Reservoir · Williamson, Illinois
Crab Orchard Lake
Location Snapshot
Crab Orchard Lake is a southern Illinois lake with a mixed warmwater fishery centered on bass and white bass. Largemouth bass and white bass are the principal supported targets, with channel catfish, white and black crappie, and bluegill adding additional species variety to the same fishery.
Information Only
StrikeTracks does not currently provide a live condition rating for this destination. Destination and fishery information is still available.
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Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Crab Orchard Lake.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Fishery overview
Largemouth bass and white bass are primary in Crab Orchard Lake. Largemouth bass are stocked, and white bass are established. Black crappie, channel catfish, and white crappie are common and established. Bluegill are present and established.
Target species
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus nigricans
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries
White Bass
Morone chrysops
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries
White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
- Trolling
Stocking information
Largemouth bass are stocked in Crab Orchard Lake.
- Stocked
Largemouth Bass
Stocked · Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries
Official sources
Location and Access
Cataloged lake location
Williamson, Illinois
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
Lake Details
County
Williamson
Management Category
USFWS / Illinois DNR refuge reservoir
Regulation Scope
Crab Orchard Lake.
Regulation Summary
Crab Orchard Lake: Illinois inland fishing regulations on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Channel Catfish, White Crappie, Bluegill
Public Access
Public
Boat Launch
Available
Shore Fishing
Available