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
Stafford Lake
Mason County, Illinois · about 1,900 acres (3 sq mi)
55°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About Stafford Lake
In Mason County, Illinois, Stafford Lake covers about 1,900 acres.
From end to end it runs about 5.6 miles with roughly 16.7 miles of shoreline. At about 430 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Astoria is about 6.8 miles northwest. The closest city is Springfield, about 39 miles away.
- Size
- About 1,900 acres (3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 16.7 miles
- End to end
- About 5.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 430 ft
- County
- Mason County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 1 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:15 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 to expect
Lakes like Stafford Lake in Illinois usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 55°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- 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
- 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 6:44 am · sunset 4:45 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Stafford Lake
- Astoriaabout 6.8 mi northwest
- Beardstownabout 9.1 mi southwest
- Virginiaabout 12 mi south
- Rushvilleabout 12 mi west
- Springfieldnearest city, about 39 mi southeast
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Questions about Stafford Lake
What fish are in Stafford Lake?
Lakes like Stafford 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 Stafford 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 Stafford Lake?
About 1,900 acres, with about 16.7 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Stafford Lake?
Astoria is about 6.8 miles northwest; Beardstown is about 9.1 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Stafford Lake today?
The surface was about 55°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Stafford Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
