Little Cache Lake #1 (Bowman Lake)

This 21-acre lake is located off of Bowman Bottoms Road in Johnson County, north of Vienna, IL. The lake is shallow and the species present include bluegill, largemouth bass, redear, channel catfish and crappie. Access to the site includes gravel road surfaces. The boat launch is located on the upper end of the lake and to reach the main body of the lake requires paddling or trolling a narrow channel.

General Information

This is a very shallow lake (approximately 4 feet or less). It was constructed for flood control purposes. Water levels fluctuate widely and sport fish populations are fair.

Carrying in canoe, kayak or small boats fitted with an electric motor is the recommended access to this lake.

Open year round.

State Fishing Regulations apply to all of the Shawnee National Forest. Visit IDNR website for more information. Anglers must not use more than 2 poles and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing.

Daily catch limits:

Largemouth Bass & Channel Catfish: 6 daily creel limit
Largemouth Bass: 15 inch minimum length

Getting There

Directions

From Vienna: Take Highway 45 north 1 mile to Dutchman Lake Road, turn left onto Dutchman Lake Road and continue 4.5 miles to Bowman Bottoms Road. Turn right (east) onto Bowman Bottoms Road and continue for 3 miles to Forest Road #1729. Turn right (south) on to Forest Road #1729 and go about a quarter mile; the road deadends at a small parking loop near the gravel boat launch on the north side of Little Cache Lake.