Anderson Lake
Anderson Lake is a natural bottomland impoundment on the west floodplain of the Illinois River, connected annually to the main stem. The water is typically turbid with a mud bottom and little aquatic vegetation.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.
Bluegill
Weed beds and shallow flats in late spring.
Crappie
Brush piles, docks and standing timber. Minnows or small jigs.
Largemouth Bass
12-inch minimum, 6 per day
Boat launches
2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Anderson Lake boat rampRampBoat ramp; during waterfowl season boat fishing (electric motors only) is allowed in a designated area near the rampDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the IDNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass Minimum length 12 inches; 6 daily | 12 in | 6 / day |
| Smallmouth Bass Minimum length 12 inches; 6 daily | 12 in | 6 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Illinois Department of Natural Resources ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Anderson Lake ↗Local tips
- Expect turbid water over a mud bottom; target channel catfish, bluegill and crappie, which rate Average per IDNR
- Lake is only about 5 feet deep at spillway crest, so shallow-running presentations make sense
- During waterfowl season boat fishing is limited to electric motors in a designated area near the ramp
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Illinois lakes
Lake Shelbyville Fox Chain O'Lakes Crab Orchard Lake Clinton Lake Lake Springfield Lake Decatur Kinkaid Lake Horseshoe Lake (Madison County) All Illinois lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.