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SHABBONA LAKE
Lake Information
County: DeKalb
Acreage: 316
Average Depth: 15.26 feet
Shoreline Length: 6.5 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? unlimited hp, No Wake
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2023 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
6020 |
2023 |
Largemouth Bass |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
536 |
2023 |
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
7876 |
2023 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
13750 |
2024 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
6020 |
2024 |
Muskellunge |
Adult |
323 |
2024 |
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
9672 |
2024 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
21038 |
Additional information for stocking on Shabbona Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Very Good | The 2024 survey showed a strong 2023 year class moving into the 3-6 inch range. Fall relative weights are stable and good. Spring age and growth data shows a fast-growing population with fish reaching 6 inches in 2.4 years. Site Regulation: 10 fish daily limit; no minimum length limit. | |
Excellent | Channel catfish have had excellent growth with good numbers of fish 15 inches and larger. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily creel limit, no minimum length limit. | |
Very Good | Shabbona Lake has a population of both black and white crappies. Black Crappie were the dominate species in the 2023 sample. Both species have good relative weights for all size groups sampled. Both species have excellent growth reaching over 8 inches in 2 plus years. White Crappie numbers will be monitored in the future. Site Regulation: 10 fish daily creel limit, no minimum length limit. | |
Very Good | The sizes of fish are averaging 22" - 26". Site Regulation: 3 fish daily creel limit, 17˝ minimum length limit. | |
Good | Shabbona has an excellent Largemouth population. Fall electrofishing surveys have averaged 127 fish/hr over the past 8 years. The 2024 fall survey showed rebounded numbers from the 2022 survey. The weak 2022 year class is evident in both the spring and fall 2023 surveys. Age and growth data from the spring 2023 survey showed a population with good growth reaching legal size in 3.8 years and 12.3 inches in 3 years. Site Regulation: 1 fish daily limit; 14˝ minimum length limi | |
Good | The Muskie population continues to be stable with size distribution similar to previous years, even with decreased overall catch per unit effort in 2023. Fish in the 30-38 inch remain the dominate size group sampled. Site Regulation: 1 fish daily limit; 48˝ minimum length limit | |
Very Good | The Walleye population is healthy with good numbers of the fish sampled over the 18-inch minimum length limit. Fish over 25 inches are common. Walleye were captured at a rate of 344 fish per hour in the spring electrofishing sample. Walleye are stocked annually at a rate of 80 per acre. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily creel limit, 18˝ minimum length limit. | |
Location: Shabbona Lake is located in Dekalb County approximately 2 miles south and 1 mile east of the city of Shabbona. Take US 30 east into Shabbona. Follow blue tourism signs at the west edge of Shabbona.
Description: Shabbona Lake was constructed in 1974 for recreational fishing. Shabbona Lake has 318 surface acres of water. The lake has an average depth of 17.5 feet deep and a max depth of 40 feet. The original river channel can still be found along with old road beds and standing timber creating a unique fishing experience.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The fishery is managed by annual species-specific surveys. Habitat structures of rock or brush piles are completed annually when weather and conditions allow. Shabbona Lake receives an annual stocking of Channel Catfish, Walleye and Hybrid Striped Bass. Muskie are currently stocked every third year. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are stocked when available or when a poor year class has been identified.
Additional Lake Information: A two-lane concrete boat ramp with car/trailer parking is available. Boat rentals are available from the bait shop.
Lake is unlimited horsepower, however no wake for all boat motors.
All Fish: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only
Site Regulations:
Large or Smallmouth Bass: 1 fish daily limit; 14˝ minimum length limit
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 10 fish daily limit; no minimum length limit
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit; No minimum length limit
Pure Muskellunge: 1 fish daily limit; 48˝ minimum length limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass: 3 fish daily limit; 17˝ minimum length limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 6 fish daily limit; 18˝ minimum length limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 10 fish daily limit; no minimum length limit
Contact Information: Shabbona Lake State Park State Park Office 4201 Shabbona Grove Road 815-824-2106IDNR Fisheries Biologist, David Wyffels630-360-4185
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