(IL) Shelbyville Sunshirt

Shelbyville Lake is a reservoir located in Shelby County, Illinois, United States. The lake was created in 1970 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and recreation purposes. It has a surface area of 11,100 acres, a maximum depth of 65 feet, and over 172 miles of shoreline.

Shelbyville Lake is known for its great fishing opportunities. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources regularly stocks the lake with fish to maintain a healthy population.

The lake also provides recreational opportunities such as boating, swimming, and camping. There are several campgrounds and picnic areas located around the lake, as well as hiking and biking trails.

Shelbyville Lake is also known for its abundant wildlife. The lake and its surrounding areas are home to many species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. Mammals such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, and coyotes can also be found in the area.

Interestingly, the lake was named after Shelby County, which was named after Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky. Additionally, the lake has a "floating island," which is a patch of vegetation that detaches from the shoreline and floats around the lake due to winds and currents. The floating island has become somewhat of a tourist attraction in the area.