Spring Lake (South)
Location 610 acres
Fishing Outlook
Channel Catfish
Excellent
The Channel Catfish population indices showed that 66.7 percent of the population was over 16 inches with an average body condition value of 115. The annual stocking of Channel Catfish provides a population that many Spring Lake anglers target from the shoreline.
Northern Pike
Excellent
The Northern Pike population indices showed that 13.2 percent of the population is greater than 28 inches in length with a body condition value of 91. The Northern Pike stocking program was restarted in Illinois in 2020 and South Spring Lake will continue to receive yearly stockings.
Crappie spp.
Good
In 2018 a new harvest regulation started for crappie. This regulation is a harvest limit of 25 fish per day with only 10 fish over 10 inches allowed. The intent of this regulation is to focus harvest pressure on the large percentage of crappie that are under 9 inches in length. The ration of crappie over 10 inches has increased since the regulation change. In 2024, only an electrofishing survey was completed and showed 60% of fish were over 10 inches. The average body condition was 90.
Bluegill
Improving
The 2024 Bluegill population indices showed 23.4% percent of the population over 6 inches and the average body condition value of 109 no fish collected were over 8”.
Largemouth Bass
Very Good
The 2018 - 2024 fall electrofishing surveys showed that quality indices have continued to improve. The percentage of bass over 15 inches has risen from 7.9% in 2017 to 20.4%, 30.4%, 27.2%, and 30.3% in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively. While the 2022 sample indices were slightly lower than previous years with 28.4% above 12 inches and 15.9% above 15 inches the 2023 sample was back on track with 56.4% above 12 inches and 20% above 15 inches. The 2024 sample continues the trend with 69.8% over 12 inches and 20.8% over 15 inches The body condition was an average value of 89.
Redear Sunfish
Poor
The Redear Sunfish population indices are not good with no fish over 9 inches collected.
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 9000 |
| 2024 | Northern Pike | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 16171 |
| 2024 | Northern Pike | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 40890 |
| 2024 | Northern Pike | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 5212 |
| 2023 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 9000 |
Contact
7982 South Park Rd.
309-968-7135
Description
South Spring Lake is an elongated backwater lateral marsh of the Illinois River. It was separated by a high levee from the Illinois River in 1916. The South Lake was separated from the North Lake in 1978 by a stop log structure and a spillway for discharge water. South Spring Lake receives 103 acre-feet of recharge daily from springs and seeps. Spring Lake currently has a 25 horsepower limit for outboard motors. The main access is via the Spring Lake blacktop road. A single lane boat ramp is located on the southwest shore of the lake. South Spring Lake is a shallow, very fertile backwater. It has a 60% coverage of aquatic vegetation after April and until November of each year.Fishery History
South Spring Lake was rehabilitated in 1986 to remove an undesirable Common Carp-Gizzard Shad fish population. As a result of the rehabilitation, an excellent fish population resulted. Water clarity improved and aquatic vegetation flourished. Good fishing for Largemouth Bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish soon resulted. Because of its shallow water and clarity, South Spring Lake has a tremendous coverage of aquatic vegetation. As part of an effort to reduce coverage of Eurasian milfoil (an exotic invasive plant), South Spring Lake is treated with DMA4 2,4-D each year.Site Regulations
There is a 25 horsepower motor limit on Spring Lake. The lake is closed to boat fishing 1 week prior to regular waterfowl season, and remains closed until the end of waterfowl season each year. During this closure period, bank fishing is allowed after 1:00 p.m.
Tournaments: All bass tournaments must register online using the Tournament Permit System at least 30 days before the event.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Recreational Use Restriction: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (see above)
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing; bow fishing is allowed
- All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than 18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Muskie: 42 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Northern Pike: 24 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
Additional Information
FALL FISHING CLOSURE: October 18, bank fishing after 1:00 p.m.
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page
Bath Map
