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BURNING STAR STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA - SHOP LAKE


Lake Information

County: Jackson

Acreage: 24

Average Depth: 0.00 feet

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Yes

Boat Ramps? No

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No

Picnicking? No

Camping? Yes


There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2024

Channel Catfish

Fingerling 1 - 3"

144


Additional information for stocking on Burning Star - Shop Lake


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Poor

The bluegill population is poor. No bluegill over 7 inches were collected in the 2024 survey.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Good

Six channel catfish (15-18 inches) were collected in the 2024 spring survey. No channel catfish were stocked in 2024.

CRAPPIE

Poor

No crappie have been collected from this lake during fisheries surveys. Crappie will not be added to this lake. Crappie in smaller lakes tend to stunt and result in very poor crappie fishing. There have been reports of crappie being caught in this lake.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

Largemouth bass were collected in the 2024 spring electrofishing survey at a rate of 78 bass per hour. Of the largemouth bass collected, 21% were over 15 inches and 5% were over 18 inches. The largest bass collected weighed 4.9 pounds.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Poor

No Redear sunfish have been collected from this lake during fisheries surveys.

Location: Shop Lake is accessed from State Route 149 in Jackson County. From Route 149, turn north onto Mine Road to the south parking lot for the Burning Star complex, which is located between DeSoto and Hurst.

A map of the 24 lakes located on Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area can be obtained via email by sending a request to Shawn.Hirst@illinois.gov

Description: There are no facilities or boat ramps at this 24-acre lake. Fishing is prohibited from November 1 through the end of February.

Because there is no boat ramp at this lake, anglers are not allowed to launch boats in Shop Lake from a trailer. Boats/kayaks/canoes must be carried from the road. Gas motors are allowed, but must be operated at no-wake speed.

Additional Lake Information: Two pole and line fishing only. Bow fishing is allowed.

Fishing is prohibited from November 1 through the end of February.


Site-specific Regulations:
Largemouth bass: No possession of bass equal to or greater than 14 inches and less than 18"; 5 fish less than 14" and 1 equal or greater than 18" daily limit
Bluegill or redear sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit

Contact Information:
Site Superintendent - Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area
483 Mine Road, DeSoto, Illinois 62824
618-521-8873
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Shawn Hirst
618-559-5009