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State park lake

Frank Holten Lakes

St. Clair County, Illinois

Frank Holten State Recreation Area is in East St. Louis in St. Clair County, with Whispering Willow Lake (79 acres) and Grand Marais Lake (97 acres). It is an urban fishing spot in view of the Gateway Arch.

Outline map coming soon
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Surface area180 acres
Max depth—
Shoreline5 mi
Boat motors10 hp limit

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Largemouth Bass●●●○○

Stocked; 14 inch minimum

Channel Catfish●●●○○

Stocked each year

Bluegill●●○○○

Stocked per the park page

Boat launches

3 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.

  • Frank Holten boat rampsRamp
    Boat fishing allowed with a 10 hp limit. Park closes at 8:30 PM.Directions ↗
  • Bank fishingPublic
    Bank fishing is allowed at both lakes.Directions ↗
  • More public accessPublic
    See 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.

SpeciesMin sizeDaily limit
Largemouth Bass
Applies to largemouth and smallmouth
14 in6 / day
Smallmouth Bass14 in6 / day
Channel CatfishSee Illinois rules book ↗6 / day

Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Illinois Department of Natural Resources ↗

Verified October 2026. Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.

Search more bait shops near Frank Holten Lakes ↗

Local tips

  • The park closes at 8:30 PM, so plan to be off the water by then.
  • Bass must be 14 inches or longer to keep.
  • No alcohol is allowed in the park.

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.