The vast expanse that is Rend Lake (19,000-acres) can be a challenge for anglers. Twenty five years of fishing the lake teaches one that the largemouth bass, yellow bass, crappie and catfish (channel and flathead) that prowl these waters offer excellent angling possibilities.
Located on Interstate 57 about 6 hours south of Chicago and two hours east of St. Louis this reservoir sprawls through parts of Franklin and Jefferson counties. Owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers and managed by them in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, it is a major fishing location in southern Illinois.
Camping is available in the several Corps campgrounds as well as in the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park.
Numerous parking areas, boat launch ramps, picnic, and camping areas are open to the public in search of sampling the excellent fishing opportunities. A Visitor Center at the dam on the south end of the lake provides information about the lake, the dam and recreational activities available. Traveler’s information is available on the local radio at 530 KHz or by telephone at (618) 435-2765. The Corps website has additional information on line at http://www.mus.usace.army.mrl/rend/.
Marina services are available at two locations. On the west end of the dam is the Rend Lake Marina. In Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park on the northeast part of the lake is the nationally famous Rend Lake Resort. Bait and boat rentals are available at both locations.
The best fishing for crappie is near one of the stake beds of other wood structures placed in the lake by both public agencies and private citizens. There are probably hundreds and no one know exactly how many. Other structures such as old road beds and building foundations attract such fish species as catfish and largemouth bass. Continue reading – https://dongasaway.wordpress.com/2015/04/13/multi-species-fishing-on-rend-lake/