Shawnee National Forest

Recreational Activities

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Shawnee Lakes | Ponds | Area Maps

THE LAND BETWEEN THE RIVERS..............

Known as the-land-between-the-rivers, the Shawnee Forest is bordered on the east by the Ohio River and on the west by the Mississippi River. Whether you're a tournament fisherman on the Ohio and Launch your boat at the Golconda Marina, or a camper at Tower Rock these two rivers offer some great fishing opportunities. Not only can the common largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill be caught within these rivers but white bass, striped bass, flathead catfish, blue carfish, and hosts of other large river fish await your dip net.

Many major streams and several small rivers provide urban dwellers with a wide assortment of fishing opportunities within the Shawnee National Forest. Portions of Big Grand Pierre, Lusk, Bay, Sugar, Cedar, Cave, Hutchins, Cache and Clear creeks are all considered fishable. The upper portions of Lusk, Grand Pierre, and Big creeks are outstanding examples of meandering streams composed of clear pools and riffles. Located on the east side of the forest these streams are home to popular sport fish including smallmouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish.

Springtime provides a great opportunity to put on your waders and enjoy the solitude and remoteness of one of these clear streams. Launch your canoe or small flat bottom boat and float the Big Muddy and the lower portion of the Saline River. The Big Muddy is home to muskellunge and sauger both challenging species for fishermen. Whether you are fly fishing for a trophy spotted bass, spin fishing for a record largemouth bass, or pole-and-line-fishing for channel catfish the challenge and fascination of stream fishing on the Shawnee can be a rewarding experience.