Lake Shelbyville, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

08/24/2026

🦌 DEER STAND SILENT AUCTION – SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

Looking for a deer stand for the upcoming hunting season? Here’s your chance!

Friends of Lake Shelbyville will be holding a silent auction for approximately 25 impounded deer stands and climbing sticks on:

📅 Saturday, August 29
⏰ 7:30–10:30 a.m. — View stands & submit bids
📍 Government Vehicle Compound, south of the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center

Stands include:
• Two-man ladder stands
• Single-man ladder stands
• Mobile hunting stands
• Climbing sticks

💰 Proceeds will help support the Annual Youth Deer Hunt in October and the Annual Disabled Deer Hunt in November.

All stands and climbing sticks will be available for viewing before bidding. Bidders will complete a bid sheet with their contact information, stand number(s), bid amount(s), and a mandatory liability form.

🔨 Sealed bids will be opened promptly at 10:30 a.m., with stands awarded at 11:00 a.m. to the highest bidder.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: If the high bidder is not present, the stand will be awarded to the next highest bidder. Stands will NOT be held for later pickup for any reason.

For additional information about the auction or the Lake Shelbyville Tree Stand Policy, contact Park Ranger Tanner Coleman at (217) 774-3951 ext. 7006.

Come check out the stands, place your bid, and help support two great hunting programs at Lake Shelbyville! 🦌

Send a message to learn more

08/10/2026

🚨 Dam West Beach Temporary Closure Notice 🚨
Due to repeated acts of vandalism and unsanitary conditions in the beach restroom facilities, Dam West Beach will be closed until further notice.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Similar vandalism has occurred three times within the past month. The repeated damage and misuse of the facilities have created health, safety, and sanitation concerns for both visitors and staff.

At this point, the continued vandalism has gone beyond an inconvenience. It is unacceptable and has resulted in the decision to close Dam West Beach until further notice.

We understand this closure is an inconvenience, especially during the end of the summer season, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of the many visitors who respect our public facilities and help keep Lake Shelbyville a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.

Please help us protect our public facilities. If you witness vandalism, suspicious activity, or damage to park facilities, please report it Lake Shelbyville Project Office or any ranger.

These facilities belong to the public, and continued vandalism impacts everyone who visits Lake Shelbyville.

We are asking visitors to help us take care of the facilities that are here for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

07/01/2026

06/30/2026

Planning to watch the Lake Shelbyville fireworks on July 4th?

Fireworks will be launched from Ramp Point in Dam West Recreation Area at dusk.

Great viewing locations include:
• Dam West Recreation Area
• Dam East Recreation Area
• Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center
• Dam West Overlook
• Portions of the roadway across the dam

Please arrive early, as parking is limited. Additional parking is available at Spillway Recreation Area, Forest Park, and the Dam West High-Water Boat Ramp. Visitors parking at the high-water ramp can use the General Dacey Trail to walk to Dam West.

🚧 The Dam Road will close to vehicle traffic at 8:00 p.m. from the 9th Street intersection to Dam East.

🍔 Please note: There will be no food vendors or entertainment at this year's event.

🛟 If you're celebrating on the water, wear a life jacket, designate a sober operator, and be aware of your surroundings after dark. Boating at night requires extra caution to ensure everyone returns home safely.

🎇 Reminder: Personal fireworks are not allowed on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

06/15/2026

⚠️ Boat Ramp and Access Area Closure Notice ⚠️

Due to high water conditions, the following boat ramps and access areas are currently closed:

• Coal Shaft Boat Ramp
• Johnson's Bluff Boat Ramp
• Bruce West Boat Ramp
• Sand Cove Road Access Area

The current lake level is 604.43 feet, and access to these locations is no longer available under current conditions.

Visitors should also be aware that a significant amount of floating debris has been observed throughout the lake. Please use extra caution while boating and remain alert for debris that may be difficult to see, especially at higher speeds.

Please check for updates before planning your visit to Lake Shelbyville.

Stay safe and enjoy the lake responsibly.

06/02/2026

🎣 IHSA State Bass Fishing Finals at Lake Shelbyville! 🎣
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Bass Fishing Finals will be held at Lake Shelbyville on June 5–6, 2026, at the Dam West Boat Ramp.

⚠️ Important Notice
Beginning at 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 4, through 8:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 6, the Dam West Boat Ramp area will be restricted to participating teams, spectators, and event staff.

🏖️ Good news! Unlike last year, Dam West Beach will remain open to the public throughout the tournament.

🚤 Tournament Schedule:
• Takeoff: 7:00 A.M. (June 5 & 6)
• Weigh-In: 3:00 P.M. (June 5 & 6) at the Dam West Large Group Shelter

👥 Come support these outstanding young anglers!
Spectator parking is FREE in the Dam West Beach parking area:
• Beach users: park in the lot to the right when entering
• Tournament spectators: park in the lot to the left and walk to the takeoff and weigh-in areas

🎣 Teams will be conducting official practice on Thursday, June 4. Boaters are encouraged to use alternative boat ramps during this time.

📞 Questions? Contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951 or email [email protected].

05/14/2026

🚧 Road Closure Notice – Lake Shelbyville Dam 🚧
The road across the Lake Shelbyville Dam will be closed starting at 8 A.M. on May 18th till 5 P.M. on May 21st. for maintenance work. This closure includes both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
❌ The Dam West Overlook area will also be closed.

We appreciate your patience as crews work to safely complete this project.

📞 Questions? Call the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951.

05/04/2026

Join us for a fun-filled day at Opossum Creek Pond on May 30th!
🐟 Prizes for participants
🎩 Special appearance by Abraham Lincoln
👧🧒 Open to kids ages 2–12
📍 Location: Opossum Creek Pond
📝 Pre-registration is required
Check out the flyer for more details and get your kids signed up for a great day of fishing and memories!

04/28/2026

The Backcountry Conservation Classic, a 3D archery shoot hosted by the Illinois chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, will take place at the Lake Shelbyville Archery Park located in the Opossum Creek Recreation Area.

Participants are invited to shoot the course for free or walk the trail to learn more about the natural ecosystem of central Illinois. The event also provides an opportunity to meet representatives from the Illinois chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, local conservation organizations, and industry partners.

The Lake Shelbyville Archery Park was developed in partnership with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide a free, public archery opportunity on federal lands.

Free camping is available at the Opossum Creek Recreation Area on a first-come, first-served basis. Nearby campgrounds are also available by reservation.

Event schedule:
Friday, May 8, 6 to 10 p.m.: Kickoff event in Findlay, Illinois
Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Archery event at Opossum Creek Archery Park

For additional event details, including any associated activities or opportunities, and to RSVP visit: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/events/eventid/5030/e/2026-backcountry-conservation-classic-shelbyville-il-9-may-2026?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExRGVMQWxVNDNWU1Z5UTNrRnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4B3h39JwvMHUlrbxdun5B8ubJJRh2m8g2JzbjhkuS-8J9QYoa2VOixeHhBQg_aem_UUTS1gVJwjOtFxsuY37hbQ

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