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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Jack Lake
Mason County, Illinois · about 1,310 acres (2 sq mi)
53°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About Jack Lake
Jack Lake spreads over about 1,310 acres in Mason County, Illinois.
From end to end it runs about 3 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 11.2 miles. The water sits about 440 ft above sea level. Havana lies about 8 miles to the northeast. The closest city is Springfield, about 38 miles away.
- Size
- About 1,310 acres (2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 11.2 miles
- End to end
- About 3 miles
- Elevation
- About 440 ft
- County
- Mason County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise
- 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Illinois, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 53°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- 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
5 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 6:44 am · sunset 4:45 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Jack Lake
- Havanaabout 8 mi northeast
- Astoriaabout 9.2 mi west
- Lewistownabout 13 mi north
- Virginiaabout 15 mi south
- Springfieldnearest city, about 38 mi southeast
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Questions about Jack Lake
What fish are in Jack Lake?
Lakes like Jack Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Jack Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Jack Lake?
About 1,310 acres, with about 11.2 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Jack Lake?
Havana is about 8 miles northeast; Astoria is about 9.2 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Jack Lake today?
The surface was about 53°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Jack Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.