LAKE MURPHYSBORO FOR GREAT EATING FISH

Sitting on the dock fishing, one soon begins to talk with fellow anglers. I was surprised at the number of fishermen who are seeking fish to take home to eat.

Some anglers want fish for their family fish fry and do not need to catch and release all that they acquire. Some anglers just want some peace and quiet and a few fish for supper. Lake Murphysboro in southern Illinois is just the ticket for the angler in search of eating good fish.

As the clean waters warm during the summer, the catfish and bluegill fishing does the same. This 145-acre impoundment is located in a state park of the same name can be found about 1.5 miles west of the town of Murphysboro, Illinois in Jackson County. Camping, boat rent6al and access ramps are readily available. The 10-horsepower limit on marine engines helps to maintain a tranquility on found on the more popular nearby Kinkaid Lake. There are no pleasure boaters with whom to compete.

To reach the park travel Illinois Route 149 west of Murphysboro, turn north on Murphysboro Lake Road or Lake Access Road and follow the signs to the park.

The park’s hardwoods provide a shaded shoreline for the enjoyment of all on a hot summer day. Docks allow anglers to fish further away from the shoreline in comfort. Picnic tables are spread throughout the area and often find their way to the shore area.

Those wanting to fish without a boat can plant their lawn chair on one of the docks or along the shore and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Fishing pressure is not heavy during the week and only moderately so on the weekend. Holidays are another story. Trying to fish with all the family picnics going on can be a bit of a problem.

The numerous brush plies, submerged timber, rocks, drop offs and dead falls are home to an excellent population of bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, catfish and crappie. Fish attractors are strategically placed within casting distance of the docks. They are easily located by looking for a steel post sticking out of the water.

For the shore angler, the area from the concession parking ramp west all the way up to the disabled pier is a good bet. Another popular location for finding fish is in the far northeast part of the lake where there are numerous brush piles. Fly fishing anglers catch many bluegills from the well manicured shoreline.

The dam area and the small boat dock will also produce fish.

Weedy areas provide good cover for the lake’s sizable bluegill population during the summer months. Find the clear pockets in the vegetation and drop a worm impaled below a float for instant action. Bluegill and their cousin the redear sunfish tend to hold in water 6 to 8 feet in depth. Both will take worms, wax worms and crickets. The fish will be near the bottom. A popular rig is a small wire hook with a piece of nightcrawler impaled upon it. The weight of the bait allows the light line to sink to the bottom. If a float is to be used, the slip bobber is probably a good choice. One the depth of the fish is located, the slip bobber allows the angler to fish the same depth with each cast.

Good numbers of crappie can be found during the summer in water ranging between 12 and 18 feet. The area around the old concession stand area is a good place to start. The popular jig and minnow combo is a good idea. It tends to out produce the jig alone. Small minnows are preferred by locals.

In August the catfish tend to congregate along he dam and rip rap areas. Nightcrawlers and cut shad are the best baits. Other catfish locations are on drop offs in the north and east necks of the lake.

Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder

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