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BURNING STAR STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA - ISLAND LAKE


Lake Information

County: Jackson

Acreage: 216

Average Depth: 0.00 feet

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Yes

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No


There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLACK CRAPPIE

Poor

Only one black crappie (ten inches) was collected in the 2024 spring survey.

BLUEGILL

Poor

No bluegill over 7 inches were collected in the 2024 survey.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Fair

No channel catfish were collected in the 2024 survey. However, channel catfish have been caught in this lake.

FLATHEAD CATFISH

Fair

No flathead catfish were collected in the 2024 survey. However, flathead catfish have been caught in this lake.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Poor

This Lake is connected to the Little Muddy River and the fish population resembles the Little River Muddy River's fish population. Lots of rough species (buffalo, gar, carp, etc). As a result the bass population is poor.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Poor

No redear sunfish were collected in the 2024 survey.

WHITE BASS

Fair

Three white bass (12-16 inches) were collected in the 2024 survey.

WHITE CRAPPIE

Poor

No white crappie were collected in the 2024 survey.

Location: Island 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 and boat launch. Currently there is a single lane gravel boat ramp.

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 is a single gravel boat ramp at this Lake.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Annual fish sampling began in the spring of 2024. Island Lake is attached to the Little Muddy River. Any species found in the Little Muddy River is also found in Island Lake including silver carp. The 2024 spring survey was dominated by smallmouth buffalo. Management opportunities (stocking) at this Lake are limited due to the connection to the Little Muddy River.

Additional Lake Information: Fishing is prohibited from November 1 through the end of February.

There is no HP boat motor restriction but all boats must operate at no wake speed.

All species: 2 pole and line fishing only. Bow fishing is allowed.

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
Shawn Hirst - IDNR Fish Biologist 618-559-5009