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BURNING STAR STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA - SHOP LAKE


Lake Information

County: Jackson

Acreage: 24

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Trolling Motors Only

Boat Ramps? No

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No


There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Poor

The bluegill population is poor. No bluegill over 7 inches were collected in the 2022 survey.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Developing

Two channel catfish (12-13 inches) were collected in the 2022 spring survey. A total of 1109 channel catfish (5-7 inches) were stocked in 2020. No channel catfish were stocked in 2021 or 2022.

CRAPPIE

Poor

No crappie have been collected from this lake during fisheries surveys. Crappie will not be added to this lake. Crappie in smaller lakes tend to stunt and result in very poor crappie fishing.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

Largemouth bass were collected in the 2022 fall electrofishing survey at a rate of 120 bass per hour. Of the largemouth bass collected, 13% were over 15 inches and 3% were over 18 inches. The largest bass collected weighed 3.9 pounds.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Poor

No Redear sunfish have been collected from this lake during fisheries surveys.

Location: Shop Lake is accessed from State Route 149 in Jackson County. From Route 149, turn north onto Mine Road to the south parking lot for the Burning Star complex, which is located between DeSoto and Hurst.

Description: There are no facilities or boat ramps at this 24-acre lake. Trolling motors are allowed (no gas motors permitted). From November 1 through the end of February, fishing is prohibited.

Additional Lake Information: Two pole and line fishing only. Bow fishing is allowed. From November 1 through the end of February, fishing is prohibited. Tolling motors are allowed (no gas motors permitted).

A map of the 24 lakes located on Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area can be obtained via email by sending a request to Shawn.Hirst@illinois.gov

Site-specific Regulations:
Largemouth bass: No possession of bass equal to or greater than 14 inches and less than 18"; 5 fish less than 14" and 1 equal or greater than 18" daily limit
Bluegill or redear sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit

Contact Information:
Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area
618-521-8873
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Shawn Hirst
618-559-5009