Burning Star - Long Lake
Info / Jackson County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
No
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 42 acres
Long Lake is located within the Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area in Jackson County just north of DeSoto. From State Highway 51, turn onto Keeling Cemetery Road and follow the signs to the parking area. There is a single lane concrete boat ramp at this lake.
Fishing Outlook
Redear Sunfish
Poor
No Redear Sunfish were collected in the 2022 spring survey.
Bluegill
Poor
The Bluegill population is stunted and poor. Only 17% percent of the Bluegill collected in the 2022 spring survey were over 7 inches. No Bluegill over 8 inches were collected.
Largemouth Bass
Good
The Largemouth Bass population in this lake is good. During the 2022 spring electrofishing sample, of the 41 bass collected, 44% were over 15 inches, 27% were over 16 inches, and 10% were over 18 inches. The largest bass collected in the 2022 survey weighed 5.3 pounds.
Channel Catfish
Average
The Channel Catfish population is average at best. Two Channel Catfish (12-18 inches) were collected in the 2022 spring survey. No Channel Catfish have been stocked by IDNR in this lake.
Crappie spp.
Fair
Long Lake has an average crappie population consisting of both black and white crappie. Of the 17 crappie collected in the 2022 spring electrofishing survey, 41% were over nine-inches in length and 29% were over 10 inches in length. One white crappie over 12 inches was collected.
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 252 |
Contact
483 Mine Road, DeSoto, Illinois 62824
618-521-8873
Description
There is a single lane concrete boat ramp at this 42 acre lake. There is a gravel road down to a gate on the NW portion of this lake. This is private property, please do not park and/or attempt to access Long Lake from this private property. All fishing at Long Lake and the entire site is closed from November 1 through the end of February. An attempt to resume annual fisheries surveys will start in Spring 2026 following the completion of the new boat ramp.
Fishery History
Channel Catfish are stocked annually when available.Site Regulations
CLOSED FISHING SEASON (all lakes and ponds within Burning Star): Fishing is prohibited from November 1 through the end of February.
There is no horsepower boat motor restriction but all boats must operate at no wake speed.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations (all lakes and ponds within Burning Star):
- 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; bow fishing is allowed
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
- Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: Protected slot length limit with 6 fish daily limit: 1 fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 5 fish less than 14 inches. Anglers may not possess any bass that is greater than 14 and less than 18 inches in length
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page
Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area Information Sheet – All Lakes and Ponds
Site Maps
