Horseshoe Lake - Madison County
Location 2107 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Very Good
The Largemouth Bass numbers have increased from the previous surveys with a CPUE of 76 in the 2020 survey. The size distribution of the fish collected was good with fish in all size classes. The condition of the fish collected continues to be very good.
Bluegill
Very Good
The size quality of the Bluegill population is similar to the previous survey. CPUE is high at 715 fish per hour in the 2020 survey. The condition of the fish is always very good.
Crappie spp.
Very Good
Crappie are a very important sport fish at Horseshoe Lake. Both white and black crappie were collected in higher numbers in the 2020 survey but the size and condition of the fish was very good.
Bigmouth Buffalo
Poor
Bigmouth Buffalo were collected in lower numbers in the 2020 survey. They were mostly smaller fish in somewhat poor condition.
| 2024 | Alligator Gar | Adult | 3 |
| 2024 | Alligator Gar | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 941 |
| 2023 | Alligator Gar | Adult | 1002 |
| 2023 | Alligator Gar | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 105 |
Contact
618- 931-0270
Description
This 2107-acre lake is a very old floodplain lake created by an abandoned river channel. The lake is shallow with average depths of 3-5 feet. It maintains a connection with the Mississippi River through drainage ditches. Therefore, the lake supports a very diverse fishery. Besides the common sport fish the lake is home to carp, buffalo, drum, gar, and Bowfin. The main boat ramp is on the north shore of the lake inside the park. Shore angler access is available at many areas around the lake and there is a 50-horsepower limit for boat motors. Motors over 50 horsepower cannot be used. Swimming, wading, and waterskiing are prohibited.Fishery History
Horseshoe Lake presents many challenges to active fishery management. The lake is a large, shallow and fertile flood plain lake. The lake connects with the Mississippi River via drainage ditches during high water. This allows for uncontrolled fish introduction and escapement. The lake supports high numbers of fish species, including Common Carp, buffalo, Freshwater Drum, and Yellow Bass. Invasive carp are also present in the lake and numbers of Silver Carp have increased rapidly in recent years. Bighead Carp numbers are lower but they are growing to enormous sizes. These fish undoubtedly compete with and negatively impact reproduction and recruitment of sport fish. The sediment in the lake contains high levels of contaminants including heavy metals. There is little or no aquatic plant growth in the main body of the lake. Despite these limitations the lake continues to support a good sport fishery for Bluegill, crappie, and Largemouth Bass. The Largemouth Bass and crappie numbers were both up in the 2020 survey and the lake continues to support decent fishing opportunities for these species. Over 80,000 Channel Catfish were stocked into the lake in 2020. These fish should provide excellent angling opportunities in the coming years. Alligator Gar were stocked for the first time in 2016 as part of a statewide reintroduction project. We hope to see evidence of survival and growth of these fish in future surveys.Site Regulations
There is a 50 horsepower limit for boat motors. Swimming, wading, and waterskiing are prohibited.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Recreational Use Restriction: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (see Illinois Fishing Digest for details)
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing; trotlines must be set within 300 feet from shore; bow fishing is allowed
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Muskie: 42 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
