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Upper Peoria Lake

Boat Ramps
10
Access Points
10
Species
39

Upper Peoria Lake is a significant section of the Illinois River located between Peoria County and Woodford County in central Illinois. This expansive waterbody stretches from South Rome to Peoria Heights, with Spring Bay and the Detweiller Marina area near the middle. It empties into the smaller Peoria Lake (sometimes called Lower Peoria Lake) at approximately river mile 166.5. Originally formed during the Wisconsin glaciation period, Upper Peoria Lake is a remnant of old Glacial Lake Illinois. The lake has faced considerable sedimentation challenges over the years, with the average depth being only about 2.6 feet outside the navigation channel, and Upper Peoria Lake specifically averaging only about 2 feet deep. Despite these challenges, it remains a premier fishing destination in central Illinois, offering excellent opportunities for multiple sportfish species.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Upper Peoria Lake. 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.

Bass Pro Shop - East Peoria

Bass Pro Shop - East Peoria

Shop
Carl's Bait & Tackle

Carl's Bait & Tackle

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The Hex Shop

The Hex Shop

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Know where you can legally fish on Upper Peoria Lake

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 Upper Peoria Lake 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 Upper Peoria Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Upper Peoria Lake 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

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

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

ILLINOIS RIVER ABOVE RTE 150 AT PEORIA, IL

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Upper Peoria Lake fishing guides

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