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HORSESHOE LAKE - MADISON
Lake Information
County: Madison
Acreage: 2107
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? 50hp
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
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Canteen,
Walker's Island
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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Lake Status Summary ( Full PDF Report )
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Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Poor | Bigmouth buffalo were collected in lower numbers in the 2020 survey. They were mostly smaller fish in somewhat poor condition. | |
Very Good | The size quality of the bluegill population is similar to the previous survey. CPUE is high at 715 fish per hour in the 2020 survey. The condition of the fish is always very good. | |
Very Good | Crappie are a very important sport fish at Horseshoe Lake. Both white and black crappie were collected in higher numbers in the 2020 survey but the size and condition of the fish was very good. | |
Very Good | The largemouth bass numbers have increased from the previous surveys with a CPUE of 76 in the 2020 survey. The size distribution of the fish collected was good with fish in all size classes. The condition of the fish collected continues to be very good. | |
Location: Horseshoe Lake is located near Granite City on Highway 111 just south of Horseshoe Lake Road.
Description: This 2107-acre lake is a very old floodplain lake created by an abandoned river channel. The lake is shallow with average depths of 3-5 feet. It maintains a connection with the Mississippi River through drainage ditches. Therefore, the lake supports a very diverse fishery. Besides the common sport fish the lake is home to carp, buffalo, drum, gar, and bowfin. The main boat ramp is on the north shore of the lake inside the park. Shore angler access is available at many areas around the lake and there is a 50 hp limit for boat motors.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Horseshoe Lake presents many challenges to active fishery management. The lake is a large, shallow, fertile, flood plain lake. The lake connects with the Mississippi River via drainage ditches with high water. This allows for uncontrolled fish introduction and escapement. The lake supports high numbers of rough fish including common carp, buffalo, freshwater drum, and yellow bass. Asian carp are also present in the lake and numbers of silver carp have increased rapidly in recent years. The bighead carp numbers are lower but they are growing to enormous sizes. The rough fish undoubtedly compete with and negatively impact reproduction and recruitment of the sport fish. The sediment in the lake contains high levels of contaminants including heavy metals. There is little or no aquatic plant growth in the main body of the lake. Despite these limitations the lake continues to support a good sport fishery for bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass. The largemouth bass and crappie numbers were both up in the 2020 survey and the lake continues to support decent fishing opportunities for these species. Over 80,000 channel catfish were stocked into the lake in 2020. These fish should provide excellent angling opportunities in the coming years. Alligator gar were stocked for the first time in 2016 as part of a state wide reintroduction project. We hope to see evidence of survival and growth of these fish in future surveys.
Additional Lake Information: There is a 50 hp limit for boat motors. 2 Pole and Line fishing only. Bow Fishing is permitted. Trotlines are permitted within 300 feet of shoreline. Swimming, wading, and waterskiing are prohibited.
Contact Information: Horseshoe Lake State Park 618- 931-0270IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Eric Ratcliff618-931-4217