat ramps show on the IDNR boat ramp layer here. Read its digest entry before you keep fish.
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.
What IDNR says about Forbes Lake (SFSP)
- Location (IDNR)Forbes Lake is located in Marion County, approximately 13 miles northeast of Salem Illinois.
- Description (IDNR)Forbes Lake was constructed in Stephen A. Forbes State Park near Salem in 1963. The Lake has a surface area of 585 acres, a maximum depth of 31 feet, and a mean depth of 12 feet. The lake has 18 miles of shoreline and a watershed of 13,800 acres.
What IDNR says is available at Forbes Lake (SFSP)
- Family FriendlyYes
- Handicap AccessYes
- Boat FishingYes – Unrestricted
- Boat RampsYes
- Boat RentalsNo
- CampingYes
- PicnickingYes
- SkiingYes
- SwimmingYes
We copied the Forbes Lake (SFSP) entry from IFishIllinois without edits.
IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
How IDNR rates the fishing at Forbes Lake (SFSP)
| Species | IDNR rating | IDNR survey note |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | Good | Bluegill were not sampled in the 2025 survey. However, trend data suggests that Bluegill fishing will remain good in 2026, despite their overall size structure being hindered by the dense Gizzard Shad population, with… |
| Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fair | Historically, Saugeye have not been very common in annual Forbes Lake surveys. Saugeye are typically stocked annually, but they were not stocked in 2020 or 2023. In the 2025 survey, gillnetting catch rates improved to… |
| Largemouth Bass | Average | On April 01, 2019, the 14” – 18” protected slot limit was replaced by a 14” minimum length limit. Following the removal of the slot limit, the bass population size structure declined. Despite the downward shift, recent… |
| White Crappie | Fair | The size structure of the White Crappie population remained relatively poor, but crappie continued to be very abundant. Average body condition for all sizes of crappie fell below the lake management plan target at… |
| Channel Catfish | Good | Channel Catfish remain abundant in Forbes Lake and should provide good fishing opportunities in the coming year. Body condition (Wr=89) declined to just below the lake management plan minimum target and the… |
| Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fair | Hybrid Striped Bass are also uncommon in the annual Forbes Lake surveys, but spring gillnetting catch rates improved from 8 per net-night in 2024 to 13 per net-night in 2025. Approximately 63% of the adult Hybrid… |
Species for Forbes Lake (SFSP) come only from IDNR pages and tables.
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.
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- IDNRThe sport fish population in Forbes Lake is comprised primarily of Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, White Crappie, and Channel Catfish. The lake is stocked annually with Saugeye (Walleye/Sauger hybrid), Channel Catfish, and Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper). The lake also contains a strong population of Yellow Bullhead and large Common Carp (20+ pounds). The fish population is surveyed annually, and summaries above are …
IDNR fishery history text, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Backing a trailer into Forbes Lake (SFSP)
- Forbes Lake North Boat Ramplaunch
- Forbes Lake South Boat Ramplaunch
Ramps to know near Forbes Lake (SFSP)
- Kinmundy City Lake Boat RampKinmundy Reservoir, 6 miles west
- Kinmundy Reservoir Boat RampKinmundy Reservoir, 7 miles northwest
IDNR IFishIllinois map, boat ramp and launch layer of October 2025 (KML; name, waterbody and notes as printed), read November 5, 2026.
Courtesy docks and cleaning houses around Forbes Lake (SFSP)
- Stephen A. Forbes Boat Dockboat dock, near Stephen A. Forbes
- Stephen A. Forbes Boat Dockboat dock, near Stephen A. Forbes
- Stephen A. Forbes Boat Dockboat dock, near Stephen A. Forbes
- Rentable Slips Boat Dockboat dock, near Stephen A. Forbes
- Rentable Slips Boat Dockboat dock, near Stephen A. Forbes
- Courtesy Day Use Docks Boat Dockboat dock, near Stephen A. Forbes
- Stephen A. Forbes Boat Dockboat dock, near Stephen A. Forbes
- Stephen A. Forbes Fish Cleaning Stationfish cleaning station
- Stephen A. Forbes Fish Cleaning Stationfish cleaning station
- Stephen A. Forbes Fish Cleaning Stationfish cleaning station, wood
The IDNR asset inventory of 2019 places these structures at Forbes Lake (SFSP); check on site before counting on them.
IDNR lands asset inventory, 2019 (boating and fishing assets layer), read November 4, 2026.
Contour maps published for Forbes Lake (SFSP)
- Forbes LakeIDNR depth map
- Forbes Lake DamIDNR depth map
- Forbes Lake Mountain BranchIDNR depth map
- Forbes Lake Phillips BranchIDNR depth map
IDNR has drawn 4 depth maps of Forbes Lake (SFSP); the waterbody page carries them.
IDNR depth map list, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
What IDNR put into Forbes Lake (SFSP)
| Year | Species as listed | Number | Size class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Channel Catfish | 5,000 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2026 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 4,799 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2026 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | 33,516 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | 5,000 | Advanced Fingerling (4 – 7") |
| 2025 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 7,870 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | 38,027 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | 3,000 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | 2,000 | Advanced Fingerling (4 – 7") |
| 2024 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 6,278 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | 30,220 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2023 | Channel Catfish | 5,000 | NonVulnerable (8 – 10") |
| 2023 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 5,836 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
These Forbes Lake (SFSP) lines are from the IFishIllinois stocking table.
