Lake Decatur
Lake Decatur is a City of Decatur reservoir on the Sangamon River, created in the early 1920s, with parks including Nelson Park and Faries Park along its shore. IDNR lists walleye, crappie, white bass and catfish among its fisheries.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Walleye
Points, flats and reefs at low light. Jigs and live bait early, crankbaits and crawler harnesses in summer.
Crappie
Brush piles, docks and standing timber. Minnows or small jigs.
White Bass
Schools chasing shad in open water, and spring river runs.
Wiper
Hybrid striped bass. Chase surface-feeding schools and points with wind.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.
Flathead Catfish
Live bait around wood and rock at night.
Largemouth Bass
Weeds, docks and wood in the shallows.
Boat launches
2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Nelson Park boat rampsPublicCity of Decatur launch; boat registration or day pass from the Lake Patrol office in Nelson Park; fees applyDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the IDNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass | 14 in | 6 / day |
| Crappie | 10 in | 10 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Illinois Department of Natural Resources ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Mike's Tackle WorldNearby2283 E Geddes Ave, Decatur(217) 423-0730Directions ↗
Local tips
- The entire lake is no wake from one-half hour after sunset to sunrise.
- City boat registration is required; day passes are sold at the Lake Patrol office in Nelson Park.
- Two pole-and-line fishing only; bow fishing and bullfrog spearing are not allowed.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
More Illinois lakes
Lake Shelbyville Fox Chain O'Lakes Crab Orchard Lake Clinton Lake Lake Springfield Kinkaid Lake Horseshoe Lake (Madison County) Horseshoe Lake (Alexander County) All Illinois lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.