The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Decatur
Macon County, Illinois · 3,090 acres (4.8 sq mi)
56°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About Lake Decatur
Lake Decatur is a reservoir in Macon County, Illinois, covering 3,090 acres. It lies on the Sangamon River. Lake Decatur was created in 1922 by damming the Sangamon River and remains Decatur, Illinois's primary water supply.
It stretches about 7.8 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 27 miles. The water sits about 610 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 22 ft, with an average depth near 7 ft. Decatur is right by the lake.
- Size
- 3,090 acres (4.8 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 22 ft (average 7 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 27 miles
- End to end
- About 7.8 miles
- Elevation
- About 610 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- River
- Sangamon River
- County
- Macon County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Fair
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise
- 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 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
Lakes like Lake Decatur in Illinois usually hold largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 56°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.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- 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
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 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 4:40 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Decatur
- Decaturon the shore
- Mount Zionabout 2.5 mi south
- Long Creekabout 2.9 mi southeast
- Forsythabout 5 mi northwest
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Questions about Lake Decatur
What fish are in Lake Decatur?
Lakes like Lake Decatur usually hold largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lake Decatur?
About 22 ft at the deepest point, about 7 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Lake Decatur?
3,090 acres, with about 27 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Decatur?
Decatur is on the shore; Mount Zion is about 2.5 miles south.
What is the water temperature at Lake Decatur today?
The surface was about 56°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Decatur on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
