Crab Orchard Lake

Located within Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, the lake is an impoundment of Crab Orchard Creek. The area east of the Wolf Creek Road is closed to all shore fishing except from the causeways at Highway 148 and Wolf Creek Road. Boats are permitted in this area from March 15th through September 30th only. A 40 mph speed limit is in effect. Special size res-trictions are in place for white, hybrid striped, and largemouth bass. Consult the most current regulations booklet to ensure compliance. A health advisory exists for carp and channel catfish taken from waters east of Wolf Creek Road and for carp west of Wolf Creek Road.

Gizzard shad are the primary prey species in terms of numbers, but young-of-the-year bluegill are the most important food for bass. Brook silverside, golden shiner and crayfish are all part of the forage base.

During spring, white bass are attracted to the flowing inlets to spawn. Later in the spring, rough fish make a similar run.