Fishing Lake Decatur

AKA: Decatur Lake

Most Popular Fish
Lake Decatur Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Lake Decatur, IL

Popular Fish Species Lake Decatur, IL

Crappie Fishing

With a long-standing history of successful crappie fishing, Lake Decatur continues to impress crappie enthusiasts this year. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

Lake Decatur Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Decatur is considered one of the top bass fishing lakes in the region, as it has been for several years now. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 4 to 6-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Lake Decatur, 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, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Lake Decatur Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Lake Decatur has held a dependable population of channel catfish for many years now. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, 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 Decatur holds some pretty big ones. Flathead 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.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass and hybrid striped bass at Lake Decatur in Illinois.

Lake Decatur Fishing Video

With 2,800 surface acres and plenty of fishing, boating and water sport activities, Lake Decatur is a vacation paradise in central Illinois. It is conveniently located just west of I-69 at Glen Eden. It has 30 miles of shoreline and flows through the town of Decatur.

Lake Decatur, located in Illinois, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Situated in Macon County, this expansive reservoir offers fantastic fishing opportunities and a serene natural environment. Lake Decatur is known for its diverse fish population, attracting anglers of all ages and skill levels.

Bass fishing is a major draw at Lake Decatur, with both largemouth bass abundant in its waters. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of reeling in these powerful game fish while appreciating the scenic beauty of the lake. The lake's varying depths and structures provide ideal habitats for bass, offering exciting angling experiences and the chance to catch trophy-sized fish.

Walleye are another popular fish species found in Lake Decatur. Known for their delicious taste and challenging nature, walleye attract anglers looking for a rewarding catch. Successful walleye fishing requires understanding their feeding patterns and utilizing proper techniques, adding an element of skill and strategy to the angling experience.

Bluegill and crappie, both sought-after panfish species, are abundant in Lake Decatur. These fish provide enjoyable fishing experiences for families and beginners. Bluegill, with their striking colors and willingness to bite, are often the first fish caught by young anglers. Crappie, known for their delicate and flavorful fillets, attract anglers looking for a rewarding catch. Anglers can find satisfaction in catching good numbers of bluegill and crappie from the lake's productive waters.

Catfish are also present in Lake Decatur, offering anglers the opportunity to target these bottom-dwelling predators. Whether targeting channel catfish or flathead catfish, anglers can experience the excitement of reeling in these powerful fish. Catfish are known for their strong fighting ability, providing a thrilling angling experience for those targeting them.

Lake Decatur is also home to white bass and hybrid striped bass. These species offer additional angling opportunities and the chance to catch hard-fighting fish. Anglers can enjoy the challenge of landing these powerful and fast-swimming fish, adding excitement to their fishing adventures.

There are public boat launches and access to some shoreline for fishing from the bank. Pontoon boats, bass boats, pleasure boats, canoes, kayaks and all types of fishing boats can get you to areas for fishing. The lake is known for excellent walleye, white bass and crappie, but also has populations of bass, catfish, hybrid stripers and sunfish. Ice fishing during winter at Decatur Lake can often produce nice catches. Check with local officials for authorization before attempting to fish through the ice on any lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Decatur

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Decatur Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to fishing, Lake Decatur offers ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. The lake's calm waters and expansive surface area make it ideal for various water activities. Whether you prefer cruising on a pontoon boat, water skiing, or kayaking, Lake Decatur provides a serene and picturesque environment for boating adventures.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Canoe & Kayak Launch
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, at the east end of the Reas Bridge Road Bridge, this is a portage area with gravel parking.

Country Club Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off N Country Club Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Decatur Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off S Pier 36 Drive, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Lost Bridge Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, north side, off E Lost Bridge Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Sportsmans Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, north side, off E Lost Bridge Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Lake Decatur Marina
2203 E Lake Shore Dr
Decatur, IL 62521
217 424-2837