The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Baldwin Lake
Randolph County, Illinois · 2,020 acres (3.2 sq mi)
63°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About Baldwin Lake
Baldwin Lake spreads over 2,020 acres in Randolph County, Illinois. Baldwin Lake is a 'perched' cooling lake held above the surrounding land by levees, built in 1969 to cool a coal-fired power plant.
From end to end it runs about 2.5 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 7.6 miles. The water sits about 430 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 50 ft, with an average depth near 10 ft. Marissa is about 5.8 miles east. St. Louis, the nearest city, is about 32 miles northwest.
- Size
- 2,020 acres (3.2 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 50 ft (average 10 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 7.6 miles
- End to end
- About 2.5 miles
- Elevation
- About 430 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- County
- Randolph County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Baldwin Lake
Anglers come to Baldwin Lake for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill and sunfish, crappie, catfish, striped bass and white bass. At 63°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodSmallmouth bass
Prime range. Rocky points, humps and drop-offs.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:38 am · sunset 4:48 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Baldwin Lake
- Marissaabout 5.8 mi east
- Red Budabout 6.3 mi west
- New Athensabout 6.3 mi north
- Spartaabout 10 mi southeast
- St. Louisnearest city, about 32 mi northwest
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Baldwin Lake
What fish are in Baldwin Lake?
Baldwin Lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill and sunfish, crappie, catfish, striped bass and white bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Baldwin Lake?
About 50 ft at the deepest point, about 10 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Baldwin Lake?
2,020 acres, with about 7.6 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Baldwin Lake?
Marissa is about 5.8 miles east; Red Bud is about 6.3 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Baldwin Lake today?
The surface was about 63°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Baldwin Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
