Decatur, Lake
Info / Macon County
Family Friendly
Yes
Handicap Access
Yes
Boat Fishing
Yes - Unrestricted
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
Yes
Camping
No
Picnicking
Yes - More Info
Skiing
Yes
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 2905 acres
Fishing Outlook
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)
Fair
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper) are stocked annually by IDNR. Population density varies with escapement over the dam being a major factor. Hybrid Striped Bass are regularly caught below the spillway, however they can still be caught in the lake by those able to find them.
Flathead Catfish
Average
Flathead Catfish are present, however densities are relatively low. Smaller fish have been observed, indicating that natural recruitment is occurring, however larger fish seem to be observed less often than they have in the past. Placement of spawning boxes may be considered in the future to help increase numbers.
Freshwater Drum
Very Good
Freshwater Drum ("Sheepshead", "drum perch", etc.) are abundant, with most individuals ranging from 12-18".
Common Carp
Very Good
Common Carp are abundant, with most ranging from 15-25".
Walleye
Excellent
Walleye are moderately abundant thanks to annual stockings from IDNR hatcheries. Growth rates are great, with walleye 15-25" commonly observed in targeted surveys.
White Bass
Good
White bass population densities have been below average since 2020, when a fish kill occurred (disease/virus suspected, as it was species-specific). As has been observed in other lakes that have had similar kills, it can sometimes take several years for the species to rebound.
Largemouth Bass
Average
Largemouth bass abundance is lower than desired, largely due to a lack of aquatic vegetation for nursery habitat. Research conducted on area reservoirs, including Lake Decatur, has demonstrated that stocking of largemouth bass has little to no positive impact on abundance. Establishment of aquatic vegetation is extremely hard in older reservoirs, and is further complicated by turbid water and common carp.
Channel Catfish
Very Good
Channel Catfish are abundant in the lake through natural recruitment. The average channel catfish ranges from 15-20", though larger fish are certainly present.
Crappie spp.
Excellent
Both black crappie and white crappie are moderately abundant. Growth rates are very good. Most crappie are between 8-12 inches, but larger fish are present. A 10 inch minimum length limit and 10 fish daily harvest limit are in place to moderate harvest and maintain quality sized fish.
Bluegill
Fair
Bluegill fishing is fair. Few fish collected exceed 7 inches.
| 2026 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 89258 |
| 2025 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 37881 |
| 2025 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 66056 |
| 2024 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 32698 |
| 2024 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 74193 |
Contact
217-424-2837
Description
The lake covers 3,093 surface acres with a maximum depth of 24 feet and average depth of 6 feet.Fishery History
Hybrid Striped Bass and Walleye populations are maintained by annual stockings from IDNR hatcheries. Various fish habitat improvements are ongoing and are coordinated through the Lake Decatur Fish Habitat Group, a partnership between IDNR Fisheries Division, the City of Decatur, and local businesses and volunteers. For more information, follow the habitat group at: https://www.facebook.com/LakeDecaturFishHabitatGroup/
Fish habitat map: https://decaturil.gov/545/Enjoying-Lake-Decatur
Site Regulations
Public boat launching facilities are available with the City of Decatur (217-424-2837) collecting boating access fees. The entire lake is no wake one-half hour after sunset to sunrise. All tournaments must be registered.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing; bullfrogs may not be taken by spear; no bow fishing devices are allowed
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 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
