Southern Illinois is loaded with fishing opportunities, and Shawnee Trails Lodging puts you within easy reach of over a dozen lakes, reservoirs, and fishing holes — many of them less than 30 minutes from your cabin door. Whether you’re after largemouth bass on Lake of Egypt, bluegill at Ferne Clyffe Lake, or crappie at Crab Orchard, our cabins in Goreville, Illinois make the perfect home base for your next fishing trip.

Top Fishing Spots Near Our Cabins

The variety of water within a short drive of our cabins is one of the best things about this area. Here are some of the top options:

Ferne Clyffe Lake — 1.5 miles. This 16-acre lake is practically in our backyard. Open to bank fishing only (no boats), it’s stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and redear sunfish. A hiking trail runs the 1-mile shoreline, so you can fish your way around the lake on foot. Maximum depth is 22 feet. It’s a peaceful, low-key spot that’s perfect for a morning session before heading to bigger water.
Lake of Egypt — 9 miles. The crown jewel of Southern Illinois fishing. This 2,300-acre reservoir has 90 miles of shoreline and allows all-size boat motors. It’s known for excellent populations of largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie. Public access is available and there are several marinas for boat rentals and launches. A lot of our fishing guests make Lake of Egypt their primary destination.
Crab Orchard Lake — 20 miles. Part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, this 6,965-acre lake is one of the biggest in the region. Outstanding crappie and largemouth bass fishing, with good catfish populations as well. Multiple boat ramps and bank fishing access points.
Devils Kitchen Lake — 14 miles. A quieter alternative to Crab Orchard with a 10-horsepower motor limit. Great for kayak fishing and bank anglers. Known for quality bass and bluegill.
Little Grassy Lake — 19 miles. Another quality bass lake with a peaceful setting. 25-horsepower motor limit keeps it calm.
Dutchman Lake — 8 miles. A smaller lake that’s a local favorite for catfish and bass.
Rend Lake — 41 miles. One of the premier fisheries in all of Illinois. Over 18,000 acres with exceptional crappie, bass, catfish, and bluegill fishing. Worth the drive for a day trip.

Why Anglers Love Our Cabins

After a full day on the water, the last thing you want is a cramped hotel room. Our cabins give you space to clean up, spread out your gear, cook your catch in a real kitchen, and relax. The deluxe duplex cabins come with a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and a living area — perfect for a fishing buddy trip or a family outing. Standard cabins offer a more affordable option with kitchenettes and comfortable sleeping for smaller groups.

Every cabin has free parking with plenty of room for boat trailers. We’re also pet friendly, so your fishing buddy with four legs is welcome too.

And when you want a break from the water, Ferne Clyffe State Park is right next door with miles of hiking trails through stunning rock formations and canyons. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is within 30 minutes for anyone who wants to balance their fishing trip with a little culture.

Plan Your Fishing Trip

Our cabins are available year-round. Spring and fall are peak fishing seasons in Southern Illinois, but summer offers great early-morning and evening bites, and winter can be productive for the dedicated angler.

Call us at 405-888-0997 to reserve your stay or book online.

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