Henderson Creek SFWA
Info / Henderson County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Unrestricted
Boat Ramps
No
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
Yes - Available at Big River State Forest
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 200 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Average
The Bluegill population was sampled by 49 fish in 2015. The population was well represented up to 7 inches in length with very good Relative weights over 100. Average recruitment and growth rate is occurring at the current time in the semi-isolated backwater.
Largemouth Bass
Average
In 2015, D.C. electrofishing was used to survey the fish population. Two electrofishing stations were completed along the Henderson Creek levee to the east and along the Mississippi River levee on the western shore. The Largemouth Bass population was represented by 48 Largemouth Bass. The population structure was defined by a high percentage of fish from 2.5 to 19 inches in length with very good Relative weights over 100. In 2015, Largemouth Bass reproduction and recruitment were very high with a YAR value of 5.
Crappie spp.
Average
The black crappie population was sampled with 4 fish in the 2015 electrofishing survey. The sampled black crappie ranged from 5.5 to 7 inches and had very good body condition with Relative weight values over 100.
Contact
Description
The total site acreage for Henderson Creek SFWA is 2,462 acres. This former levee district is now a flooded backwater of the Mississippi River and the surface water acreage varies according to the stage of the semi-connected Mississippi river and Henderson Creek. In normal summer pool, the site contains approximately 200 surface acres of water. Access to the site is available from a parking lot on the south end of the site, or by boat when the Mississippi River level is high enough.Fishery History
Henderson Creek SFWA was formerly a private levee district that contained agricultural fields, wetlands, bottomland hardwood forest and a duck hunting club. The State of Illinois obtained ownership of the site in the early 2000's with the intent of managing the site for quality backwater habitat. Then the historic Mississippi River flood of 2008 caused a major levee breach on both the north end and the south ends into the adjacent Henderson Creek. Since that time, the site has not limited resource management, and has become a seasonally connected backwater to the Mississippi River. The predominant sport fish will reflect the Mississippi River with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, crappie and Channel Catfish being present. In 2015, the electrofishing survey collected 27 fish species. Other notable fish species collected were Yellow Perch, White Bass and Walleye.Site Regulations
Statewide fishing regulations apply at Henderson Creek SFWA.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Recreational Use Restrictions: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (see below)
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide limit)
Additional Information
It shall be unlawful to trespass upon a designated waterfowl hunting area during the 7 days prior to regular duck season or to fish on such areas during the regular duck season except in areas posted as open to fishing; it shall be unlawful to trespass upon areas designated as waterfowl rest areas or refuges from 2 weeks prior to the start of the regular duck season through the end of duck and Canada goose season.
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page