Coffeen Lake
Location 1102 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Excellent
Coffeen Lake has a solid Largemouth Bass fishery in place. Reproduction has improved, and fish appear to be recruiting well into larger sizes. The numbers were very good in the 2024 survey and have been very consistent in recent years. The size structure continues to improve with a high percentage of fish reaching 15 inches (31%) and many reaching 18 inches (8%). For this reason Coffeen has become an incredibly popular tournament destination. Site regulation:15" minimum length limit; 3 fish daily limit.
Blue Catfish
Developing
Blue Catfish are now being stocked to create a new trophy catfish fishery. Several individuals over 20 lbs were sampled in the 2024 survey.
Flathead Catfish
Excellent
Though numbers are uncertain, we capture one or two large individuals each year. From talking to anglers and reading articles, good numbers of this species are caught, with some much larger than 50 pounds.
Redear Sunfish
Fair
The Redear Sunfish numbers and size quality were not as good in this year’s survey but this species may provide a quality panfish opportunity in a lake with a very poor bluegill population.
Channel Catfish
Good
Numbers of Channel Catfish are not really seen in the fall survey, but the fish that were sampled were healthy, and angler reports indicate that they remain a popular target species. Site regulation: All jugs must be attended at all times while fishing.
Crappie spp.
Very Good
Crappie are a popular sport fishery at this lake. Since the power plant has gone offline, black crappie reproduction has stabilized, with several years of high recruitment years showing up. Many fish sampled were over the 10" minimum (18%), but there are a large number of 'shorts' coming up behind them. If this trend continues, expect to see a regulation change in the future to allow for increased angler harvest.
| 2025 | Blue Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 11040 |
| 2024 | Blue Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 11020 |
| 2023 | Blue Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 5510 |
Contact
217-537-3351
Description
Coffeen Lake is 1,102 acres with a shoreline length of 47.9 miles, a watershed of 11,001 acres, a maximum depth of 58 feet, and an average depth 18.7 feet. The lake is under a management agreement between The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Power Generating Company for outdoor recreation and conservation purposes. The lake is a cooling facility for Illinois Power Generating Company's coal-fired power station. Motors of 25 horsepower or less are allowed to operate on the Coffeen Lake. Boats with larger motors are allowed, but are restricted to trolling motor operation only. Motors larger than 25 horsepower can be used for loading and unloading a trailered watercraft, provided the watercraft is operated at a no-wake speed within 150 feet of the loading ramp. There are two concrete boat ramps, with one at the far north end of the lake, and the main ramp near the site office. There is no concession stand on the site, but gear can be acquired at a private business just west of the site office.Fishery History
Approximately 20 species have been collected on this water body. Coffeen Lake now receives periodic stockings of Black Crappie; the pure Striped Bass stockings have been discontinued due to an increase in water temperatures.
Site Regulations
Coffeen Lake has a 25 horsepower out-board motor limit.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- All Fish: All jugs must be attended at all times
- Largemouth or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
