GO SHALLOW FOR CRAB ORCHARD BASS

A lack of underwater structure in Crab Orchard Lake, makes fishing the shoreline shallows a must. Largemouth bass are a species that relates significantly to structure. To catch Crab Orchard bass work the shallows.

Crab Orchard Lake is the largest of three lakes within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge near Marion, Illinois. It is about a six hour drive south of Chicago on Interstate 57. Created in the 1940's, the lake is shallow and does not have a lot of timber. The standing timber was cleared prior to the original flooding. There are some trees that have fallen into the lake from the shore due to bank erosion.

A significant portion of the Largemouth population is larger than the 15 inch minimum size limit. Growth rates for bass remain good and are attributed to lake productivity and abundant gizzard shad. Annual supplemental stocking of both threadfin shad and bass has contributed significantly to the fishery.

There is some structure to be found within the lake in the form of rocks, stumps, floating logs, brush and changing bottom structure. Most ground pounders rely on a combination of weed edges and wood when fishing the shoreline. The more shallow the areas the better they bite. During hot weather, fish are found in depths of four to 12 feet. The water is fertile and green to brown in color. This is due to 60 percent of the bottom being clay.

Bass are opportunistic feeders. They do not like to travel any further than necessary. Fishing the shallows can be very rewarding, especially if it is near deep water.

Crab Orchard has a number of bank fishing areas with the best known being Wolf Creek Causeway. The causeway divides the lake with a long dike composed of steep rip rap banks. Fishing is good there all year around. There are a number of brush piles and man made structures in this area. Fish relate to them.

Another good area is the rip rap along Illinois Route 13 as it crosses the lake between Marion and Carbondale. The area has a number of fish cribs, placed there to attract game fish. The wooden structures are excellent places for bait fish to conceal themselves from the larger predator bass.

Largemouth can be found in the western end of the lake. They like the wood structure to be found in the coves of the northwest part of the lake as well as the stumps and American Lotus pads of Grassy Bay. On the north side of Route 13, largemouths are taken in the brushy shoreline of Long Neck and Cambria Neck.

All of the larger necks offer good weed growth. Successful ground pounders work the weed edges and some sort of wood along the shorelines. Emergent water willow and stands of cattails can be found throughout the lake. Pondweed is the most abundant submergent species.

Crab Orchard is a user fee area. A permit is required and it can be obtained at the Visitors Center on Illinois Highway 148 just south of Old Route 13. Fees collected are used to repair and improve roads, buildings, campgrounds and trails. It also pays for exhibits, educational programs, natural habitat protection, guided walks and hikes and other visitor activities including visitor safety and protection.

For further information about the refuge and fees, one can call the refuge office at 618 997 3344.

Crab Orchard Lake is a fishing Mecca for shallow water bass anglers. Ground pounders can find fishing action to suit their desires.


Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder

 http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/