Lake Springfield
Lake Springfield
- Boat Ramps
- 9
- Access Points
- 19
- Species
- 24
Lake Springfield is a significant reservoir located on the southeast edge of Springfield, Illinois, with a smaller counterpart in Missouri. The Illinois lake encompasses 3,866 acres with a maximum depth of approximately 30 feet and an average depth of 13 feet, stretching across 52.7 miles of shoreline. Constructed in 1931 by damming Lick and Sugar creeks, this lake serves multiple purposes, including providing cooling water for a power plant while offering excellent fishing opportunities. The Missouri Lake Springfield is smaller at 318 acres but similarly offers a variety of fishing options with significant submerged structure providing ample cover for fish. Both lakes are known for their well-balanced fish populations and are managed to provide high-quality angling experiences year-round.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Lake Springfield and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Walleye
Sander vitreus
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Black Bullhead
Ameiurus melas
Black Redhorse
Moxostoma duquesnei
Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
Freshwater Drum
Aplodinotus grunniens
Golden Redhorse
Moxostoma erythrurum
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis
Northern Hogsucker
Hypentelium nigricans
Orangespotted Sunfish
Lepomis humilis
Redear Sunfish
Lepomis microlophus
Rock Bass
Ambloplites rupestris
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
White Bass
Morone chrysops
White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis
White Sucker
Catostomus commersonii
Yellow Bass
Morone mississippiensis
Yellow Bullhead
Ameiurus natalis
Fish stocking schedule
Latest 5 stockings
- Walleye84,054 fish · 2.0 in2026
- Blue Catfish28,013 fish · 5.5 in2026
- Walleye40,268 fish · 2.0 in2025
- Channel Catfish180 fish · 9.0 in2024
- Blue Catfish28,000 fish · 5.5 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.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabFishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Lake Springfield. 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.
Know where you can legally fish on Lake Springfield
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.
Missouri licenses and regulations
Missouri 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.
Missouri Fishing License
Residents of Missouri 65 years old and older are not required to purchase a fishing license. Non -Residents 16 years old and older must purchase a non-resident license. Anglers 15 years old and younger are not required to purchase a license regardless of residency.
Missouri 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.
Missouri Stream Access Laws
In Missouri, waterways navigable in fact, or with a long history of use, and the capability of commercial and recreational transport are open to the public. The state asserts a public trust doctrine, allowing recreation, streambed access, right to portage and other incidents of navigation, regardless of ownership.
Take Lake Springfield 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 Springfield to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Springfield 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 Springfield and check the forecast before you go.
SUGAR CREEK AT LAKE SPRINGFIELD, IL
Fishing near Lake Springfield
Sangamon River
Salt Creek
Illinois River
Lake Clinton
Lake Shelbyville
Sangchris Lake
Sugar Creek
Lake Decatur
Taylorville Lake
Explore Missouri waters
Top fishing waters
Popular Cities
Loading popular cities...
Explore near Lake Springfield
Fish species
Fishing spots
Nearby waters
More in Missouri
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.