Shelbyville, Lake

Largemouth Bass

Average

Population is relatively stable. The 2022 year-class appears to have been a bit weaker than average, however 2020, 2021, and 2023 were all at or above average. The lack of aquatic vegetation and continued loss of coarse woody debris continues to be the biggest hinderance to the population. We are frequently asked about stocking of bass. Research has shown that stocked Largemouth Bass contribute very little to an established population, especially in a reservoir this large.

Bluegill

Fair

Fishing is fair. Few fish exceed 7 inches.

Black Crappie

Very Good

Abundance has been decreasing slightly. Fish up to 11-12 inches can be found with the occasional larger fish.

Sauger

Very Good

Annual stocking began in 2020 (only periodic stocking before that) and the population is doing well with most fish in the 12-16 inch range.

Walleye

Very Good

In moderate abundance thanks to annual stockings. Walleye up to 8 lbs. have been collected, as well as good numbers of intermediate sized fish.

White Bass

Excellent

Numbers have recovered rapidly over the last several years after a die-off in the mid 2010’s. White Bass are abundant with 12-15 inch fish common.

Striped Bass

Developing

In moderate abundance thanks to annual stockings. Walleye up to 8 lbs. have been collected, as well as good numbers of intermediate sized fish.

Muskellunge

Developing

Recent efforts have begun to successfully restore the muskie population in Lake Shelbyville. The 2022 and 2023 year-classes are particularly strong, with muskie over 30 inches expected to be moderately abundant in 2024. A decent fishery still exists below the spillway, with an abundance of 25–40-inch muskie.

Smallmouth Bass

Poor

Abundance is low as we attempt to develop a population through stocking. Brood stock are collected from the Kaskaskia River, transported to Jake Wolf Hatchery where they spawn, and fry are then reared on-site at the Fin-and-Feather rearing pond. The occasional fish is reported caught by anglers. No evidence of natural recruitment has been observed. Catch and release is encouraged.

Flathead Catfish

Fair

Are low in abundance, but large fish are present.

White Crappie

Excellent

Recruitment and growth rates have been great over the last 5+ years. Catch rates and length distributions are in the ideal range. Anglers can expect to find White Crappie up to 13 inches, with the occasional larger fish.

Channel Catfish

Good

Are fairly abundant with 8+ pound fish present. Catfish spawning boxes will soon be placed in the lake in the hopes it will improve natural recruitment.