Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area

Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area was acquired by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the 1940's and has grown to encompass more than 6,200 acres of Mississippi River bottom lands in Union County. The wildlife area has two lakes. Grassy Lake is 350 acres and Lyerla Lake measures 275 acres. These lakes are open to the public March 1st through October 15th for fishing.

There are anywhere from 50,000 up to 100,000 Canada Geese that choose to winter at Union County State Fish & Wildlife Area. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources plants 2,400 acres of crops each year within the wildlife area as a means of providing food and shelter for the migrating birds.

Public use of Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area is limited. Besides the fishing opportunities, hunting and wildlife observation are the only activities available to guests.

For more information about Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area, write or call:

Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area
2755 Refuge Road
Jonesboro, IL 62952
(618) 833-5175

Directions:
From Marion, take Interstate 57 south 23 miles to exit 30. Go west on Highway 146 for 10 miles to Jonesboro and follow the signs to Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area.

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