I've Got A Big Bass : Spring Lake Fish & Wildlife Area
Written: Jan 22 '07 (Updated Jan 22 '07)
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Pros: Big fish, friendly people, place for the whole family
Cons: moss & lily pads everywhere
The Bottom Line: This is a family place...everyone young to old, will enjoy themselves. There is fishing, hiking, camping and a play area.
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| cmaw63's Full Review: Spring Lake Fish & Wildlife Area |
In 1950, with 632 acres, Spring Lake Fish & Wildlife Area was formed in central Illinois. Located 25 miles, southwest of Peoria, it lays along the east side of the Illinois River. Spring Lake Fish & Wildlife Area has evolved through the years, into a 2032 acre, fisherman's paradise.
Fishing & Boating
The 1285 acre lake is divided by a raised, paved road, forming North Spring Lake and South Spring Lake. Along this road, on the north side, is a parking area with benches to fish off of and a fish cleaning station. If boating, be aware that the motor limit is 25 hp and the south lake has several "no wake" zones (areas that you are not to run fast enough to cause waves behind the boat). There are several bass tournaments each year, open to anyone, for a fee. The lake has been taken over by lily pads and moss...making it harder to fish,in places along the bank. This does not mean it's not worth it...it just means your going to have to work a little harder to get those big fish that are loving the lily pad and moss coverage. If you have chest waders, I suggest you bring them. You can wade out into the lily pads and throw a lure.
The north lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie, channel catfish, sunfish, bullheads, and carp. There are three different ramps to put into the north lake, 2 gravel and one concrete. In my opinion, this is more for the serious fisherman. The north lake doesn't have the "amenities" for families that the south does.
In the south part of the lake you can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, carp, northern pike and sunfish. There is one large concrete ramp with a parking lot to hold several vehicles and boat trailers. This area is well taken care of, with the grass mowed regularly, so that you can enjoy bank fishing. Pit toilets are available at the ramp area and two other places along the south lake. The south lake, also, offers many pull-off areas along it's shoreline to take advantage of different parts of the lake, even if you don't have a boat. The southernmost tip of the lake is known, by the locals, as the Pike Hole. It can be reached by driving the paved road that encircles the south lake or by navigating your boat through the opening created by a small bridge. In the Pike Hole area, you will find a pavilion, grills and a dock to fish off of. This is a favorite spot for families with small children.
My Fishing
I have fished at Spring Lake for most of my life. As a small child, with my parents...to today with my husband, I have always enjoyed it here. I am saddened to see that fewer and fewer families are taking advantage of this lake. I don't know if people are becoming to busy with everyday life or they are just not interested.
On our outings, we use our boat and trolling motor to get around the lake. I had never enjoyed bass fishing, until my husband talked me into giving it a try at Spring Lake. The first time a bass hit my lure and I fought to get it into the boat, I was hooked (pun intended). I didn't get that first fish to the boat, but, it made me all the more eager to keep trying. I can now, proudly, say I have caught many bass, large and small. While, most of them have have been in the 2 to 3 pound range, I have brought one into the boat that weighed, approximately, 6 pounds. That was a blast! When the bass fishing is slow, we will anchor the boat and fish for sunfish (bluegill, redear) and catfish. Again, while most of the catfish are small to average size...once in a while you get that big one. I was fishing, by myself, on the bank and having no luck. Deciding to pack it in for the day, I started reeling in my line. I thought I was snagged, so gave my line a tug trying to snap it, so I could just go home. My line tugged back and then pulled me into knee deep water off the slightly inclined bank I had been standing on. I didn't know what I had, I just knew I wasn't letting go. I would reel some line in...then the fish would make the drag sing pulling the line back out. Thankfully, two men, passing by in their car, stopped and asked if I needed help. Definitely...I don't want this one to get away and I'm only using 8 lb. line and a medium rod. Between the three of us and the skillful use of the net, by one of the men, I landed a 14 pound catfish. It's still in there... the men helped me weigh it, then I thanked it and let it go.
