Whether fishing from a boat or shore, both are popular and productive at Shabbona Lake, which is stocked with large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, black and white crappie, black and brown bullhead, channel catfish, walleye, muskie and perch. For fish catch and size limits, contact the park office.
Lake access is available from a double-lane launching ramp. Boat motors are limited to a 10 horsepower maximum. However, an 18-acre upper fishing area is a no-wake zone where only the use of electric trolling motors or rowing is permitted. For further details, including information on special sailing regulations, contact the park office.
Swimming and/or wading is prohibited at Shabbona Lake. This regulation is strictly enforced.
How would I go about bringing my own boat to this lake? It has a 25 hp motor and a trolling motor? Is the 25 hp motor ok to use in this lake?
You can use your 25 hp to load and unload your boat only. You would have to use your trolling motor on the lake. The motor limit on the lake is 9.9 hp.
Are boats still rentable right now? me,my son,my brother might go next week!
Sorry Kevin the bait shop is closed for the season. Will open for ice fishing in late December.
When will they be pulling the docks at the ramp?
Is the State Park open whole year for fishing?
I’m planning to take my boat the second week of novenber
Yes, current hours are 8 AM to 5 PM during November
Hi. What are the times for fishing in the lake? Can you fish anytime day and night? If I rent a boat for whole day, is it per 24 hour basis or is it only from morning til night, like if I rent it in the afternoon, can I use it until the afternoon the following day? Thanks
The State Park is currently open from 6 AM – 10 PM. You can fish during those hours.
Boat Rental all day is from 6 AM – 7 PM. It is not a 24 hour rental.
can you sail on the lake?
Yes, there are designated areas. Please check the map near the boat launch for more details.
How is fishing off the shore by the cabin and tent sites? Is the water shallow of shore, is the rocks and/or seaweeds?
Fishing from shore is good by the camp ground area. There is shallow water, rocks and seaweeds. Check in at the Bait Shop or the Camp Store for the best place to fish the day of your visit.
Can you kayak on the lake? I don’t really fish, but kayak all the time and can’t find any good lake around here…with the draught the fox river is too low.
Yes you can Kayak on the lake.
What is the fine for using a motor over 10 hp?
The fine starts at $75
can i idle speed with a 60hp 4 stroke on the lake?
Hi Nick,
You are allowed to use your big motor to load & unload your boat only. To move around the lake you would need a 10 hp motor or use a trolling motor.
Becky
Are boat rentals available at the lake (motor or no motor)?
…. and I just opened my eyes and looked around the site. Woops!
Can we get fishing licences at the bait shop?
yes.
HI i went yesterday to fish for crappie and nothing and can you help where are crappies hitting from shore and what bait are they hitting more THANKS
Tom ~ I would recommend that you stop in the bait shop on the day of your visit. Fishing conditions can change daily and they are best equipped to send you in the right direction for that day. Ask for Denny or Clint and they will be glad to help you.
~ Becky
hi are there good spots in lake shabbona from shore to catch crappie ??and can you fish in nmz from shore ?
The no motor zone is the best place to fish from shore for crappie at this time of year. However, in about 2 weeks the crappie will be shallow and fishing will be in its prime.
ok thanks
hi i never fished this lake and i heard there’s crappie so wheres a good spot to fish ?? thanks
Hi Tommy,
The lake is excellent for Crappie, especially at this time of year. Here’s a recent post about some crappie caught at Shabbona Lake. http://shabbonalake.com/index.php/crappie-are-hot/.
Here’s a great article written specifically about Spring Crappie at Shabbona Lake. http://shabbonalake.com/index.php/fishing/fishing-articles/spring-crappies-at-shabbona-lake/
The tip board is also a good resource http://shabbonalake.com/index.php/fishing/tip-board/. The locations on the Tip Board reference spots on this map: http://shabbonalake.com/index.php/fishing/free-lake-map/
I would recommend when you do make it out stop in at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental so they can tell you where the Crappie are biting.
- Becky
the last time i went they werent hitting to far off shore i suggest head towards the dam and troll just off the shore near spot 28 on the map i used a jig with a minnow on it
The bass bites is always good in the Spring using Chatterbaits, Rattle traps and live bait.
Crappie fishing is amazing using live bait.
Muskie fishing is hit and miss.
i was curious about the fishing this time of year 4-6-12. me and some buddies were gonna head up here and fish. i know its great during the summer and fall time but what about spring?