Hamilton
County State Fish and Wildlife Area, also known as Dolan Lake, is located
about 8 miles southeast of McLeansboro off Route 14.
Dolan
Lake is the main attraction of the park. The earthen dam was constructed
in 1962 and the lake was filled shortly thereafter. The 75-acre lake has
a shoreline of 3 miles and maximum depth of 18 feet. The lake contains
largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish and bullheads.
Winter fishing is allowed when the ice is thick enough. A launching ramp
and rental boat are available. Motors are limited to 10 hp.
History
The
site was established at the urging of the McLeansboro Kiwanis club. In
1960 the state made its initial acquisition of 99 acres of land. Subsequent
purchases have brought the total acreage to 1,683, of which 75 acres are
water.
The
site is one of gently rolling hills. Most of the hunting area is small
open fields bordered by heavy fence rows, border plantings of warm season
grasses, lespedeza, and pine trees with small patches of brush and timber.
Food for the upland game is supplied by patch planting in the area.
Camping
Tent
and trailer sites are available with electricity and sanitary dump
stations and a shower house. Campers without reservations need to obtain a permit from
the site personnel when they arrive at the area. Five cabins are
located on scenic Dolan Lake across from a modern shower building.
No cooking, pets, or smoking allowed in Cabin. Fire grill and table
provided out side. Full size bed, two sets of bunk beds, table and
chairs provided inside. Cabin has heat and a/c available. Bring
your own bedding. There must be an adult or you must be 18 or older to stay in the cabin or camping areas. For reservations of the campsites or cabins, visit www.reserveamerica. com.
 Day Use
There
are large, shaded picnic areas with tables, outdoor stoves and drinking
water. A concession stand is operated from April 1 to Oct. 31. For
more information call site staff at (618) 773-4340. Horseback, hiking
trails and playground equipment available.
Hand
Trap
Hamilton County
has a first come first serve manuel clay bird thrower trap area.
The trap is open year round, for shotguns only. Pleases pick up
all hulls and keep area clean. Please call the site for more information.
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