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.
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