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 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 597.20 feet which is 2.50 feet normal summer pool; water clarity is stained to clear; water temperatures are in the mid 50's. 1.6 inches of rainfall received recently.
NOTES: Please Wear a life jacket while boating and have a safe outing. Fishing - a fun family experience!
FISH: Bluegill ... Fair to Good; Fish are moving in to check out bedding area; offer a red wiggler or cricket near shallow weed lines or cover.
FISH: Crappie ... Good; Good reports of nice sized fish from 14 to 15 inches long being caught with jigs in 8 inches of water. Anglers catching limits!
FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Fair; Cast dark colored jigs or crankbaits near weed lines. Peanut Butter and Jelly is a good color.
FISH: White Bass ... Fair; Anglers getting hits with little spinners, and jigs. Nice sized fish.
FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; Lots being caught with minnows near the weed beds.
FISH: Muskie ... Fair; Look for them below the dam with crankbaits, jigs, rattletraps; good numbers of fish and good sizes in the lake. Red tiger colored crankbaits, Swimmin Joe crankbaits, white colored crankbaits, and white spinnerbaits are all popular baits in deep water.
NOTES: This year visitors should see significant improvements at our facilities. We should have one of the best fishing seasons on the lake and handicapped fishing piers will also be put in to increase fishing opportunities for all lake visitors.
NOTES: Lake Shelbyville is one of the best lakes in Illinois for catching 50 inch muskies. It is also a great lake full of all kinds of fish! 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.
NOTE: Special events for the 2012 season include many fishing tournaments, bike races, Bugs and Butterflies, quilt show, Pow Wow, and Balloonfest.
NOTES: Reported by the Army Corps of Engineers and Chris at Fishermans Quarters Bait Shop. _