Carbondale Reporter

State Representative Paul Jacobs is informing the public about a 'Fish Salvage Declaration' issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for Little Grassy Lake in Williamson County. This declaration is part of a renovation project for the dam and spillway of the 1,000-acre lake, which is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Fish salvage activities are permitted until April 1, 2026.

The dam and spillway at Little Grassy Lake have exceeded their engineered design life, necessitating a full draw-down to facilitate repairs. With an estimated reduction of 65 feet of water, the fish population faces the imminent risk of loss. Those with a valid sport fishing license or a combination hunting and fishing license can participate in the fish salvage until the specified deadline.

Fish may be legally captured using two pole and line fishing only. Additionally, anglers are allowed to take certain species such as carp, carpsuckers, buffalo, gar, bowfin, and suckers using pitchfork, gigs, bow and arrow, or bow and arrow devices. There are no daily or possession limits as per the fish salvage declaration.

It is prohibited to clean fish on-site or dispose of fish remains at the location.

Little Grassy Lake, situated in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge complex between Marion and Carbondale, is subject to fishery management under an agreement between the IDNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The dam rehabilitation project is conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District, based on the ongoing Little Grassy Lake Dam Modification Study initiated on September 10, 2024.