Shabbona Lake

Shabbona Lake was created in 1975 when the Shabbona Dam was constructed across Indian Creek. The 1,550-acre Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area surrounds the lake. There is no entrance fee, and hours of operation vary depending on the time of year. The Upper Fishing Area and Lower Refuge Area at the west end of the lake are designated no-wake areas, and the use of gas engines is prohibited. Gas motors over 10 horsepower are not permitted on Shabbona Lake. Bank fishing and boat access is prohibited in the Lower Refuge Area from October 1 to freeze-up. During periods of severe weather, condition warning flags are displayed at the access sites. Boating is prohibited from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Five earthen fishing piers have been built along the west shore. Each pier is surrounded by fish cribs placed in water approximately 10 feet deep.

Gizzard shad are utilized by the larger predator species. A variety of minnow species are also present, mainly brook silverside, golden shiner and bluntnose minnow. White sucker, bullhead and crayfish also contribute to the forage base.