Fishing spot: Shawnee National Forest

Verified source data

Fishing feature type

Federal recreation area with fishing

Managing agency

USDA Forest Service

Address

IL

Source directions

n/a

Phone

1111111111

Reservable

No

Fishing activity notes

The size of the lakes and ponds varies greatly within the Shawnee National Forest. All are open year-round for fishing and other water-based activities. Fish stocking is done on a rotational basis in 11 lakes and about 12 of the ponds. The Forest Service has also improved fish habitats with the use of submersible fish attractor structures. Most of the ponds were originally stocked with bass, bluegill and catfish. Since bass and bluegill can typically self-sustain their populations, channel catfish are preferred for supplemental stocking. Access: Larger lakes such as Cedar Lake, Kinkaid Lake, Lake Glendale and One Horse Gap Lake all accommodate truck and trailers. Many of the remaining lakes and even some ponds have small gravel parking lots with access by gravel roads. Most of the small ponds have walk-in access only. Follow the links below for detailed information on each lake or pond.

Source last updated

2026-02-25

Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB · Use terms · Source snapshot: 2026-10-03