Crab Orchard Lake
Crab Orchard Lake is a 6,965-acre impoundment in Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge between Marion and Carbondale in Williamson County. It is known for white bass, crappie, and channel catfish fishing.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
White Bass
Schools chasing shad in open water, and spring river runs.
Crappie
Brush piles, docks and standing timber. Minnows or small jigs.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.
Largemouth Bass
Weeds, docks and wood in the shallows.
Bluegill
Weed beds and shallow flats in late spring.
Boat launches
1 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- More public accessPublicSee the IDNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Crab Orchard Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Illinois Department of Natural Resources ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Crab Orchard Lake ↗Local tips
- A user permit is required to access the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (visitor center 618-997-3344)
- Two poles max, 2 hooks or lures per pole
- Trotlines, jugs, hand fishing and bow fishing are allowed with specific restrictions
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Illinois lakes
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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.