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LITTLE GRASSY LAKE


Lake Information

County: Williamson

Acreage: 1000

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? 10hp

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? Yes

Skiing? No

Swimming? Yes

Picnicking? Yes

Camping? Yes



larger map link Twin Crappie Rocky Comfort Marina Grassy Creek


    Click on area names for a more detailed map.
    Grassy Creek, Marina, Rocky Comfort, Twin Crappie

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Fish Attractors:

There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Lake Status Summary  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Very Good

Little Grassy Lake bluegill abundance in spring 2022, as measured by catch-per-unit-effort, was substantially higher at 141 per hour. The proportion of these fish larger than 6 inches was 58%, bluegill larger than 7 inches made up 20% of the sample. Average bluegill body condition was just below the desirable range.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

The Little Grassy Lake largemouth bass population is generally well balanced, and contains fish ranging in size from fingerlings to trophies. In 2022, bass abundance was higher-104 were collected per hour of electrofishing (goal is 60/hour). Bass quality, as measured by length, was easily within the management plan goal range with 55% larger than 12 inches and 17% over 15 inches. As is often the case in clear, infertile lakes, bass body condition (measured by relative weight) remained at the lower range of the goal but the 2021 sample included bass over 7 pounds.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Very Good

Little Grassy Lake redear abundance in the spring sample was higher again in 2022 at 84 per hour of electrofishing. Redear quality, based on length continued to be very impressive, with 70% of fish over 7 inches, and 62% larger than 8 inches, with several fish exceeding the 9 inch mark. Redear body condition remained just below the lower end of the management plan goal range.

Location: Little Grassy Lake is a deep, clear, 1000-acre impoundment located in the south portion of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge between Marion and Carbondale in Williamson County Illinois.

Description: The Little Grassy Lake fishery is cooperatively managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The lake is surrounded by forested land, has three boat ramps, and a marina.

Additional Lake Information: USFWS announces Little Grassy Lake level will be kept 4-5ft lower than normal elevation and will likely remain at this level several more months or years until main dam spillway issues can be fully evaluated. Currently there are no restrictions on fishing or boating on Little Grassy Lake, although recreation visitors are advised to be more aware of submerged objects in the water which can be a hazard to unwary boat operators.

Outboard motor limit is 10hp. A user permit is required to access the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Information can be obtained by calling the refuge visitor center at 618-997-3344.

Site Regulations:
Largemouth bass: 12 to 15 inch protective slot limit, 6 per day creel
Channel catfish: 6 per day creel limit

Contact Information:
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
618-997-3344
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Luke Nelson
618-985-1112

There were 12 tournaments held on this waterbody in 2020.

Species Total Fish Caught
Bluegill 55
Crappie 12
Largemouth Bass 356

Top 5 Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2020 tournaments:

1     7.94 lbs
2     7.49 lbs
3     6.62 lbs
4     5.86 lbs
5     5.47 lbs

Top 5 Bag Weights of Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2020 tournaments:

1 93.67 lbs
2 69.21 lbs
3 51.55 lbs
4 51.50 lbs
5 50.44 lbs


Multiple day tournaments are listed with *end date and

Interested in participating in one of these public tournaments? Contact us with tournament ID for more information.

2020-2021 Approved or Pending Tournaments
Start Date ID Approval Ramp Location Bank/Boat
Hook/Bow
Max Boats Species Youth? Open to Public?
April-1326261ApprovedMarina Ramp boat
hook
100Largemouth Bass
Yes
April-2026531Approvednorthwest ramp boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Yes
April-2826835Approvednorthwest ramp boat
hook
15Largemouth Bass
No
July-0625114Approvednorthwest ramp boat
hook
40Largemouth Bass
No
August-0326395Approvednorthwest ramp boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
No
August-1825629Approvednorthwest ramp boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
No
August-2426798Approvednorthwest ramp boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
No
September-1526445Approvednorthwest ramp boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Spotted Bass
No
October-2026407Approvednorthwest ramp boat
hook
20Largemouth Bass
No