Camping
On the North side of the lake, you'll find Pine and Oak campgrounds with a total of 70 Class C sites. There aren't any electric hook-ups or shower facilities. You will find fire pads, vault pit toilets and running water, though. There is a trailer waste disposal station, also. These campsites are $8/night, with seniors over 62 free, except weekends, which they pay $8. Disabled people with a class 2/2a card and ex-POW's can camp free anytime.
The south campground is located on the hill above the Pike Hole. All campsites there are class D, for tents only. I will note that there is a play area, with swings, slides and teeter-totters, for children. These campsites are $6/night with the same free camping as above. You'll, also, find the office for the park rangers/staff here.
Both, north and south, areas are well-maintained. The brush is kept cut back and grass mowed. Garbage is collected, a couple times, each day to help prevent the wildlife from helping themselves to a snack.
Hiking
There are five hiking trails open to the public at Spring Lake Fish & Wildlife Area. For a shorter hike, the Deer run trail is a 1/2 mile long. Whispering Pine trail is divided into 3 separate ones: 1/2 mile, 1 & 1/2 miles and 2 & 1/2 miles. The Stage Coach Road trail is 2 and 1/2 miles. These trails run through woods, open areas and along bluffs overlooking the lake. If your lucky, you might spot deer, wild turkey, raccoons and other small wildlife. Remember, don't approach them, just admire them and move on.
Hunting
There are designated areas for hunting waterfowl (ducks & geese), squirrels and deer. Only bow & arrow (archery) hunting for deer is allowed. Each type of hunting is seasonal and you need to check with the park staff on the site regulations and limits.
Concessionaire
There is a bar/restaurant/bait shop open year round, in the south lake area. If you run out of bait, they carry all types. Night crawlers, waxworms, leeches, minnows, etc. are available. You can get your fishing license there, as well. If you get hungry you can order up a sandwich, fries and other diner type foods. A hamburger, fries and drink will run you, approximately, $6 and tastes pretty good.
A Resident's Thoughts on Spring Lake Fish & Wildlife Area
I live 30 minutes from Spring Lake Fish & Wildlife Area ,so, I have not taken advantage of the camping facilities. I have been to them, though. If I had to choose one to stay at, it would be Pine campground. The towering Pine trees create a shady, scented area, and a soft pine needle bed covers the ground. While, hiking isn't an interest of mine, I do know that they hire people, mainly teenagers, in the spring and summer to maintain the trails and remove any fallen limbs and trees. Spring Lake Fish & Wildlife Area is very popular with the local hunters. There are amazing amounts of ducks and geese that call this lake their home, for a short while, during migration. I find it amusing, that these ducks and geese, usually, show up before or right after open season on them. The Spring Lake area, has much to offer any outdoors(wo)man. It is geared, mainly, to the fishing aspect of it, though.
This is a great place to spend a day. You, may not, catch a whopper...but, your bound to catch some fish. The people in the area are friendly and will stop to lend a hand or just ask how your day is going. We'll share our tips on the best places to fish, whether it's for serious fisherman or families with small children, and which bait is working the best for us.
Camping, hiking and a play area for children will round out a fun outdoor, family week-end. Spring Lake Fish & Wildlife Area is a place your whole family, young to old, can enjoy the outdoors.
Oops...I, almost, forgot...somewhere in the north camping area is a huge wild strawberry patch. I would tell you exactly where it's at, but there's helpful and just plain silly. I want to make sure there's enough for me!
Illinois State Park & Wildlife Refuge Reviews
Argyle Lake State Park
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
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Epinions.com ID:
cmaw63
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 in Pets, Home and Garden, Books |
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Member: Julie
Location: Illinois, USA
Reviews written: 307
Trusted by: 73 members
About Me:
Looking forward to my first grandbaby. She's due November 24!
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