Lake Shelbyville

Species present

• MuskellungeEsox masquinongy
• Largemouth bassMicropterus salmoides
• BluegillLepomis macrochirus
• WalleyeSander vitreus
• Smallmouth bassMicropterus dolomieu
• Channel catfishIctalurus punctatus

IDNR ifishillinois.org fishing outlook species

Local rules

IDNR 2026 fishing outlook: Muskellunge Very Good; Largemouth Bass Very Good; Bluegill Fair; Black Crappie Very Good; Sauger Very Good; Walleye Very Good; White Bass Excellent; Striped Bass Poor; Smallmouth Bass Poor; White Crappie Excellent; Channel Catfish Very Good; Flathead Catfish Fair. Site-Specific Fishing Regulations: Recreational Use Restriction: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area; during the regular waterfowl season, no bank or boat fishing is permitted on the Kaskaskia River from the Strickland Boat Access north to the Illinois Central Railroad Bridge from 1\2 hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. All Fish: All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit Muskie: 48 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit Striped Bass: 32 inch Minimum Length Limit; 2 Fish Daily Harvest Limit White or Hybrid Striped Bass: Unlimited Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3

Area rules (Illinois) for these species

2026 season calendar

Access

Handicap Access: Yes; Boat Fishing: Yes - Unrestricted; Boat Ramps: Yes

Official sources

1. Lake Shelbyville — ifishillinois.org (IDNR) (accessed on 23 September 2026)