Boating At Lake Shelbyville In Illinois

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Boating on Lake Shelbyville, nestled in central Illinois, offers boaters a delightful escape amidst the scenic landscapes of the Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area. Spanning over 11,000 acres, Lake Shelbyville provides a vast and picturesque waterway for boating enthusiasts to explore and appreciate. With its serene ambiance and abundant recreational opportunities, Lake Shelbyville is a popular destination for boaters and nature lovers alike.

The lake is a haven for popular water sports, attracting thrill-seekers and water enthusiasts seeking excitement on the water. Activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and jet skiing add a dash of adventure and adrenaline to the lake's tranquil atmosphere. Families and friends often gather on Lake Shelbyville to indulge in these water sports, creating cherished memories and moments of fun under the sun.

Lake Shelbyville features multiple boat launch ramps strategically positioned around its shores, ensuring convenient access for boaters with their own vessels. These easily accessible launch points make it hassle-free for boaters to set sail and explore the beauty of Lake Shelbyville, uncovering hidden coves and calm waters.

For those without their own boats, At Lake Shelbyville rental boats allow everyone to experience the joys of boating and immerse themselves in the lake's natural beauty. Renting a boat enables visitors to navigate the serene waters of Lake Shelbyville and create lasting memories with family and friends without the need for boat ownership.

The lake is home to marinas that cater to the needs of boaters and water sports enthusiasts. The marinas provide essential amenities such as boat repairs, fuel stations, boat storage, and more, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable boating experience for all visitors.

The boating season at Lake Shelbyville typically spans from spring to fall, coinciding with the warmer months and favorable weather in the region. During this time, boaters can make the most of the lake's tranquil beauty and pleasant temperatures, enjoying longer daylight hours perfect for boating and engaging in water-based activities.

Fishing is also a beloved activity on Lake Shelbyville, attracting anglers seeking to catch various fish species, including bass, crappie, catfish, and more. The lake's waters are teeming with fish, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day of fishing and embracing the tranquility of Lake Shelbyville.

Camping facilities are available near Lake Shelbyville, offering a tranquil retreat amidst the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Camping enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the serene charm of the lake's vicinity, enjoying the sounds of nature and starlit skies during their stay.

Near Lake Shelbyville, Illinois, visitors can explore the city of Shelbyville itself, which is located on the southern shore of the lake. Shelbyville offers a mix of small-town charm and recreational opportunities, with a historic downtown featuring shops, restaurants, and cultural events. Outdoor enthusiasts will find delight in the surrounding Eagle Creek State Park, which offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. To the north, the city of Sullivan boasts attractions like the Wyman Park and the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society Museum.

Boating on Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois provides a delightful blend of relaxation, recreation, and natural beauty. With its popularity for water sports, accessible boat launch ramps, rental boat options, well-equipped marinas, diverse boating season, excellent fishing opportunities, and nearby camping facilities, Lake Shelbyville beckons boating enthusiasts, water sports lovers, and nature enthusiasts to embrace the serene charm and aquatic wonders of this beloved lake destination.

Boating, camping and fishing.

Convenient for boating in central Illinois, Lake Shelbyville is a very large impoundment with plenty of water for boating and fishing. This 11,000-acre lake, located in the town of Shelbyville, has over 120 miles of shoreline. Marinas, stores, restaurants and other amenities make this a great lake for a weekend fishing trip or a family vacation. Much of this shoreline is not accessible for fishing, due to steep banks which are lined with trees. Much of the surrounding area is also private property. There are places to fish from the bank scattered around the lake. Numerous boat launch ramps are conveniently placed, providing access for pontoon boats, pleasure boats, sailboats, bass boats, canoes, kayaks and all types of fishing boats. One of the better largemouth bass fisheries in IL, the lake also supports, crappie, catfish, walleye, sauger, muskie and several species of sunfish. During bass tournaments held on the lake, numerous bass over the 6-pound mark are often brought to the scales.

Lake Shelbyville Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Lithia Springs Recreation Area Campground - 217 774-3951

Kaskaskia River Campground - 217 774-4721

Robin Hood Woods Campground & Resort - 217 774-4222

Sullivan Marina & Campground - 217 728-7338

Bo Wood Campground - 217 774-3951

Eagle Creek State Park Campground - 217 756-8260

Wolf Creek State Park Campground - 217 459-2831

Lake Shelbyville Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Lake Shelbyville include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow bass, muskie and sauger.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill White Bass Yellow Bass Muskie Sauger