Russell T Lake - SHFWA
Info / Knox County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Carry in only; Electric motors only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 4 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Good
In 2023, The Bluegill population was sampled by 70 fish in the electrofishing survey. The current Bluegill population is rated as good with the larger fish up to 8.0 inches in length. This population is of high density and in good body condition.
Largemouth Bass
Good
In 2023, The Largemouth Bass population was evaluated by 71 stock sized bass from electrofishing. The Largemouth Bass population appears to be defined by a high percentage of fish from 3 to 18 inches in length. In 2017, the bass regulation for Snakeden Hollow SFWA waters were changed from a 3 fish daily harvest limit with only 1 fish greater than or equal to 15 inches, to a protected slot length limit from 14 to 18 inches with 3 fish daily harvest limit. The goal of the bass regulation is to increase the density of the bass population from 14 to 18 inches. This increased bass density should help create a population that is composed of fish large enough to be efficient predators upon the panfish population. The benefit to bass anglers will be more fish surviving past 15 inches to catch, and for the anglers wanting to harvest bass will be the opportunity to still harvest fish under 14 inches.
Channel Catfish
Average
In 2023, The Channel Catfish population was sampled by 1 fish in 2023 in the electrofishing survey. This population is of low density and in good body condition. The last stocking of Channel Catfish was in 2014.
Redear Sunfish
Very Good
The Redear Sunfish population was sampled by 3 fish in the electrofishing survey. The current redear population is rated as very good with the larger fish up to 11 inches in length. This population is of moderate density and in very good body condition. In 2017, the bluegill and Redear Sunfish regulation was changed from a 10 fish daily harvest limit to a 25 fish daily harvest limit. This change will allow anglers the ability to harvest more bluegill and Redear Sunfish per daily visit to Snakeden Hollow SFWA waters.
Black Crappie
Good
In 2023, the Black Crappie population was sampled by 28 fish in the electrofishing survey. The sizes ranged to over 11 inches in length and the body condition was good. In 2017, the crappie regulation was changed from a 5 fish daily harvest limit, to a 25 fish daily harvest limit with no more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10 inches. The goal of the regulation is to allow the harvest of more of the slower growing Black Crappie, while maintaining and promoting the population structure of crappie over 10 inches in length.
Contact
309-879-2607
Description
The access to the lake is from the new parking area off of Illinois Route 167. The current boat access is limited to small portable boats, canoe or kayaks. Paddle power and electric motors only. It is approximately 50 yards to the lake access from the parking area. Shoreline fishing spots are present, but be prepared to enjoy a hike to reach the far ends of this lake!Fishery History
This lake and adjoining property was a new addition to the Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area through a land purchase facilitated with help of Pheasants Forever. The lake is dedicated in the honor of Mr. Ken Russell. Ken was the IDNR District Fisheries Biologist for this part of the state from 1962 to 2016. In 2012, Ken utilized a set of siphon tubes to lower this lake 5 feet to allow the rehabilitation and removal of a very dense Common Carp population. The lake was restocked in 2013 with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Black Crappie and Channel Catfish. The IDNR was assisted with this project by a generous donation of fish and funds from Logan Hollow Fish Farm, Quad City In-Fisherman Club, Quad Cities Conservation Alliance, Mississippi Valley Muskies, Inc. and the Fyre Lake Sportmens Club. The current fish population is composed of Largemouth Bass predominately from 8 to 15 inches in length, Bluegill up to 8.5 inches in length, Redear Sunfish up to 11 inches in length, a dense Black Crappie population from 9 to 11 inches in length, and Channel Catfish up to 24 inches in length.Site Regulations
All use other than waterfowl hunting is prohibited from 14 days prior to the start of the regular duck season through the end of the central zone Canada goose season.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Recreational Use Restriction: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (see above)
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than 18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10 inches