Dam West Recreation Area and Boat Ramp Closure for IHSA State Bass Fishing Finals

For Immediate Release – March 28, 2025

Lake Shelbyville – The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Bass Fishing Finals will be held at Lake Shelbyville Friday, June 6, 2025 – Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Dam West Boat Ramp. To accommodate tournament activities, the Dam West Recreation Area will be open to only the participating teams, spectators and workers beginning at 9 P.M. Thursday, June 5, 2025, through 9 P.M. Saturday, June 7, 2025. Take off will be at 7 A.M. on Friday, June 6th and Saturday, June 7th. Weigh in will begin at 3 P.M. both days. The general public is encouraged to come and support the youth participating in the IHSA State Bass Fishing Finals. Spectators will park in the beach parking lots and walk to the take off area and weigh-ins at the Dam West Large Group Shelter. During this period, Wolf Creek Beach and all other USACE boat ramps will be available to the general public.

Teams will be holding official practice on Thursday, June 5, 2025 and it is highly recommended to use a different ramp. However, the area will remain open to the public on Thursday for beach users.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville, the City of Shelbyville and all partners involved are excited to welcome these young anglers to the area and would like to thank the public for their support and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

For more information on the IHSA State Bass Fishing Finals, boat ramp, or beach availability, contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951 or email at lakeshelbyville@usace.army.mil.