Lake of Egypt

Lake of Egypt is a privately owned lake owned by Southern Illinois Power Cooperative of Marion, Illinois. Recreational boating is allowed, but each boat must display an official boat permit. These permits are available by the day or by year and can be purchased at any of the marinas. Racing boats, boats with open exhaust systems, hulls exceeding 20 feet (pontoons exceeding 28 feet), or boats with toilets, kitchens or closed sidewalls concealing the occupants are prohibited. A 35 mph speed limit is in effect for the entire lake, with certain coves buoyed as No-Wake areas. Water skiing is allowed in the main body of the lake north of Eagle Point, and skiers must go in a counter-clockwise direction. Boats must carry all safety equipment listed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and must have a container suitable for holding litter. Lake safety patrol may stop a boat at any time and issue citations. Sport fishing is allowed all year. Competitive events must register at one of the marinas. Only catch-measure-release events are allowed from June 1st through September 30th. No casting or trolling is allowed within 10 feet of private docks. Anchoring is not allowed within 100 feet of private docks or where it may interfere with the privacy of homeowners. Two No-Boat areas are indicated by buoys. Recreation Bay is off limits except for power company employees.

Gizzard shad are the most abundant forage species but are not heavily utilized, except by hybrid striped bass. Important forage for other game species are threadfin shad, mosquitofish, inland silversides, golden shiner, small spotted sucker, small bluegill or sunfish, and young-of-the-year of other species. Crayfish, snails and small clams are utilized as well. Invertebrates are more important in the upper reaches of the lake.

Hybrid striped bass tend to move to and from the influence of the hot water cooling loop. During the summer months, they concentrate on or near midlake humps.