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Lake Decatur

Boat Ramps
6
Access Points
8
Species
25

Lake Decatur is a 3,093-acre reservoir located in Macon County, Illinois, offering anglers a diverse fishing experience with approximately 30 miles of shoreline. Created in the 1920s as a reservoir for the city of Decatur, this man-made lake has evolved into a popular fishing destination for both local and visiting anglers. The lake extends from the dam to the Sangamon River at Macon County Highway 25 (North Oakley Road) and includes the area west of Baltimore Avenue, providing ample fishing opportunities throughout its waters as they flow through the town of Decatur.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Walleye89,258 fish · 2.0 in2026
  • Walleye66,056 fish · 2.0 in2025
  • Striped Bass X White Bass (wiper)37,881 fish · 2.0 in2025
  • Walleye74,193 fish · 2.0 in2024
  • Striped Bass X White Bass (wiper)32,698 fish · 2.0 in2024

Source

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Decatur. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Decatur Lake Access

Decatur Lake Access

Access Point
Fisherman's Wharf Park Access

Fisherman's Wharf Park Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Decatur

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Illinois licenses and regulations

Illinois Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Illinois Fishing License

All individuals who are 16 and over are required to have a fishing license. All youth who are below 16 may fish without a license.

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Illinois Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Illinois Steam Access Laws

If the waterway is navigable in fact and the streambed is publicly owned, it is most likely fully accessible. If the streambed is privately owned, it is only accessible for navigation, not for hunting, fishing or portage.

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Take Lake Decatur with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Lake Decatur to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Decatur to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Lake Decatur and check the forecast before you go.

SANGAMON RIVER AT LAKE DECATUR, IL

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