Shelbyville, Lake

Muskellunge

Very Good

Recent efforts continue to successfully restore the muskie population in Lake Shelbyville. The 2022 and 2023 year-classes are particularly strong, and growth rates have been very good, with muskie over 30 inches present in the lake for several years now. The biggest hinderance to building a quality fishery is the loss of muskie via dam escapement. A good fishery exists below the spillway because of that escapement, with an abundance of 25–40-inch muskie commonly caught below the dam.

Largemouth Bass

Very Good

Population is relatively stable, with a few strong year-classes improving catch rates slightly. 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

Poor

An attempt was made to develop a Striped Bass fishery in Lake Shelbyville from 2018-2025. Unfortunately survival of stocked Striped Bass was very low, therefore the stocking program was ended.

Smallmouth Bass

Poor

For multiple years brood stock were collected from the Kaskaskia River, transported to Jake Wolf Hatchery to spawn, and young were reared on-site at the Fin-and-Feather rearing pond. Unfortunately, survival of Smallmouth Bass was low, with only the occasional fish reported by anglers or caught in surveys. No evidence of natural recruitment was ever observed. The stocking program was therefore ended.

White Crappie

Excellent

Recruitment has been lower over the last several years, largely due to the lack of flooding that benefits young-of-year crappie. Catch rates and length distributions are still very good. Anglers can expect to find White Crappie up to 13 inches, with the occasional larger fish.

Channel Catfish

Very Good

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

Flathead Catfish

Fair

Are low in abundance, but large fish are present.