What You'll Find at Spitler Woods

Spitler Woods State Natural Area is a 202-acre preserve in Pope County in southern Illinois, roughly 30 miles south of Harrisburg. The site protects one of the largest remaining examples of dry upland forest in the state — a habitat type that has largely disappeared from Illinois over the past two centuries. The woods sit on a ridge above the Lusk Creek drainage, with mixed oak and hickory forest dominating the canopy.

For anglers, Spitler Woods itself does not offer direct fishing access; there is no lake or pond within the preserve. However, the site sits within the Lusk Creek watershed, and Lusk Creek itself runs through the surrounding landscape and holds smallmouth bass, rock bass, and sunfish. The preserve is primarily a hiking and nature observation destination, useful as a base for exploring the broader Pope County area if you are combining a fishing trip with time in the woods.

The natural area is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. There is no entrance fee. The site is undeveloped — no facilities, no parking lot, and no marked trailhead with signage. Access is informal, and the experience is quiet and remote.

Key Takeaways

  • Spitler Woods itself has no water for fishing, but Lusk Creek nearby holds smallmouth bass and rock bass in a scenic, less-crowded setting.
  • The preserve protects dry upland forest, a rare habitat in Illinois, and is worth visiting if you want to walk through old-growth oak and hickory woodland.
  • There are no facilities, no marked trails, and no parking area — access is primitive and requires knowing where to enter from nearby roads.
  • The site is open year-round during daylight hours and is free to visit, making it a low-cost addition to a Pope County fishing trip.
  • Spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking conditions; summer heat and humidity can be intense in southern Illinois bottomland.

How to Reach Spitler Woods

Spitler Woods is located in Pope County, in the Shawnee National Forest region of southern Illinois. The nearest town is Golconda, about 12 miles to the north. From Harrisburg (the Pope County seat), drive south on Illinois Route 1 for roughly 20 miles, then take local roads into the Lusk Creek drainage area. GPS coordinates for the general vicinity are 37.4°N, 88.5°W, but there is no marked entrance or parking area.

The challenge with Spitler Woods is that it is not signposted from the road. The preserve is accessible, but you need to know where to enter. Contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Pope County office or the Shawnee National Forest office in Harrisburg before you visit — staff there can provide specific directions to the boundary and describe the best foot access points. This is not a destination you can find by following signs.

The nearest services — gas, food, lodging — are in Golconda or Harrisburg. Both towns are small and have limited options. Plan to bring water and snacks with you. Cell service can be spotty in the area, so download offline maps or write down directions before you leave town.

Fishing Lusk Creek Near Spitler Woods

Lusk Creek is a clear, rocky stream that flows through Pope County and eventually joins the Ohio River. The creek holds smallmouth bass, rock bass, and various sunfish species. The water is typically cool and well-oxygenated, especially in the upper reaches near Spitler Woods, making it suitable for smallmouth year-round. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons; summer heat can slow the bite, and winter access can be difficult due to weather and water levels.

Lusk Creek is a wade-fishing stream, not a boat fishery. The creek is shallow to moderate in depth, with a rocky bottom and frequent riffles. Wading boots with good grip are essential — the rocks are slippery and the current can be strong after rain. Bring a net if you plan to keep fish; the rocky terrain makes landing larger bass by hand difficult.

Smallmouth bass in Lusk Creek respond to small crankbaits, soft plastics, and live minnows. Rock bass are aggressive and will take almost any small lure. Sunfish are abundant and make for good action if you want to fish for quantity. There are no special regulations for Lusk Creek itself, but you must have a valid Illinois fishing license. Check the current Illinois Digest of Fishing Regulations for any seasonal closures or size limits before you fish.

Seasons and Weather at Spitler Woods

Spring (March through May) is an excellent time to visit Spitler Woods. Temperatures range from 50°F to 70°F, wildflowers bloom in the understory, and migratory birds are active. Lusk Creek water levels are typically moderate, and wading is manageable. The woods are muddy after rain, so wear boots with good traction.

Summer (June through August) brings heat and humidity to southern Illinois. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 85°F, and the forest canopy, while providing shade, traps moisture. Insect pressure is high — bring insect repellent. Lusk Creek can become low and warm, which stresses fish and makes them less active. If you visit in summer, fish early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lower.

