Shabbona Lake
Location 316 acres
Fishing Outlook
Muskellunge
Good
The Muskie population continues to be stable with size distribution similar to previous years, even with decreased overall catch per unit effort in 2023. Fish in the 30-38 inch remain the dominate size group sampled. Site Regulation: 1 fish daily limit; 48Ë minimum length limit
Walleye
Very Good
The Walleye population is healthy with good numbers of the fish sampled over the 18-inch minimum length limit. Fish over 25 inches are common. Walleye were captured at a rate of 344 fish per hour in the spring electrofishing sample. Walleye are stocked annually at a rate of 80 per acre. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily creel limit, 18Ë minimum length limit.
Largemouth Bass
Good
Shabbona has an excellent Largemouth population. Fall electrofishing surveys have averaged 127 fish/hr over the past 8 years. The 2024 fall survey showed rebounded numbers from the 2022 survey. The weak 2022 year class is evident in both the spring and fall 2023 surveys. Age and growth data from the spring 2023 survey showed a population with good growth reaching legal size in 3.8 years and 12.3 inches in 3 years. Site Regulation: 1 fish daily limit; 14Ë minimum length limi
Crappie spp.
Very Good
Shabbona Lake has a population of both black and white crappies. Black Crappie were the dominate species in the 2023 sample. Both species have good relative weights for all size groups sampled. Both species have excellent growth reaching over 8 inches in 2 plus years. White Crappie numbers will be monitored in the future. Site Regulation: 10 fish daily creel limit, no minimum length limit.
Channel Catfish
Excellent
Channel Catfish have had excellent growth with good numbers of fish 15 inches and larger. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily creel limit, no minimum length limit.
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)
Very Good
The sizes of fish are averaging 22" - 26". Site Regulation: 3 fish daily creel limit, 17Ë minimum length limit.
Bluegill
Very Good
The 2024 survey showed a strong 2023 year class moving into the 3-6 inch range. Fall relative weights are stable and good. Spring age and growth data shows a fast-growing population with fish reaching 6 inches in 2.4 years. Site Regulation: 10 fish daily limit; no minimum length limit.
| 2025 | Bluegill | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 17040 |
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 6024 |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 829 |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 11304 |
| 2025 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 8166 |
Contact
4201 Shabbona Grove Road
815-824-2106
Description
Shabbona Lake was constructed in 1974 for recreational fishing. Shabbona Lake has 318 surface acres of water. The lake has an average depth of 17.5 feet and a maximum depth of 40 feet. A two-lane concrete boat ramp with car/trailer parking is available. Boat rentals are available from the bait shop. The original river channel can still be found along with old road beds and standing timber creating a unique fishing experience.Fishery History
The fishery is managed by annual species-specific surveys. Habitat structures of rock or brush piles are completed annually when weather and conditions allow. Shabbona Lake receives an annual stocking of Channel Catfish, Walleye and Hybrid Striped Bass. Muskie are currently stocked every third year. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are stocked when available or when a poor year class has been identified.Site Regulations
There is no motor horsepower limit at Shabbona Lake, however all boats must be operated at no-wake speed. Swimming and/wading is prohibited.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Recreational Use Restriction: No sport fishing below dam to fence
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing; bow fishing is allowed except when closed and posted on site
- All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Muskie: 48 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass: 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Walleye, Sauger, or Walleye Hybrid: 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
