Rend Lake Fishing Report Guide
Pistakee Lake Fishing Report Guide
Welcome, fishing friends! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of fishing at Rend Lake, nestled in the heart of Franklin and Jefferson Counties, Illinois. If you’re looking for an amazing fishing destination with plenty of fish and fun, then Rend Lake is the place for you. So grab your gear, and let’s get ready to explore everything you need to know for a fantastic fishing trip to Rend Lake.
About Rend Lake Fishing
Rend Lake is a large and beautiful reservoir located in Southern Illinois. It’s not just any ordinary lake; it’s a fishing paradise! Covering a vast area, Rend Lake offers plenty of opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you’ll find that this lake has something special for everyone. Plus, with its stunning natural scenery and abundance of wildlife, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxing day out on the water.
Rend Lake Fishing Details
Let’s dive into some important details about Rend Lake that will help you plan your fishing trip:
- Water Surface: 18,900 acres
- Shoreline: 162 miles
- Average Depth: 10 feet
- Max Depth: 35 feet
- Surface Elevation: 405 feet above sea level
- Location: Franklin and Jefferson Counties, Illinois
- Coordinates: 38.0903° N, 88.9331° W
- Accessibility: Easily accessible via multiple public boat ramps and marinas
- Type of Lake: Reservoir
- Lake Amenities:
- Multiple boat ramps
- Marinas
- Fishing piers
- Campgrounds
- Picnic areas
- Swimming beaches
- Hiking and biking trails
Types of Fish in Rend Lake
Rend Lake is home to a diverse range of fish species, making it an angler’s dream. Here’s a rundown of the types of fish you can expect to find and where they usually hang out:
- Largemouth Bass: Often found near submerged structures, weed beds, and along the shoreline. Look for them around the numerous coves and inlets.
- Crappie: Crappie are abundant in Rend Lake and can be found around brush piles, submerged trees, and man-made fish attractors. They often school together in deeper water during summer and move closer to shore in spring and fall.
- Channel Catfish: These bottom-dwellers are commonly found in deeper channels and around rocky areas. Night fishing with stink baits or chicken liver can be very effective.
- Bluegill: Bluegill can be found in shallow waters, especially around vegetation and submerged structures. They’re great for kids and beginners due to their abundance and willingness to bite.
- White Bass: These fish are often found in open water chasing schools of shad. Look for them near drop-offs and points during their spring and fall runs.
- Flathead Catfish: Large and elusive, flatheads are typically found near submerged logs, rocks, and other structures in deeper parts of the lake.
- Hybrid Striped Bass: Also known as wipers, these fish are often found in open water. Trolling or casting near schools of baitfish can yield great results.
Best Fishing Baits, Lures, and Tackle Recommendations for Rend Lake Fishing
To make the most of your fishing trip to Rend Lake, you’ll want to have the right gear and bait. Here’s what we recommend for each type of fish:
- Largemouth Bass:
- Baits: Plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits
- Lures: Spinnerbaits, topwater lures
- Tackle: Medium-heavy rod, 10-15 lb line
- Crappie:
- Baits: Minnows, small jigs
- Lures: Crappie tubes, curly tail grubs
- Tackle: Light spinning rod, 4-6 lb line
- Channel Catfish:
- Baits: Stink baits, chicken liver, nightcrawlers
- Lures: None (natural baits work best)
- Tackle: Medium-heavy rod, 15-20 lb line
- Bluegill:
- Baits: Worms, crickets
- Lures: Small jigs, spinners
- Tackle: Ultralight rod, 2-4 lb line
- White Bass:
- Baits: Shad imitations, live minnows
- Lures: Spoons, small crankbaits
- Tackle: Medium rod, 8-10 lb line
- Flathead Catfish:
- Baits: Live bait (bluegill, shad)
- Lures: None (live bait is best)
- Tackle: Heavy rod, 20-30 lb line
- Hybrid Striped Bass:
- Baits: Live shad, shad imitations
- Lures: Spoons, crankbaits
- Tackle: Medium-heavy rod, 12-15 lb line
- 8 SEGMENTS LIFELIKE LURES: Designed with 8 segment multi-jointed body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and move flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike.
- BERKLEY POWERBAIT POWER MINNOW FRESHWATER SOFT PLASTIC BAITS: Featuring lifelike details, these pre-rigged Power Minnow baits have 3D eyes and holographic inserts to attract attention, making them an essential tool for any angler.
- ULTRA-SHARP OWNER HOOKS – Equipped with sharp high quality OWNER high carbon steel hooks and built-in magnet, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations while Reduce the odds getting hung up when fishing, thus saving your bait for future use.
- ✅ Purpose and Size: These grubs for fishing attract a wide variety of fish including trout, crappie, panfish, bluegill, bream, roach, carp and more. Using grub fishing lures that imitate worms offers many advantages over live worms or minnows. These crappie lures are equipped with an optimal size hook and a rubber grub. The hook dimensions are 10 mm wide and 25 mm long, and the length of the larva itself is 22 mm.
