Horseshoe Lake (Alexander County)
A 2,400-acre shallow lake within the 10,200-acre Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area, about 7 miles north of Cairo on Route 3. IDNR lists bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish and notes the lake is known for bucktailing.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Crappie
Bluegill
Known for bucktailing (small leadhead jig tied with calf hair, fly rod, no bobber)
Channel Catfish
Boat launches
2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Boat ramps around the lakePublicIDNR says launching ramps are located around the lake; nine boat docks are available for rent. Private boats limited to 10 hp motors; trolling motors only Oct 15 to Mar 1.Directions ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the state agency or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth/Smallmouth/Spotted Bass | See Illinois rules book ↗ | 6 combined |
| Crappie | See Illinois rules book ↗ | See Illinois rules book ↗ |
| Channel Catfish | See Illinois rules book ↗ | See Illinois rules book ↗ |
| Bluegill/Sunfish | See Illinois rules book ↗ | See Illinois rules book ↗ |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at 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 Horseshoe Lake (Alexander County) ↗Local tips
- The lake is shallow, so bucktailing with a small jig fished without a bobber is the local technique.
- Private boats are limited to 10-hp motors, and only trolling motors are allowed Oct 15 to Mar 1.
- Call the park office at 618-776-5689 before traveling since weather can close roads and facilities.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Illinois lakes
Lake Shelbyville Fox Chain O'Lakes Crab Orchard Lake Clinton Lake Lake Springfield Lake Decatur Kinkaid Lake Horseshoe Lake (Madison County) All Illinois lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.