Thread: Rend Lake, Educate me.

Guy at work showed me some pictures of Crappie taken from Rend. I need to make a trip.

I don't know anything about Rend. Please share some tips, info.
Thanks.

I'm still learning about Rend! Best advice I can give you is book a date with
Nick Shafer ( Crappie Predator Guide Service (618) 472-4763 ). We've fished
the 2nd and 3rd bridges on Rt 154, the shore lines along 154 looking for brush piles
and the area up north filled with tree stumps (Be CAREFUL!!) with some success.
Springtime we've caught fish in the flooded brush, dipping a minnow on a long (10-12ft)
rod. Summertime, we've used drop shot rigs. Fall, we go back to single pole with 3/16oz
jig and a Lake Fork Baby Shad plastic body. Good Luck & Tight Lines - Dave

Thanks Dave!
Any preferred campgrounds? I'm a tent camper but use electricity to charge my trolling batteries.

Watch the wind. Rend can get real rough, very quick.

Not to jump in here - but glad to offer my opinion. I always liked the campground that's near the pheasant hunting area north of 154 (like you're on the way to the Rend Lake Resort - which is closed now, apparently). I think it might have been called the 'Shady Rest' campground. Some good spots near the water, a ramp close by and good showers (plus, yes electric and water) I haven't gone there in 3-4 years - but it was always a very nice campground.

Here's a link to do reservations - but doubtful you'll need that this time of year (and yes, Shady Rest is on there) but you can drive through the area and see what you like better than I could describe.
Enjoy!

Camping at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, IL

Honestly all the state and Corps campgrounds are great at Rend. The Corps campground facilities were just all redone 2 years ago and the the State Campground Wayne Fitzgerrell is also well kept.

I couldn't answer that truthfully, because my buddy and I stay at the Lake Cove Motel.
They have a secure parking area for boats that's fenced in with camera monitoring and
ample lighting, and hookups. We've checked out some of the sites when we can't get
out on the water and I would probably say the gents that answered are giving you some
good info!

Agreed totally with barrelslime - all the campgrounds are really nice. I don't think you'll be disappointed. just pick one near where you plan to fish...

My only time at Rend was back in November.

Best time to go, other than the spawn? I don't like to fish the spawn. While the fishing is easier, I prefer to ensure the future of Crappie fishing.