Below are special fishing regulations for Shabbona Lake as regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. For complete fishing regulations for Illinois click here.
Please note that the special regulations above may be revised at any time by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources without notice. For complete fishing regulations check with your local DNR.
Fishing & Boating
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.