The Fish Wrap

06/15/2026

06/11/2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Army Corps of Engineers’ Birthday


The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day use fees at its more than 2,800 USACE- operated recreation areas nationwide on June 16, 2026, in observance of the agency’s birthday.

At Lake Shelbyville, day use fees at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-operated boat launch ramps and swimming beaches will be waived for the day. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services or fees for specialized facilities, such as group picnic shelters and special events.

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy Lake Shelbyville's recreational facilities while practicing safe and responsible recreation. Lake Shelbyville offers boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and many other outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages.

USACE also offers other fee-free days throughout the year to mark days of celebration and commemoration. In 2026, fee-free days are:

• Presidents Day: February 16, 2026
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Birthday: June 16, 2026
• Independence Day Weekend: July 3–5, 2026
• National Public Lands Day: September 26, 2026
• Veterans Day: November 11, 2026

The fee-free initiative was first instituted on Veterans Day 2006 with the intent to support and honor the men and women who have served the nation in the U.S. Armed Forces.

USACE is one of the leading federal providers of outdoor and water-based recreation, hosting millions of visits annually to its more than 400 lake and river projects. It is estimated that 90 percent of USACE-operated recreation areas are located within 50 miles of metropolitan areas, offering diverse outdoor activities for all ages close to home.

To discover a USACE recreation site near you, visit www.corpslakes.us or www.recreation.gov.

For additional information about Lake Shelbyville recreation opportunities, contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951.

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06/10/2026

06/03/2026

Dam West recreation area and boat ramp to close for IHSA State Bass Fishing Finals

The Illinois High School Association State Bass Fishing Finals will be held at Lake Shelbyville on June 5 and 6 at the Dam West Boat Ramp.

To accommodate tournament activities, the Dam West Recreation Area past the beach turn off will be open only to participating teams, spectators and event staff beginning at 8 p.m. June 4 through 8 p.m. June 6.

Unlike last year, Dam West Beach will remain open to the public throughout the tournament.

Tournament takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. June 5 and 6. Weigh-ins will begin at 3 p.m. both days at the Dam West Large Group Shelter.

The general public is encouraged to attend and support the youth participating in the IHSA State Bass Fishing Finals. Spectator parking will be available free of charge in the Dam West Beach parking lot. Upon entering the beach parking area, beach users should park in the lot to the right, while tournament spectators should park in the lot to the left and walk to the takeoff and weigh-in areas.

Teams will conduct official practice June 4, and boaters are strongly encouraged to use an alternative boat ramp that day.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville, the City of Shelbyville and all event partners are excited to welcome these young anglers to the area. We appreciate the public's support and apologize for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause.

For more information about the IHSA State Bass Fishing Finals, boat ramp availability or beach access, contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951 or email [email protected].

05/27/2026