Location: Island Lake is located within the Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area in Jackson County just north of DeSoto. From State Highway 51, turn onto Keeling Cemetery Road and follow the signs to the parking area and boat launch. Currently there is a single lane gravel boat ramp.

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

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Lack of access has not allowed annual fish sampling of the Island Lake fish population. The completion of a single lane gravel boat ramp will allow annual fish sampling beginning in the spring of 2024. A single supplemental survey was conducted in May of 2015 with permission from a private land owner with access to Island Lake. In a 20 minute survey the following fish species were collected: bluegill sunfish, bowfin, common carp, channel catfish, flathead catfish, freshwater drum, green sunfish, gizzard shad, largemouth bass, longear sunfish, orange-spotted sunfish, smallmouth buffalo, silver carp, spotted gar, warmouth sunfish, white bass and white crappie. Island Lake is attached to the Little Muddy River. Any species found in the Little Muddy River is probably also found in Island Lake.

Additional Lake Information: Fishing is prohibited from November 1 through the end of February.

There is no HP boat motor restriction but all boats must operate at no wake speed.

All species: 2 pole and line fishing only. Bow fishing is allowed.

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:
Site Superintendent - Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area
483 Mine Road, DeSoto, Illinois 62824
618-521-8873
Shawn Hirst - IDNR Fish Biologist 618-559-5009