Horseshoe Lake (Alexander) Fishing
Sized by IDNR at 1,890 acres, this lake lies in Alexander County.
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Horseshoe Lake (Alexander), measured out for Illinois anglers
1,890 acres of lake water make up Horseshoe Lake (Alexander), which IDNR places in Alexander County. Supplies are closest in Olive Branch, about 3 miles by straight line.
The IDNR launch layer marks 8 boat ramps at this water. The digest names it among the site-specific waters.
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.
IDNR page details for Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
- Location (IDNR)Horseshoe Lake is located in Alexander County at the Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area just south of Olive Branch, Illinois.
- Description (IDNR)Horseshoe Lake is an 1890-acre impounded oxbow lake with a maximum depth of 5-6 feet. The lake resembles a southern swamp with bald cypress and tupelo gum trees. However, the Cypress/Tupelo trees in the lake have been in decline for decades due to continuous inundation. Facilities at Horseshoe Lake include several boat ramps and campgrounds.
Facilities IDNR checks off at Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
- Family FriendlyNo
- Handicap AccessNo
- Boat FishingYes – 10 hp limit; only electric trolling motors allowed in refuge from October 15 through March 1
- Boat RampsYes
- Boat RentalsNo
- CampingYes
- PicnickingYes
- SkiingNo
- SwimmingNo
- Trout StockingNo
Everything above is IDNR wording for Horseshoe Lake (Alexander).
IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
IDNR-rated fish swimming in Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
| Species | IDNR rating | IDNR survey note |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Poor | The bass fishery in Horseshoe Lake is severely constrained by low abundance. Only two were collected during the 2022 electrofishing survey. |
| Channel Catfish | Good | During fall of 2024, a targeted catfish survey was attempted using tandem baited hoop nets (3 nets tied in series; baited with Zote Soap). Unfortunately, no catfish were collected. Electrofishing surveys conducted… |
| Emerald Bowfin | Excellent | Bowfin are numerous in Horseshoe Lake and should provide good opportunities for bow fishing and anglers with the proper gear. Bowfin are aggressive predators and very strong fighters. Similar to Gar, Bowfin are a native… |
| Bluegill | Average | Only 31 Bluegill were collected during 2022 surveys, of which 2 were right at 8 inches in length. Body condition was very good. Horseshoe Lake used to harbor one of the premier Bluegill fisheries in Illinois. However, a… |
| Gar spp. | Excellent | Spotted Gar are numerous in Horseshoe Lake and should provide excellent opportunities for bow fishing. Individuals over 5 lbs have been collected during surveys. Similar to Bowfin, gar are a native species and should… |
| Crappie spp. | Good | Horseshoe Lake contains a crappie population consisting of both Black and White Crappie. During fall of 2024, a targeted crappie trap net survey was completed, yielding 9 Black Crappie and 38 White Crappie. Black… |
emerald bowfin earn a excellent rating from IDNR at Horseshoe Lake (Alexander).
IDNR sources tie these fish to Horseshoe Lake (Alexander): outlook, stocking or a record.
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 recreational fishery in Horseshoe Lake has been severely degraded due to environmental and biological factors associated with increased frequency and severity of flooding, in addition to the decline in Cypress/Tupelo trees from continuous inundation. Of particular note is the decline in the Bluegill fishery, which used to be one of the best in the state. Fortunately, the lake still harbors good fishing …
IDNR fishery history text, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Getting a boat into Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
- East Side Dr Boat Ramp on Horseshoe Lake (Alexander) (east)dirt, gravel ramp
- East Side Dr Boat Ramp on Horseshoe Lake (Alexander) (north)concrete ramp
- East Side Dr Boat Ramp on Horseshoe Lake (Alexander) (south)concrete ramp
- Horseshoe Lake (Alexander County) Boat Ramplaunch
- Horseshoe Lake (Alexander County) Dam Boat Rampconcrete ramp
- Horseshoe Lake (Alexander County) Refuge Road Boat Rampasphalt, concrete ramp
- Horseshoe Lake (Alexander County) West CG Boat Ramplaunch
- Horseshoe Lake-Alexander Boat Rampdirt, gravel ramp
IDNR IFishIllinois map, boat ramp and launch layer of October 2025 (KML; name, waterbody and notes as printed), read November 5, 2026.