Fall (September through November) is the second-best season. Temperatures cool to 60°F to 75°F, humidity drops, and the oak and hickory forest turns color. Lusk Creek levels are often good, and fish are active as they prepare for winter. This is an ideal time to combine hiking and fishing.

Winter (December through February) is possible but challenging. Temperatures can drop below freezing, and ice can form on the creek. Access roads may become impassable after snow or heavy rain. If you visit in winter, check road conditions before you drive and bring extra layers and a headlamp.

Regulations and Permits

You must have a valid Illinois fishing license to fish Lusk Creek. Licenses are available online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, or at sporting goods stores and bait shops in Harrisburg and Golconda. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you are visiting for a short trip.

Illinois has statewide size and bag limits for bass and sunfish. As of the most recent regulations, smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length and a daily bag limit of five fish. Rock bass and sunfish have no minimum size and a daily bag limit of 25 fish combined. These limits change periodically, so check the current Illinois Digest of Fishing Regulations before you fish.

Spitler Woods itself is a natural area preserve, and collecting plants, removing rocks, or disturbing wildlife is prohibited. Fishing is not explicitly restricted, but the focus of the preserve is habitat protection. If you fish Lusk Creek near the preserve, stay in the creek channel and do not wade through sensitive forest areas.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Because Spitler Woods has no facilities, you must be self-sufficient. Bring at least two liters of water per person, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit. Wear sturdy hiking boots or wading boots with good ankle support — the terrain is uneven and rocky. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt protect against brush and insects.

If you plan to fish Lusk Creek, bring a rod, reel, and tackle appropriate for smallmouth bass and rock bass — light to medium action rods work well. Wading boots are essential; regular hiking boots will not grip wet rocks. Bring a net, a headlamp or flashlight, and a waterproof bag for your phone and keys. A topographic map or GPS device is useful because there are no marked trails.

Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Cell service is unreliable, so do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergency contact. Download offline maps of the area before you leave town. Bring a whistle in case you need to signal for help.

Nearby Fishing and Outdoor Options

If you are visiting Spitler Woods, you are in Pope County, one of the most remote and least developed counties in Illinois. The broader area offers several fishing and outdoor options worth considering as part of a longer trip.

Lusk Creek itself extends beyond Spitler Woods and has multiple access points along its length. The creek is fishable in several locations, and some areas have informal parking and easier access than Spitler Woods itself. Ask locally in Golconda or Harrisburg for directions to other creek access points.

Shawnee National Forest surrounds the area and offers hiking, camping, and additional fishing opportunities. The forest has several developed campgrounds and picnic areas, as well as primitive camping. The Shawnee National Forest office in Harrisburg can provide maps and information about other natural areas and water bodies in the region.

The Ohio River is roughly 20 miles south of Spitler Woods and offers catfish, carp, and large smallmouth bass. Access is limited and requires local knowledge, but the river is a significant fishery for the region. Golconda has a boat ramp and is a traditional access point for Ohio River fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I camp at Spitler Woods?

No. Spitler Woods has no camping facilities or designated camping area. However, the Shawnee National Forest has several developed campgrounds within 20 to 30 miles, including Pounds Hollow Recreation Area and Garden of the Gods. Contact the Shawnee National Forest office for current information on campground availability and fees.

Is Spitler Woods good for beginners?

The woods themselves are accessible to anyone, but the lack of marked trails and facilities means you should have basic navigation skills and be comfortable hiking in a remote area. If you are new to hiking or fishing, consider visiting with someone who knows the area, or contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for guidance before you go.

What is the best time of year to fish Lusk Creek?

Spring and fall offer the best combination of comfortable weather and active fish. Water temperatures are moderate, and Lusk Creek levels are usually good for wading. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but heat stresses fish. Winter is possible but challenging due to cold and potential ice.

Do I need a permit to visit Spitler Woods?

No. Spitler Woods is open to the public year-round during daylight hours, and there is no entrance fee or permit required. You do need a fishing license if you fish Lusk Creek.

Are there other creeks to fish near Spitler Woods?

Yes. Lusk Creek is the main stream in the area, but Pope County has several smaller creeks and tributaries that hold bass and sunfish. Local knowledge is valuable — ask at bait shops in Harrisburg or Golconda for recommendations on other water bodies and current access conditions.