Picnicing
Complete your visit with a picnic at one of the four picnic areas
located around the park. Each site includes picnic tables,park stoves
and parking. Visitors with children might appreciate the playground
located at the picnic area near the spillway. Drinking water is
available at hydrants and fountains conveniently located throughout the
park.
Camping
With all the beautiful views and recreational activities at
Horseshoe Lake to choose from, you may wish to stay a few days to
experience them all. Tent and trailer camping sites with water hydrants
and pit toilets are available for overnight guests.Trailer sites also
include electricity and a sanitary dump station. A shower is provided
at the west-side campground.
Fishing and Boating
Bluegill,sunfish,crappie,largemouth bass and channel catfish are in
abundant supply, and anglers who can adapt to shallow-water fishing
will have a great time. The most popular fishing technique at the lake,
called bucktailing, was developed there as a way to offset the water
depth.
A bucktail is a small leadhead jig tied with several short strands
of hair. You might think that deer hair is used because of the name,
but the lure is actually tied with calf hair. A fly rod with
monofilament line used to bounce and move the lure a foot deep or
more,simulating a swimming minow. No bobber is used, when a fish hits,
the angler feels the strike.
Boat launching ramps are conveniently located around the lake,with
nine boat docks for rental and private boats(10 horsepower motor
limit). Only trolling motors are allowed between Oct. 15 and March 1.
Hunting
The public hunting area comprises more than 3,000 acres of timber,
wetlands and croplands. A portion of this area is managed primarily for
goose hunting. A total of 20 blinds can accommodate 40 hunters per day.
Additional hunting opportunities exist for deer, squirrels,ducks and
doves. Check with area headquarters for specific regulations.
For more information, contact Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area, P.O.
Box 85, Miller City, Ill. 62962. (618) 776-5689 0r 76-5215
Hiking and Biking
New hiking trails have just been finished in Nov. 04' around the lake.
