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Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

Overlooking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers'​ 19,000-acre Rend Lake Reservoir, Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area is a gateway to Southern Illinois' biggest outdoor playground—a paradise for outdoor recreation for all ages and interests. The park offers outstanding opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, and other outdoor recreational pursuits.

Outdoor recreation enthusiasts interested in water sports, picnicking, or hiking will find that Wayne Fitzgerrell SRA has plenty to offer. The site also provides ample opportunities for birders, wildlife observers and photographers, fishing tournaments, pleasure boaters, water skiers, and anglers.

Rend Lake is well-known as an outstanding sport fishery for white and black crappie, particularly in the early spring, as well as excellent fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. Seasonal hunting programs attract thousands of hunters annually to Wayne Fitzgerrell SRA, which is also a popular destination for sporting dog training field trials.