Fishing Rend Lake

AKA: Lake Rend

Most Popular Fish
Rend Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Rend Lake, IL

Popular Fish Species Rend Lake, IL

Rend Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish at Rend Lake, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the proper equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 45 pounds, and Rend Lake holds some pretty big ones. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Crappie Fishing

Fishing for crappie at Rend Lake has been a long been a favorite of local anglers. The lake has decent populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.

Rend Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Great fisheries management by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has maintained a quality bass fishery at Rend Lake. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding lately. A significant number of larger bass also roam these waters, so there is always the potential for catching a lunker. Bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If you find them shallow, and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Rend Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill and white bass at Rend Lake in Illinois.

Rend Lake Fishing Video

A great place to fish for bluegill and catfish, Rend Lake is also home to bass, crappie and white bass. This 19,000-acre lake in the southern part of the state, is 13 miles long with over 160 miles of shoreline.

Rend Lake, in Illinois, is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. With its sprawling 18,900 acres, this scenic reservoir offers a wealth of recreational opportunities and boasts a diverse range of fish species, making it a prime spot for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

Fishing is the main attraction at Rend Lake, providing an exciting and rewarding experience for visitors. Bass fishing is particularly popular, with largemouth bass thriving in the lake. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of casting their lines and reeling in these elusive and hard-fighting fish. Bluegill, with their vibrant colors and willingness to bite, also attract many anglers seeking a relaxing day on the water. Crappie, known for their delicate meat and abundance, offer excellent angling opportunities throughout the year. White bass and catfish are also plentiful, providing additional variety and excitement for anglers.

Whether you're casting for bass, relaxing with bluegill, or seeking the thrill of reeling in catfish, Rend Lake provides an unforgettable fishing experience. The diverse range of fish species, combined with the numerous recreational activities such as boating and camping, make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The lake is scattered with islands and much of the shallows in the river arms have plenty of submerged brush to hold both predator fish and their prey the baitfish. In warmer weather concentrate on shallow water - anywhere there is cover like brush, rocky points and offshore humps and islands. Points can be productive most any time, simply figure out the correct depth for the day. Crappie and white bass tend to school and tend to migrate around the lake following the baitfish. Bass over 7 pounds are not uncommon here, and 5 and 6 pounders are caught often. The lake has over a dozen boat launch ramps scattered all around the lake. Rend Lake Marina has boat rentals and a store for boating gear, fishing tackle and snacks. If you prefer to fish from the bank, there are multiple Public Use Areas and other access points for shoreline fishing. At some of these areas there is access for portage of a canoe or kayak as well.

Primary fish species residing in Rend Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Rend Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to fishing, Rend Lake offers a host of other recreational activities. Boating enthusiasts can take full advantage of the lake's vast expanse, enjoying leisurely cruises, water skiing, and tubing. The calm waters of the lake are perfect for exploring by kayak or canoe, providing a serene experience and an opportunity to appreciate the surrounding natural beauty.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Rend Lake Marina
Rentals: Jon boats and pontoon boats
618 724-7651

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Dam West Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off S Rend City Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.

Gun Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Golf Course Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and lots of paved parking.

Ina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, off North Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Nelson Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off N Spring Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

North Marcum Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off County Road 19, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sandusky Creek North Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Loon Lane, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and nice paved parking.

Sandusky Creek South Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off S Rend City Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and nice paved parking.

Sesser Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off County Road 850 E, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

South Marcum Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Trailhead Lane, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Turnip Patch Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off E Emerson City Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a gravel parking.

Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park North Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Franklin Road, this is two, two-lane, concrete ramps with docks and tons of paved parking.

Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park South Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, at the east end of the State Highway 154 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Rend Lake Marina
8955 W Dam Ln
Benton, IL 62812
618 724-7651

Fishing Guides On Rend Lake

Rend Lake Fishing Guide - crappie, bass, catfish

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Illinois Fishing License.

For those who wish to extend their stay, camping facilities are available, offering a chance to immerse oneself in the peacefulness of the lake and its surroundings.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Gun Creek Camp Ground - 618 629-2338

South Marcum Rec Area Campground - 618 724-2493

North Sandusky Campground - 618 625-6115

Coy & Wilma’s Campsites & Cabins - 618 310-3440

Rend Lake Camp Ground - 877 444-6777