Although often fished the entire year, Lake of Egypt can be a fish factory in early spring. The weather may be unstable. It can be iced one day and 70 degrees the next. The fish will change daily and even hourly. The water temperatures tend to hover between 50 and 55 degrees. Lake Of Egypt is a 2300 acre reservoir located about 7 miles south of Marion, Illinois, just 3 miles east of Interstate 57. Built by the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative, the 93 miles of shoreline belongs to the U.S. Forest Service and private ownership. The average depth of the lake is l8.5 feet with a maximum depth of 52 feet. Milfoil and other weeds form the shoreline to a depth of 8 to 12 feet. Bass thrive in the weeds with the average bass taken in the 3.5 pound class. Other fish found in these waters include crappie, bluegill and catfish.
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There are three marinas on the lake. Two, Pyramid Acres and Lake of Egypt Marina, are on the northeastern part of the lake. The third, Egyptian Hills Marina, is on the eastern shore, further south. There is no limit on motor size for boats but you must display a boat permit. They are available at the marinas. There is a 35 mile per hour speed limit and all boats must stay more than l00 feet from the shoreline of any residence.
Anglers can fish deep water or go in shallow and fish the vegetation (coontail and patches of milfoil). Some of the larger fish are in the duckweed.
There is a current down the middle of the lake. Early in the morning one can see the steam rolling off the water. That is the current carrying warmer water down the lake channel. Fish that channel and one will find fish, according to this resident angler. Read the remaining story here….
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