The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Horseshoe Lake
Madison County, Illinois · 2,400 acres (3.8 sq mi)
60°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About Horseshoe Lake
In Madison County, Illinois, Horseshoe Lake covers 2,400 acres; it is a natural lake. Horseshoe Lake is an oxbow lake left behind by an old channel of the Mississippi River and is only a few feet deep over most of its area.
It stretches about 4.1 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 20 miles. The water sits about 400 ft above sea level. It reaches about 54 ft at its deepest, with an average depth near 4 ft. Fairmont City lies about 1.1 miles to the south. The closest city is St. Louis, about 4 miles away.
- Size
- 2,400 acres (3.8 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 54 ft (average 4 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 20 miles
- End to end
- About 4.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 400 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Madison County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 1 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Horseshoe Lake
The fish here: largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish, crappie and catfish. With the surface at 60°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- 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.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 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
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:40 am · sunset 4:48 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Horseshoe Lake
- Fairmont Cityabout 1.1 mi south
- Madisonabout 1.3 mi west
- Pontoon Beachabout 1.5 mi northeast
- Veniceabout 1.6 mi west
- St. Louisnearest city, about 4 mi southwest
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Questions about Horseshoe Lake
What fish are in Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake holds largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish, crappie and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Horseshoe Lake?
About 54 ft at the deepest point, about 4 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Horseshoe Lake?
2,400 acres, with about 20 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Horseshoe Lake?
Fairmont City is about 1.1 miles south; Madison is about 1.3 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Horseshoe Lake today?
The surface was about 60°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Horseshoe Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
