Kinkaid Lake
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Located in southwestern Illinois' Jackson County, Kinkaid Lake is approximately 5 miles northwest of Murphysboro and 100 miles southeast of St. Louis. Built in 1968, the lake encompasses 2,750 acres (11 km²). It has an average depth of 39 feet, although the area near the spilway on its northernmost tip is about 100 feet deep. Its 2,750 acres (11 km²) wind around the northwestern hills of Shawnee National Forest. It has 92 miles of shoreline. The ownership of the surrounding land is divided among the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which manages approximately 4,000 acres (16 km²); the U.S. Forest Service, which administers 5,000 acres (20 km²); and Kinkaid-Reed's Creek Conservancy District, which oversees 300 acres (1.2 km²).
Natural features:
Topography varies from sandstone bluff formations to rolling hills surrounding the lake where oaks and hickories predominate. Numerous flat contours are planted with prairie grasses, cool-season grasses and wildlife food plots.
Picnicking: Picinic tables, shelters, charcoal grills and restroom facilities are provided at Johnson Creek Recreation Area and Paul Ice Recreation Area, which also has playground equipment.
Camping: Camping is permitted by the U.S. Forest Service, Kinkaid-Reed's Creek Conservancy District, and at Johnson Creek Recreation Area at Kinkaid Village Marina. Camping is not allowed on Department of Natural Resources property.
Fishing: The lake offers fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, walleye and muskie. Natural strain muskellunges were first stocked at Kinkaid in 1985, and the lake began producing 40’ fish in 1990, after just five years of growth. In November of 1998, construction of a spilling retention barrier was completed; this device, designed to keep the muskies in the lake should the waterway overflow the dam, offers the added benefit of keeping big walleye, bass, crappies, & stripers from escaping.
Hunting: Statewide regulations govern hunting at the site. Species available are deer, turkey, squirrel, quail, rabbit, dove and waterfowl.
Boating: Four boat ramps are available to the public with a full-service marina also available. No horsepower restrictions apply, although numerous no-wake areas exist on the lake.