Dockage and cleaning stations on Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
- Westside Dr Boat Dockboat dock, near Horseshoe Lake-Alexander
- Westside Dr Boat Dockboat dock, near Horseshoe Lake-Alexander
- Westside Dr Boat Dockboat dock, near Horseshoe Lake-Alexander
- Spillway Boat Dockboat dock, near Horseshoe Lake-Alexander
- Westside Dr Boat Dockboat dock, near Horseshoe Lake-Alexander
IDNR recorded these docks and stations at Horseshoe Lake (Alexander) in its 2019 asset survey.
IDNR lands asset inventory, 2019 (boating and fishing assets layer), read November 4, 2026.
Bottom maps for Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
- Horseshoe Lake – AlexanderIDNR depth map
IDNR lists 1 depth map for Horseshoe Lake (Alexander).
IDNR depth map list, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Fish allowed in the cooler at Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
| 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 |
Statewide limits hold on Horseshoe Lake (Alexander) except where its own entry differs.
Site-specific rules for Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
| Water as printed | Species | Rule as printed (code) |
|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe Lake – Alexander County | Recreational Use Restrictions | Only trolling motors in refuge from October 15 through March 1 |
| Horseshoe Lake – Alexander County | All Fish | 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5) |
- 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.
Site-specific regulations as printed in the 2026 Illinois Fishing Information digest (IDNR) page 33, 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 lakes clustered around Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
For more room, Mermet State Lake has 452 acres on its IDNR page.
| Lake | Distance | Acres (IDNR) | Max depth (ft) | Mapped ramps | First IDNR-rated fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe Lake (Alexander) | 1,890 | 8 | Largemouth Bass | ||
| Lyerla Lake (UCFWA) | 16 miles north | 275 | 0 | Crappie spp. | |
| Dongola City Reservoir | 18 miles northeast | 58 | 1 | Crappie spp. | |
| Anna City Lake | 23 miles north | 3.0 | 0 | Bluegill | |
| Mermet State Lake | 28 miles east | 452 | 5 | Redear Sunfish | |
| Turkey Pond (Giant City State Park) | 32 miles north | 0.8 | 0 | Largemouth Bass |
IDNR IFishIllinois pages (acres, depth text, outlook) and the IDNR boat ramp layer; read November 4, 2026.
Near Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
A second lake for the day after Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
- Lyerla Lake (UCFWA)16 miles north
- Dongola City Reservoir18 miles northeast
- Anna City Lake23 miles north
- Mermet State Lake28 miles east
- Turkey Pond (Giant City State Park)32 miles north
Free loaner rods within reach of Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
- Ullin City CenterUllin, 13 miles
Town bases for anglers near Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
- Cairo12 miles
- Jonesboro22 miles
- Anna23 miles
Each county Horseshoe Lake (Alexander) touches, with links
- Alexander Countyseat: Cairo
IDNR IFishIllinois map, tackle loaner site layer (KML), read November 5, 2026.
Piscifun reels to stow in the truck for Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
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The ponds and rivers around Horseshoe Lake (Alexander), photographed
Photo: David Brossard, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture, CC0 1.0
Photo: USFWS Midwest Region, Public domain
Photo: Mark and Allegra Jaroski-Biava, CC BY-SA 2.0
Before the tackle box goes in the car for Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
Where in Illinois is Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)?
Horseshoe Lake is located in Alexander County at the Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area just south of Olive Branch, Illinois. Head for Alexander County, about 3 miles from Olive Branch.
What size does IDNR list for Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)?
Its IDNR size is 1,890 acres.
Does Horseshoe Lake (Alexander) have a ramp on the IDNR layer?
Use East Side Dr Boat Ramp on Horseshoe Lake (Alexander) (east) or another of 8 boat ramps.
How is the fishing at Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)?
IDNR rates largemouth bass poor; its sources also name channel catfish, emerald bowfin and bluegill.
What can I take home from Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)?
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. Check the site-specific rows above as well.
Which IDNR license goes in my wallet at Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)?
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
Did IDNR inventory a fishing pier at Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)?
Its IDNR facility line reads Family Friendly No; Handicap Access No, with no inventoried pier.
Which counter near Horseshoe Lake (Alexander) keeps a minnow tank?
Pack bait at home; no listed shop is close.
Plan a morning on Horseshoe Lake (Alexander)
Know what goes in the cooler before you launch.