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Mermet Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
Nearby Parks:
Sielbeck Forest State Natural Area
Cache River State Natural Area
West Kentucky State Wildlife Management Area
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Dixon Springs State Park
Fort Massac State Park
Shawnee National Forest
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| State Park Contact Information: |
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Mermet Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
1812 Grinnell Road
Belknap, Illinois 62908
Phone: 618-524-5577
Email: dnr.r5parks@illinois.gov
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| State Park Overview: |
| Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is an old cypress swamp which has been made into a waterfowl hunting area. Primarily the area was developed for duck hunting but several thousand Canada, blue, and snow geese frequent the area each winter. The shallow lake also is very productive for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and most panfish. The lake is closed in October prior to waterfowl hunting season and is re-opened in December directly after waterfowl season. The original acreage acquired in 1949, in Massac County, one-half mile southwest of Mermet on U.S. 45, has been increased to 2,630 acres, of which 690 are permanent water.
reservoirOne of the first major developments at Mermet was the 1962 construction of a system of levees, which created a lake. The lake serves as a reservoir and a supply of water to temporarily flood two walk-in duck hunting areas and a duck hunting area of permanent blinds. These permanent blinds are allocated on a no-charge daily draw system. The water in the lake is dropped 2 feet each fall to accommodate the duck hunters. After waterfowl season, the water is returned to the lake and due to a normal lack of rainfall run-off, a system of wells and pumps is used to return the lake to pool stage. |
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| Trails: |
| The area has two trails. The nature preserve has a small ?- mile, interpretive trail with tree identification markers and a small boardwalk extending into the cypress swamp. Another nature area has a 1-mile interpretive trail with tree identification markers along the way. |
| Picnicking: |
| A few picnic tables with camp stoves are available and there is one shelter with a group grill. Pit toilets are on the grounds. There is no drinking water or refreshment stand and camping is prohibited. |
| Boating: |
| The 452-acre lake, with a maximum depth of 12 feet, is a major attraction at the refuge. Private boats use the four launching ramps and motors up to 10 hp are permitted. Rental boats, paddles, and life jackets are available from the site staff. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Fishing
The shallow lake features rip-rap, standing and fallen trees, depressions, lotus pads, and stick-ups. The lake has largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, sunfish, channel catfish, buffalo, carp, and other feeder and rough fish.
Hunting
During waterfowl season, a check station is in operation and a daily drawing is held for the no-charge use of the 30 permanent blinds. Two flooded walk-in areas also are provided. Other hunting such as dove, deer, squirrel, rabbit, and quail is permitted in designated areas |
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