Guide To Fishing At Crab Orchard Lake

AKA: Crab Orchard Reservoir

At over 6,900 surface acres, with a wide variety of fish species to pursue, Crab Orchard Lake is an anglers paradise. It is located in southern Illinois a few miles east of Carbondale. If you like fishing around rocky shorelines with trees and brush, the lake has plenty.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Crab Orchard Lake is populated with healthy schools of bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill and sunfish. There are opportunities for shoreline fishing - some with easy access and some may take a bit of walking. The most efficient way to fish this waterway is by boat. Rental boats are available and there are several boat ramps for launching of fishing, pleasure and pontoon boats. Canoes and kayaks can be portaged from multiple locations around the lake. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Campground offers camping and RV spaces, some right on the water.

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill and white bass at Crab Orchard Lake in Illinois.

Primary fish species residing in Crab Orchard Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Crab Orchard Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Crab Orchard Campground East Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Campground Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Crab Orchard Campground West Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Campground Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Crab Orchard - Northwest Boat Ramp And Parking
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Spillway Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Broken Handle Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Broken Handle Lane, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited, gravel parking.

Foreville Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Foreville Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Highway 13 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, at the east end of the Highway 13 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.

Old Route 13 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Old Route 13, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Refuge Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, at the north end of the Refuge Road Bridge, this is a one-lane, gravel ramp with a gravel parking.

Spillway Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Spillway Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited, gravel parking.

Click here for a Illinois Fishing License.