The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Crab Orchard Lake
Williamson County, Illinois · 6,960 acres (10.9 sq mi)
61°F water, calm this morning.
About Crab Orchard Lake
In Williamson County, Illinois, Crab Orchard Lake covers 6,960 acres; it is a reservoir. It was made by Crab Orchard Dam on the Crab Orchard Creek. Crab Orchard Lake lies within Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in southern Illinois.
From end to end it runs about 8.8 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 53 miles. Its surface is about 400 ft above sea level. It reaches about 25 ft at its deepest. The nearest town, Crainville, is about 1.1 miles northeast.
- Size
- 6,960 acres (10.9 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 25 ft
- Shoreline
- About 53 miles
- End to end
- About 8.8 miles
- Elevation
- About 400 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Crab Orchard Dam, Crab Orchard Creek
- County
- Williamson County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Crab Orchard Lake
Anglers come to Crab Orchard Lake for largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish, crappie, catfish, white bass and striped bass. At 61°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- GoodWhite bass
Schools chasing bait on points. Watch for splashes.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:34 am · sunset 4:46 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Crab Orchard Lake
- Crainvilleabout 1.1 mi northeast
- Cartervilleabout 1.2 mi north
- Cambriaabout 1.8 mi north
- Energyabout 3.6 mi northeast
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Crab Orchard Lake
What fish are in Crab Orchard Lake?
Crab Orchard Lake holds largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish, crappie, catfish, white bass and striped bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Crab Orchard Lake?
About 25 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Crab Orchard Lake?
6,960 acres, with about 53 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Crab Orchard Lake?
Crainville is about 1.1 miles northeast; Carterville is about 1.2 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Crab Orchard Lake today?
The surface was about 61°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Crab Orchard Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
