Fishing Lake Springfield

AKA: Springfield Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lake Springfield Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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Lake Springfield, IL

Popular Fish Species Lake Springfield, IL

Lake Springfield Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Lake Springfield is one the prime channel catfish fishing lakes in the state. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish at Lake Springfield, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 45 pounds, and Lake Springfield holds some pretty big ones. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Lake Springfield Popular Fish - Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish Fishing

Again this year blue catfish are running giant sizes in Lake Springfield. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. The state record is over 120 pounds. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around any kind of structure. Blue catfish are primarily found in large rivers, along the main channels, in and around tributaries flowing into impoundments of major river systems. They tend to move upstream in the summer in search of cooler temperatures, and downstream in the winter in order to find warmer water.The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include channel and flathead catfish.

Lake Springfield Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Springfield continues to deliver good largemouth bass fishing, as it has for several years now. Careful fisheries management by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Smallmouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake Springfield on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.

Lake Springfield Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill and white bass at Lake Springfield in Illinois.

Known as the top of the class for catfish fishing, Lake Springfield is a 3,850-acre lake on the southern outskirts of Springfield, IL. Much of the over 50 miles of shoreline is tree-lined, or private property, making it hard to do shoreline fishing. There are specified "Fishing Areas" for bank fishing. Canoes and kayaks are a simple way to do a little fishing. In addition to excellent, year-round catfish fishing, the lake has populations of bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass and other sunfish.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Springfield

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Springfield Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: SEASONAL

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lake Springfield Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats
217 483-3625

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Canoe & Kayak Launch Area
Located in the southwest section of the lake, west side, off Wildlife Road, this is a portage area with gravel parking.

Lake Springfield Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Waters Edge Blvd, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Lindsay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, at the east end of the Lindsay Bridge, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Spaulding Dam Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off E Lake Shore Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Lake Springfield Marina
17 Waters Edge Blvd
Springfield, IL 62712
217 483-3625