FISHING AREA: Lake Shelbyville is an 11,000 acre lake that averages 16 feet in depth, at normal pool, with a maximum depth of 67 feet. 250 miles of picturesque, wooded shoreline have been created by islands, coves, peninsulas and inlets. The focus in on hunting and fishing, the area has no camping, picnicking or day-use facilities. The acreage offers many natural features including wooded uplands, spectacular acenery, prairie plants, 50 species of native plants, more than 200 species of birds, and various wildlife are present. Fishermen will find six small boat launching facilties located in the the wildlife areas. Bigger craft owners are advised to use the larger access areas offered at marinas, state parks or Corps of Engineers sites.A handicap fishing pier and boat launch is available. It is the home of Eagle Creek Inn, one of the Midwest's most modern resorts at Eagle Creek State Park. Wolf Creek State Park and Shelbyville Wildlife management Areas are also located near the lake. Shelbyville Lake is located in Shelby County west of Mattoon; south of Illinois Route 121 and north of Illinois Route 16. Route 32 crosses the east side of the lake into Moultri County.
WATER CONDITIONS: Lake level is 605.60 feet; 5.9 feet above summer pool; water clarity is stained to clear; temps near 80 degrees.
NOTES: Please Wear a life jacket while boating and have a safe outing.
FISH: Catfish ... Slow to Fair; on crawlers, cut shad and big minnows in late evenings.
FISH: Crappie ... Slow to Fair; Fish are moving out to deeper levels near timber and structure in 8 to 10 feet of water or trolling deeper water; hitting on tensil jigs, jigs, tube jigs, and minnows
FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Fair; on plastics on main lake points or along shoreline timber with spinnerbaits and shallow running crankbaits.
FISH: Walleye ... Slow to Fair; with some on jigs and crawlers or twister tails by trolling on the flats or near main lake structure.
FISH: White Bass ... Fair; on 2-jig rigs and twisters along wind blown flats and trolling crankbaits in deeper water.
FISH: Muskie ... Slow; Look for them along the wind blown banks with tiny crankbaits or shiny spoons.
NOTES: Lake Shelbyville is one of the best lakes in Illinois for catching 50 inch muskies. the crappie creel limit is five fish shorter than 10 inches and 10 fish longer than 10 inches.
NOTE: Crappie Limit: Can now Keep -- 10 over 10 inches -- 5 below 10 inches.
NOTES: Reported by Ken Pierson of the Army Corps of Engineers and Larry's Fishing Hole on the Web. For lake report - call 217/774-2020.