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Lake Information for Kincaid Lake
This 2750-acre lake is located fives miles northwest of Murphysboro in Jackson County. Better known for its muskie population, this lake also has an unusually high population of channel catfish that are basically under harvested.
Kinkaid Lake provides opportunities for those interested in fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, walleye and muskie types of fish. "Natural strain" muskellunges were first stocked at Kinkaid Lake in 1985, and the lake began producing fish up to 40 inches in length by 1990 (after only five years of growth).
In November of 1998, construction of a spilling retention barrier was completed. This device was designed to keep the muskies in the lake (when the lake overflows into the spillway), but also offers the added benefit of keeping larger variants of walleye, bass, crappie, and striped bass from escaping.
The best carp fishing is from May to October at the end of bays.
Fishing for channel catfish is best during June and July along the flats, bays, and rip-rap.
Crappie fishing is best during April and May along the weed beds.
Muskie are best from November to June. They are most often found in the weed beds and bays.
Largemouth bass are best in March and April by the flooded timbers, points, and weed beds.
Walleye and sauger are best in the spring and fall in the points and weed beds.
Businesses Located Nearby
Bait & Tackle
- Frank's Real Bait Shop
- 94 Fish Rd - Gorham, IL
- (618) 763-4217
- Top of the Hill Bait Shop
- 537 Illinois Ave Ext - Murphysboro, IL
- (618) 684-2923
- Johnston's Bait Tackle & Prdc
- 187 Feather Trail Rd - Olmsted, IL
- (618) 742-6639
Boat Rental
- Kinkaid Village Marina
- 2063 Marina Rd - Murphysboro, IL
- (618) 687-5624
- Ridings Auto Trim
- 1912 Walnut St - Murphysboro, IL
- (618) 687-1246
- Crownline Boats
- 11884 Country Club Rd - West Frankfort, IL
- (618) 937-6426
Vacation Rental
- Lake Murphysboro State Park
- 52 Cinder Hill Dr - Murphysboro, IL
- (618) 684-2867
- Kinkaid Village Marina
- 2044 Marina Rd - Murphysboro, IL
- (618) 687-4914
- Dry Lake Campground
- 43 Dry Lake Rd - Murphysboro, IL
- (618) 684-8486