---

History

Although the name Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area is rather intimidating, there are no more snakes here than in other areas of the state. Actually the site is the namesake of a small creek that “snakes” its way through the property.

This 2,500-acre parcel was a surface mining site for coal from 1962 to 1970 and was considered by many to provide a wealth of opportunity for the development of fish and wildlife habitat. In 1987, the State of Illinois purchased the property from Midland Coal Company and began working with the Soil Conservation Service to mitigate any environmental concerns at the location. Today, Snakeden Hollow is truly a wildlife paradise.

Existing Resources

The site contains 125 water impoundments totaling 400 acres. All lakes and ponds, except the 160-acre Snakeden Hollow Lake, were formed as the result of surface mining operations. The water areas currently contain largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, muskie, bluegill, redear sunfish, walleye, green sunfish, black crappie, channel catfish and bullhead.
Good wildlife habitat provides a home to numerous species of mammals, birds and reptiles. A favorite nesting spot of giant Canada geese, the site has 2,100 acres of grassland, brushy draws, briers, shrubs, cropland and limited hardwood forest. The remaining 400 acres are in agricultural leases managed for wildlife habitat.

Site Management

Snakeden Hollow's major management focus is to improve nesting cover, plus resting and feeding areas for the resident flock of giant Canada geese..
Additional management activities are directed toward upland game, forest and waterfowl production, along with fish and furbearer production in order to allow activities such as hunting and fishing for the general public. Excellent hunting opportunities exist each fall and winter for Canada geese and dove hunting is said to be good. Importance is placed on the development of grassland habitat for non-game species through the establishment of warm season grasses, forest plantings and seasonal marshes.

Facilities

The 2,497-acre site is located 1 mile southeast of Victoria in Knox County. Take Route 167 east from Victoria to find the site office and hunter check station. The access road to the main lake, boat launch ramp, parking lot and toilets can be reached via County Road No. 28~ two miles east of Victoria. Small peripheral parking lots for public access have been established off County Road No. 15, Route 167 and County Road No. 28. Satellites of Snakeden Hollow include the Victoria Pheasant Habitat Area, a 241 -acre parcel 1 mile northwest of Victoria, and the 1680-acre Spoon River State Forest, 8 miles south of Victoria. Although visitors are welcome, camping is prohibited and there are no picnic areas.

Fishing

Anglers will not be disappointed with Snakeden Hollow. With more than 300 acres of lakes and ponds, ranging in size from 0.4 to 160 acres, there is something for everyone. More than 3 dozen of the lakes and ponds are actively managed for their fishery.

Fish species found include largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, walleye, muskie, green sunfish, black crappie, channel catfish and bullhead. Fish creel and size limits are posted at each parking lot.

Boating

Boats are restricted to a 10 HP Limit on the entire 160-acre Snakeden Hollow Lake. This is a “NO WAKE AREA.” Only electric motors are allowed on all other lakes and ponds. Each year, from two weeks before through the close of the central zone goose season, the area is closed to all activity, with the exception of permit hunting.

Hunting

Teal hunting is offered here during the statewide season. Dove hunting is allowed through Sept. 30, at which time the site closes to establish a waterfowl refuge. Goose hunting by permit commences at the opening of the central Illinois quota zone goose season. Archery deer ise available by permit only and are subject to various site-specific restrictions. Upland game is available by free permit at the Victoria Pheasant Habitat Area.

Disabled access dove and goose hunting facilities are available for those with the proper credentials.

Snakeden Hollow Hunter Fact Sheet | Snakeden Hollow Waterfowl Hunter Fact Sheet | Victoria Pheasant Habitat Area Hunter Fact Sheet

Spoon River Hunter Fact Sheet | Buffalo Prairie Pheasant Habitat Area

Rules and Regulations

Your visit to Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area will be more enjoyable if you follow a few simple rules.

• Camping and fires are not allowed.
• Vehicular traffic is limited to the boat launch area.
• No snowmobiles or other off-road vehicles are allowed.
• All other areas may be accessed via foot trails from the parking lots surrounding the site.
• Please help keep the area clean and beautiful for all to enjoy by putting litter in the nearest trash container.

• While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
• At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
• Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
• Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
• We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
• For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
• Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.