Explore the Shawnee National Forest,
.............and enjoy
the largest, most diverse natural treasure in Illinois.
Major highways lead to southern Illinois where
you will find some of the most beautiful scenery
in the Midwest.
Popular only
begins to describe ....
...fishing adventures in southern Illinois.
Trophy-sized bluegill, redear sunfish, channel and
flathead catfish,
white and yellow bass, crappie, and of course, largemouth
and spotted bass trophies have been taken from area
waters. Walleye, sauger, striped bass and hybrid
striped bass are also caught. Fishing enthusiasts,
from the worm-and-bobber crowd to those on the tournament
circuit, have a field day in April and May as the
waters warm and the fish begin to feed actively.
Fishing for many continues throughout the warm months
and into mild southern Illinois winters.
Looking
for a challenge?
Take your bass or crappie rig and motor the mighty Ohio River and
its world-famous Smithland Pool. Anglers call the
Ohio River and 22 streams that enter it from Illinois
one of southern Illinois' best-kept secrets.
There
is no shortage..
...of marinas, boats and motor
rentals, or bait and tackle supplies, from private
establishments and other agencies that manage lakes
in and near the forest. An Illinois fishing license
is required. Have fun, land a lunker, and get the
frying pan ready!
In
the SHAWNEE National Forest...
...we have over 146 miles
of rivers and streams, with more than 200 individual
lakes and ponds encompassing 5,200 surface acres,
spread over several physiographic provinces. These
aquatic habitats support over 100 species of freshwater
fish and mussels, as well as, diverse recreational
fisheries. Excellent opportunities for bait, troll
and fly-fishing abound. As you use our site, we
hope you find useful information to guide you in
your fishing adventures. Good Luck!
Bring
your boat...
...canoe, sailboard or sailboat to
enjoy the thousands of acres of water in southern Illinois.
Lakes, ponds, and streams in and near the forest
offer canoeists
and power-boaters picturesque
settings for summertime rides in the sun. The water
bodies range from small pools to lakes larger than
2,700 acres.
You
will long remember...
a trip on the water with
a quiet sunrise departure or sunset return on a
shimmering lake surrounded by the forested hill
country. Let your boat slide through glassy water
on Devil's Kitchen, Little
Grassy, Big
Cedar, Little
Cedar, and Dutchman
Lake alongside
rocky out-croppings. Drift or paddle the tranquil Big
Muddy River Canoe
Trail.
![Green Bar](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090117180742im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee/images/lines_green_008.gif)
**Your
safety is important to us. Remember floatation
devices and other boating safety gear. Flooding
lowland and cypress swamps created many lakes. These
impoundments often contain submerged stumps or
treetops that can be difficult to see. Stay alert
and observe horsepower limits.**
![Green Bar](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090117180742im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee/images/lines_green_008.gif)
Rough
or Convenient???
Camping in
the Shawnee National Forest is fun, whether you like
to rough it or prefer conveniences. Pitch a tent
or park a trailer for a modest fee in one of 7 developed
campgrounds. Most have drinking water, restrooms,
tables, and grills or fire rings. Showers are available
at Oak
Point Campground and Lake Glendale Recreation
Area. Campsites at Lake Glendale
have electrical hookups for all the conveniences
of home. Panoramic views and unique scenery are found
near every campground. Towering rock formations,
peaceful rivers and streams and historic sites provide
backdrops and side trips while you camp
or picnic.
Swimming
anyone?
The forest
offers three swimming beaches: Lake
Glendale, Pounds
Hollow and Johnson
Creek. Lake Glendale
is the only beach operated
by a concessionaire where lifeguards, food, drink,
and rentals are provided and a fee is charged.
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