Located just 8 miles south of Marion Illinois, Lake of Egypt offers a tranquil escape with its pristine waters and scenic surroundings.
Most of us love to find hidden gems, places that maybe only locals know about, and ones that aren't overrun with tourists. Lake of Egypt in Southern Illinois is one of those little-known places where you can find seclusion and tranquility as you sit lakeside enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
This hidden gem in Southern Illinois is not just a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a playground for families seeking adventure and relaxation.
Lake of Egypt is named after Little Egypt, another name for Southern Illinois.
Location of Williamson County in Illinois
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About Lake of Egypt
Lake of Egypt is a reservoir that covers an expanse of 2,300 acres (9 km²) with 90 miles (140 km) of shoreline.
The lake has an average depth of 18 feet (5.5 m) with a maximum depth of 52 feet (16 m).
Southern Illinois Power Cooperative, or SIPC, developed Lake of Egypt in 1962 by damming the southern fork of the Saline River. The purpose was for cooling water for the power plant.
Built for entirely straightforward, practical reasons, the lake’s primary reason for being is to cool the cooperative’s power plant.
The lake is still privately owned by the cooperative, but they allow public access for boating, fishing, and swimming, and you can water-ski, tube, and jet ski in certain areas.
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As a privately owned lake, it is subject to regulation by its owners and the state.
Terms of use from the SIPC are in the “Official Lake of Egypt Rules and Regulations”.
Public access is allowed as are all size boat motors.
With three marinas, on summer days the lake hums with boats from dawn to dusk.
Although the company owns the lake and shoreline, it is open for public use.
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What the SIPC created has become a popular place of enjoyment, visited by many Illinois locals and families vacationing over the years.
This lake is ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and water sports like jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.
Water skiing and jet skis are also permitted in most of the lake.
Fishing in Lake of Egypt
Lake of Egypt offers some of the best fishing around and people from all over the country flock to the lake just to fish.
Fishing includes Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and Crappie.
The water in your backyard is filled with Crappie, Large and Small Mouth Bass, and every fish in between.
Fishing is usually good for most species in the lake.
Healthy populations of bass, bluegill and crappie reside here.
Spring offers the best opportunity for big stringers and an occasional lunker.
Follow the schools of bait as they move up in spring and fall, then go deeper in summer and winter.
All fish species here tend to stay close by their food source.
These inlets are also wonderful places to go fishing for catfish, bluegill, and other fish species.
Largemouth Bass
Fishing License Requirements:
Illinois residents and non-residents ages 16 & up are required to purchase an Illinois Fishing License.
The Walmart in town in Marion, IL can register you and provide you with your paper copy of your license if you do not have it already.
Locally, Just Add Water can provide you with all of your fishing needs, bait tackle and more and your fishing license!
Several boat launch ramps are open to pleasure and fishing boats.
The Resort at Egyptian Hills is right on the lake, so it’s popular with families who love boating, fishing and outdoor adventures.
Catching Summertime Schooling Bass On Lake Of Egypt Fishing Report
Boating Information
Lake of Egypt is a great place to fish and boat, but it is important to recognize their rules and restrictions regarding certain boats.
The speed limit on the water is 35mph, and skiing can only be done in the designated ski area.
Jet Skis are allowed on the lake, but not after dusk.
Pontoon boats are restricted to 28ft or less, and hull boats are restricted to 20ft or less.
There is no engine or horsepower restriction on the lake.
If you do bring your own boat, we ask that you notify us prior to your stay to and bring the proper mooring and anchoring gear for your boat.
Below are 3 public boat launches that can be used to put in and take out your boat during your stay.
Three locations on the lake offer Pontoon boat rentals for those that want to have a fun day on the lake and don’t have their own boat.
It’s a great way to see some great lake views, float, and even have a picnic on some of the lake’s hottest spots!
You can bring your own boat or rent a pontoon from The Resort at Egyptian Hills (one of the best resorts in Illinois), which has one of three marinas found here.
By renting a family-friendly pontoon right here at the Marion/Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday, setting sail for a day on the lake has never been easier.
Enthusiastic guests rave about the cabins with lake views, set just steps from the water, with boating, fishing and water sports fun during the day and cookouts on the deck by night.
If you’re boating on the lake, the Mack’s Lake of Egypt Marina is a fun place to dock your boat and enjoy some pub food with other visitors and lake locals.
Swimming at Lake of Egypt
Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake of Egypt.
Lake of Egypt is a popular destination because of its 93 miles of wooded bays and inlets, offering boating, fishing, and swimming.
The lake features several designated swimming areas that are perfect for families.
Kids can splash around in the water while adults relax on the shore.
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