Lake Shelbyville is a flood control lake, the water fluctuates and sometimes can be at a low pool level, so we offer a few words of advice.
When it is below summer pool you need to proceed with extreme caution. Even when the lake is normal or high, we always advise to use caution, or you may find yourself stuck on a sandbar. If you should be unfortunate enough to run your boat up on a sandbar, there is a few things you can do to save your motor and your money. We suggest getting out and pushing off if possible, or waiting for someone to come and pull you off. Don’t try to use your big motor to get off a sandbar. Because you will suck sand and/or silt into your water intakes which could do damage to your cooling system. If you try to get off with your big motor, you will definitely do damage to your prop and possibly your lower unit if you use your big motor. Running aground alone may not cause any severe damage, it is what you do afterwards that can cause the problems. The reason you don’t do damage getting on the sandbar is because when you are going forward when you hit something, your motor or your lower unit kicks up. If you find yourself in this situation, immediately shut your motor off to prevent any damage to your water intake. When you try to use your motor to get off the sandbar you are now forcing your lower unit and your prop into the sand to move your boat…. This is what you want to avoid.
Lake Shelbyville Illinois Fishing Report - UPDATED!!
Have you ever hit a sand bar? I got close a couple of weekends ago. Good depth finders really help.