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 rules on keeping fish at Forbes Lake (SFSP)
| 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 |
Unless the digest names Forbes Lake (SFSP) for a species, the statewide row decides.
Local rules at Forbes Lake (SFSP)
| Water as printed | Species | Rule as printed (code) |
|---|---|---|
| Forbes Lake | Recreational Use Restrictions | Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12) |
| Forbes Lake | All Fish | 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5) |
| Forbes Lake | Channel Catfish | 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit |
| Forbes Lake | Large or Smallmouth Bass | 14 inch Minimum Length Limit |
| Forbes Lake | Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass | 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit |
| Forbes Lake | White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie | No Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches |
- Code 1Sport fishermen must not use more than 2 poles and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached (Alabama rigs not allowed) while fishing, except that legal size cast nets (in accordance with Section 810.50(a)(2)), shad scoops, and minnow …
- Code 5Sport fishermen may take carp, carpsuckers, buffalo, gar, bowfin and suckers by pitchfork, gigs, bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices.
- Code 12It shall be unlawful to trespass upon a designated waterfowl hunting area during the 7 days prior to the regular duck season, or to fish on such areas during the regular duck and Canada goose season except in areas posted as open to fishing. It shall be …
Site-specific regulations as printed in the 2026 Illinois Fishing Information digest (IDNR) page 28, 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.
Forbes Lake (SFSP) next to the lakes around it
The biggest neighbour here is Carlyle Lake, listed at 24,580 acres.
| Lake | Distance | Acres (IDNR) | Max depth (ft) | Mapped ramps | First IDNR-rated fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forbes Lake (SFSP) | 585 | 31 | 2 | Bluegill | |
| Kinmundy Reservoir | 7 miles northwest | 107 | 26 | 2 | |
| Sam Dale Lake | 16 miles southeast | 194 | 2 | Largemouth Bass | |
| Lake Centralia | 18 miles southwest | 254 | 23 | 1 | Bluegill |
| Raccoon Lake | 22 miles southwest | 970 | 17 | 1 | Crappie spp. |
| Carlyle Lake | 25 miles west | 24,580 | 35 | 14 | Sauger |
IDNR IFishIllinois pages (acres, depth text, outlook) and the IDNR boat ramp layer; read November 4, 2026.
Down the county road from Forbes Lake (SFSP)
More Illinois lakes within reach of Forbes Lake (SFSP)
- Kinmundy Reservoir7 miles northwest
- Sam Dale Lake16 miles southeast
- Lake Centralia18 miles southwest
- Raccoon Lake22 miles southwest
- Carlyle Lake25 miles west
Tackle stops within a short drive of Forbes Lake (SFSP)
- Hotshots Bowfishingbait and tackle shop, Clay City, 20 miles
Borrowing a rod near Forbes Lake (SFSP)
- Centralia Public LibraryCentralia, 25 miles
Beds and breakfasts for a run to Forbes Lake (SFSP)
- Salem13 miles
- Louisville14 miles
- Flora16 miles
Courthouse-county pages reaching Forbes Lake (SFSP)
- Marion Countyseat: Salem
IDNR IFishIllinois map, tackle loaner site layer (KML), read November 5, 2026.
Spinning reels from Piscifun matched to Forbes Lake (SFSP)
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Lakes and river bends close to Forbes Lake (SFSP), in pictures
Photo: tofu nutloaf, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Public domain
Photo: Aaron Lucas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dan, CC BY 2.0
What gets asked about Forbes Lake (SFSP) around Illinois
Is Forbes Lake (SFSP) upstate, central or down in Little Egypt?
Forbes Lake is located in Marion County, approximately 13 miles northeast of Salem Illinois. Search Marion County, about 6 miles from Kinmundy.
What acre figure does IFishIllinois print for Forbes Lake (SFSP)?
585 acres, per IDNR, and the IDNR text gives a 31 foot maximum depth.
Which launches on the IDNR map serve Forbes Lake (SFSP)?
IDNR plots 2 boat ramps; start at Forbes Lake North Boat Ramp.
How does IDNR grade the bass at Forbes Lake (SFSP)?
First in the IDNR outlook: bluegill, good; also present per IDNR are saugeye, largemouth bass, white crappie, channel catfish and hybrid striped bass.
Does a digest length rule cover Forbes Lake (SFSP)?
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. A digest line for this water changes part of that; see the limits band.
Which IDNR paperwork comes before a day at Forbes Lake (SFSP)?
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
Where do shore anglers go at Forbes Lake (SFSP)?
No pier is inventoried; the IDNR page notes Family Friendly Yes; Handicap Access Yes.
Where are crawlers sold on the way to Forbes Lake (SFSP)?
Nearest in our shop file: Hotshots Bowfishing, about 20 miles away,.
Save a Saturday for Forbes Lake (SFSP)
Buy the Illinois license online before you leave.