Best Fishing Spot Locations at Rend Lake Fishing
Rend Lake has numerous spots that are known for great fishing. Here are some of the best locations to try your luck:
- Gun Creek Area: This area is popular for largemouth bass and crappie. The numerous coves and submerged structures provide excellent habitat for fish.
- North Marcum Area: Known for its crappie fishing, especially around the man-made fish attractors. It’s also a good spot for bluegill.
- Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park: Offers a variety of fishing opportunities from shore and boat. The park has several fishing piers and plenty of access points.
- Big Muddy River Inlet: Great for catfish and white bass. The flowing water attracts fish, making it a productive spot.
- South Sandusky Area: This area is known for its bass fishing. The rocky shoreline and submerged vegetation make it a prime spot for largemouth bass.
Fishing Tips and Recommendations for Rend Lake Fishing
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your fishing trip to Rend Lake:
- Early Morning and Late Evening: Fish are most active during these times, so plan your fishing trips accordingly.
- Seasonal Patterns: Understanding the seasonal movements of fish can greatly improve your chances. In spring, fish move closer to shore for spawning. In summer, they move to deeper, cooler waters.
- Weather: Pay attention to the weather. Overcast days can be excellent for fishing as fish are more likely to be out and about rather than hiding from the sun.
- Local Knowledge: Talk to local anglers and bait shops. They can provide valuable information on current conditions and hot spots.
- Be Patient: Fishing requires patience. If one spot isn’t working, don’t be afraid to move around and try different locations.
Rend Lake Fishing Reviews
Here are some positive reviews from fellow anglers who have experienced the thrill of fishing at Rend Lake:
- John D. from St. Louis: “Rend Lake is my go-to spot for crappie fishing. The fish attractors really make a difference. Always have a great time here!”
- Sarah K. from Chicago: “Caught my biggest bass ever at Rend Lake! The coves are just loaded with fish. Highly recommend it to any bass angler.”
- Mike T. from Evansville: “The catfishing here is fantastic. We’ve had some great nights fishing for channel cats. Can’t wait to go back.”
- Emily R. from Springfield: “Rend Lake is perfect for a family fishing trip. Plenty of bluegill to keep the kids entertained, and the scenery is beautiful.”
- Tom W. from Paducah: “I’ve fished many lakes, but Rend Lake is one of the best. The variety of fish and the well-maintained facilities make it a top-notch destination.”
Nearby RV Parks and Campgrounds – Rend Lake Fishing
If you’re planning to stay overnight, here are five nearby RV parks and campgrounds with great amenities:
- Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground:
- Features: Electric hookups, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits
- Amenities: Fishing piers, boat ramps, hiking trails, playgrounds
- Distance to Lake: On the lake
- South Sandusky Campground:
- Features: Full hookups, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits
- Amenities: Swimming beach, boat ramp, hiking trails, playground
- Distance to Lake: On the lake
- North Sandusky Campground:
- Features: Electric hookups, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits
- Amenities: Fishing piers, boat ramps, hiking trails, playgrounds
- Distance to Lake: On the lake
- Gun Creek Campground:
- Features: Full hookups, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits
- Amenities: Boat ramps, fishing piers, hiking trails, playground
- Distance to Lake: On the lake
- Whittington Woods Campground:
- Features: Full hookups, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits
- Amenities: Swimming pool, laundry facilities, playground, store
- Distance to Lake: 10 miles
Rend Lake Fishing Summary
Rend Lake is a fantastic fishing destination that offers something for everyone. With its diverse fish population, beautiful scenery, and excellent amenities, it’s no wonder anglers from all over flock to this spot. Whether you’re after bass, crappie, catfish, or bluegill, you’re sure to have a great time. Don’t forget to check out the nearby RV parks and campgrounds to make the most of your trip. So pack your fishing gear, grab some bait, and head on over to Rend Lake for an unforgettable fishing adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions – Rend Lake Fishing
1. What is the best time of year to fish at Rend Lake?
- The best times to fish at Rend Lake are during the spring and fall when fish are more active and closer to shore. Early mornings and late evenings are also prime times for fishing.
2. Do I need a fishing license to fish at Rend Lake?
- Yes, a valid Illinois fishing license is required to fish at Rend Lake. Licenses can be purchased online or at local bait shops.
3. Are there any fishing tournaments held at Rend Lake?
- Yes, Rend Lake hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year. Check local listings or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for upcoming events.
4. Can I rent a boat at Rend Lake?
- Yes, there are several marinas around Rend Lake that offer boat rentals. It’s a great way to explore the lake and find the best fishing spots.
5. Are there any restrictions on the types of bait or lures I can use?
- While there are no specific restrictions on bait or lures, it’s always a good idea to check current regulations and guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
And there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to fishing at Rend Lake. We hope this guide helps you plan your next fishing trip and makes it a memorable one. Happy fishing, and tight lines!
