Fish salvage order issued by IDNR as Little Grassy Lake prepares for repairs
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has issued a fish salvage order for Little Grassy Lake as part of a planned rehabilitation of the lake’s aging dam and spillway structure.
Officials said the structure has exceeded its engineered design life, requiring a full draw-down of the lake to allow for much needed repairs. The draw-down is expected to put the lake’s fish population at risk, which is where the salvage order comes into place.
Under the order, which remains in place through April 1, 2026, individuals with a valid sport fishing license or combination hunting and fishing license are permitted to collect fish using permitted methods. Anglers may use two pole and line setups to catch any species. Additionally, carp, carpsuckers, buffalo, gar, bowfin, and suckers may be taken using pitchforks, gigs, bows and arrows, or similar devices.
There are no daily or possession limits for any species during the salvage period. However, fish cannot be cleaned on site, and no fish remains may be dumped at the location.
Little Grassy Lake, a 1,000-acre body of water in Makanda, sits within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge between Marion and Carbondale in Williamson County. The lake is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with fisheries management overseen by IDNR through a cooperative agreement.
The rehabilitation effort is being conducted in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District as part of the ongoing Little Grassy Lake Dam Modification Study, which began on Sept. 10, 2024.
