Rend Lake (Illinois)

A Brief Introduction to Rend Lake Fishing

Rend Lake, IL, located in the heart of southern Illinois, is a natural haven for wildlife and a recreational haven for visitors. Rend Lake consists of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land. Campers will be delighted with the nearly 800 sites found in 5 public campgrounds on Rend Lake. Boaters are provided with access to the lake through the numerous boat ramps. Beaches, picnic sites, and trails provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor fun. Nearby attractions such as the 27-hole championship Rend Lake Golf Course, Southern Illinois Artisans Shop, and the Rend Lake Resort provide special opportunities for the recreationist and for those participating in rend lake fishing tournaments.

Rend Lake is a 13-mile-long (21 km), 3-mile-wide (4.8 km) reservoir located in Southern Illinois in Franklin and Jefferson Counties near the town of Benton. It covers 18,900 acres (76 km²), stores 185,000 acre-feet (228,000,000 m³) of water, and supplies over 15 million U.S. gallons (57 Mil) of water per day to 300,000 persons in over 60 communities. The reservoir is up to 35 feet (10.7 m) deep, but its average depth is closer to 9.7 feet (3.0 m). Its elevation is 405 feet (123.4 m) above sea level.

Rend Lake was created when the United States Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Big Muddy River. The dam and lake were authorized in 1962, but the lake was not filled until March 1973. The shoreline of Rend Lake extends 162 miles (261 km), part of which is preserved as Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area. Swimming beaches at North Marcum and South Sandusky are managed and maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. An adjacent Illinois Artisans Shop & Visitors Center is part of the Illinois State Museum system and is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. In 2010, Rend Lake was designated as an Important Bird Area of Illinois.

Lodging:

Booking information to be provided early Spring

Forage & Baits

Forage: Largemouth bass feed on crawfish and shad.

Colors: Use craw colors, dark neutrals, and bold patterns for bass.

Seasonal Tips:

Spring/Summer: Water temperatures (60–80°F) trigger spawning and active feeding; bass often relate to shallow cover or deeper ledges, making it an ideal time for rend lake fishing.

Summer: Look for bass deep on ledges or shallow around brush, often relating to shad and crawfish – excellent opportunities for rend lake fishing enthusiasts.

Primary Ramp

Rend Lake Conservancy District Ramp: A primary spot often used for tournaments, located at 15233 Gun Creek Trail, Whittington, IL. The Rend Lake Conservancy District (RLCD) manages access to Rend Lake, offering various public boat ramps like the one at North Sandusky with fees ($5/day or $40/year), as well as cabins, camping (USACE), fishing, golfing, and lodging — all part of a large recreational area perfect for rend lake fishing and boating activities.

Tournament Information:

This is an Open Event. Pass the word! Members of the Tri-State Finest Fishing (TSFF) & Indiana Armed Forces Fishing League (IAFFL) will accrue seasonal points while participating in rend lake fishing tournaments.

Entry Fee:

All fees will be collected at the boat ramp unless paid in advance as part of the check-in. Everyone must check-in even if paid in advance. Cash only.

$60.00 Per Boat:

• Nonmembers of Tri-State Fishing will have a surcharge of $20.00 per team. After 3 events, your team becomes a full member.

• Armed Forces Fishing League Members are waived from the surcharge of $20.00 per team.

Big Fish Optional Pot: $20.00 per team, winner, take all.

Payouts are calculated by (TOURNAMENT PAYOUT CALCULATOR)

Tournament Payout Breakdown:

• 1 Payout per 4 Boats, Minimum of 2 places paid.

• 90% – For Payouts

• 10% – To the (TSFF)

Schedule:

Check-in: 6:00AM at the Check Station next to the Boat Ramp located at: Rend Lake Conservancy District Ramp, located at 15233 Gun Creek Trail, Whittington, IL.

Lines In: 06:30AM

Lines Out: 2:30PM

Weigh In: 2:45PM – 3:15PM

Rules:

• 2 Man per boat Maximum, Single Man Allowed

• Fish Limit: 5 Per-bag/boat

• Size Limit: 14” Minimum

• Dead Fish: Will not count and incur an additional 8 oz penalty

This event offers anglers one of the best rend lake fishing tournament experiences in Southern Illinois.