Rend Lake is the second largest man-made lake in the state of Illinois, consisting of 19,000 acres of water with 162 miles of shoreline. There are six major recreation areas featuring campgrounds, beaches, picnic and public wildlife areas. The lake has several boat ramps and a full service marina. Rend Lake anglers will find perhaps the finest crappie fishing in Illinois, as well as abundant populations of largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill and a variety of catfish.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for general management of the lake.