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
Little Grassy Lake
Williamson County, Illinois · 1,200 acres (1.9 sq mi)
Calm tomorrow morning.
About Little Grassy Lake
Little Grassy Lake spreads over 1,200 acres in Williamson County, Illinois. Little Grassy Lake is a clear-water lake in the Shawnee National Forest that serves as the broodstock lake for the IDNR's state fish hatchery.
It stretches about 3 miles end to end with roughly 12.7 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 500 ft above sea level. It reaches about 60 ft at its deepest. The nearest town, Carbondale, is about 6.7 miles northwest.
- Size
- 1,200 acres (1.9 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 60 ft
- Shoreline
- About 12.7 miles
- End to end
- About 3 miles
- Elevation
- About 500 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- County
- Williamson County
- Water
- Known for clear water
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 1 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Little Grassy Lake
The fish here: catfish.
- Catfish
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
No clear reading right now. Narrow or small lakes often have none; the weather and bite times below still apply.
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 Little Grassy Lake
- Carbondaleabout 6.7 mi northwest
- Cobdenabout 7.3 mi southwest
- Crainvilleabout 8.2 mi northeast
- Cartervilleabout 8.4 mi north
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Little Grassy Lake
What fish are in Little Grassy Lake?
Little Grassy Lake holds catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Little Grassy Lake?
About 60 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Little Grassy Lake?
1,200 acres, with about 12.7 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Little Grassy Lake?
Carbondale is about 6.7 miles northwest; Cobden is about 7.3 miles southwest.
Is the water warm enough to swim in Little Grassy Lake?
Check the water temperature on this page before you go: under 70°F feels cold to most swimmers, and under 60°F cold-water shock is a real risk.
Little Grassy Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.