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Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be extremely active with peak fishing times around 12-1 PM and 3-6 PM. SEE MORE
Lake Decatur is located on the east side of the City of Decatur, in Macon County.
Site Regulations:
Largemouth or smallmouth bass: 14" minimum length limit; 6 fish daily limit
Walleye, sauger or saugeye: 14" minimum length limit; 6 fish daily limit
White or hybrid striped bass: Only 3 fish 17" or larger; no limit less than 17"
White, black or hybrid crappie: 10" minimum length limit; 10 fish daily limit
Site Regulations:
Largemouth or smallmouth bass: 14" minimum length limit; 6 fish daily limit
Walleye, sauger or saugeye: 14" minimum length limit; 6 fish daily limit
White or hybrid striped bass: Only 3 fish 17" or larger; no limit less than 17"
White, black or hybrid crappie: 10" minimum length limit; 10 fish daily limit
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Decatur, IL
- How big is Lake Decatur?
- How deep is Lake Decatur?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Decatur?
- What are the closest cities to Lake Decatur?
- Are there places to stay in the Lake Decatur area?
- What are the best fishing times for Lake Decatur?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Lake Decatur?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Decatur?
- What is the fishing outlook for Lake Decatur?
- What is the average air temp for Lake Decatur?
- Are there any state parks near Lake Decatur?
How big is Lake Decatur?
Lake Decatur is approximately 2,905 sq acres (11.8 sq km) in size.
How deep is Lake Decatur?
Lake Decatur is approximately 22 feet (6.7 m) at its deepest point.
What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Decatur?
Although thery may be others but anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Bluegill, Carp, Channel Catfish, Drum (Sheepshead), Flathead Catfish, Hybrid Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye and White Bass in Lake Decatur.
Other fish species in the lake include Crappie.
What are the closest cities to Lake Decatur?
Are there places to stay in the Lake Decatur area?
Are you craving a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Or maybe you're an avid angler in search of the perfect fishing spot? Look no further! Lake Decatur and its surrounding area offer an abundance of options to suit your needs. If you're in need of accommodation, check out our area map which highlights some of the best places to stay. And if you're looking for even more options, head on over to our Travel section. But why settle for a traditional hotel or resort when you can take your adventure to the next level by renting a RV? The open road awaits you!
More Lodging Options
More Lodging Options
What are the best fishing times for Lake Decatur?
Today for Lake Decatur, fishing looks to be extremely active with peak fishing times around 12-1 pm and 3-6 pm. (view forecast graph)
For more best fishing times and fishing forecast vist our Lake Decatur Fishing Forecasts section. Lake-Link Pro users can acess fishing forecasts for up to 10 days in advance and dial into species specific data.
Are there topographical lake maps available Lake Decatur?
We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Lake Decatur (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.
Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Decatur?
Yes, you can find numerous options in the area. Click the button below to see what's nearby.
What is the fishing outlook for Lake Decatur?
What does the future look like for Lake Decatur? We have some insignt on what to expect for a number of fish species in Lake Decatur.
History & Status of the Fishery
The fish population in Lake Decatur is intensively surveyed every two years. The fish are measured, weighed, and scales collected before releasing them alive. Hybrid striped bass and walleye populations are surveyed annually and are maintained by annual stockings through IDNR hatcheries.
Buffalo, Redhorse suckers, and Carpsuckers are common, but few are caught by fishermen.
Yellow bass, Longear sunfish, Green sunfish, Orangespotted sunfish, and Yellow bullheads are collected, but are seldom harvested by fishermen due to the small size attained by these species.
Smallmouth bass, Rock bass, and Redear sunfish are very rarely collected and are likely very rare in the anglers catch.
Buffalo, Redhorse suckers, and Carpsuckers are common, but few are caught by fishermen.
Yellow bass, Longear sunfish, Green sunfish, Orangespotted sunfish, and Yellow bullheads are collected, but are seldom harvested by fishermen due to the small size attained by these species.
Smallmouth bass, Rock bass, and Redear sunfish are very rarely collected and are likely very rare in the anglers catch.
Controling Authority
Lake Decatur Lake Patrol Office
Joe Nihiser
217-424-2837
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Jim Garavaglia
217-345-2420
Joe Nihiser
217-424-2837
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Jim Garavaglia
217-345-2420
What is the average air temp for Lake Decatur?
Looking forward to your next adventure at Lake Decatur? Don't forget to plan ahead! Weather can be unpredictable, but we've got you covered. On average, air temperatures during this time of year range from a high around 80°F (27°C) to a low around 55°F (13°C). Of course, these are just historical averages, so be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way. For the most up-to-date weather information, be sure to check out our Weather Bar located at the top of this page.
Are there any state parks near Lake Decatur?
Enjoy more of the outdoors with a visit to an area state park. There are 3 state parks in the vacinity of Lake Decatur.
For more Illinois State Park information see our State Park Guide.
Lake Decatur Reviews
Below is the word on street about Lake Decatur.Have you been to Lake Decatur? Why not share your personal reveiw with others?
Submit Review
jack g.
Man how this lake has come up in the world of fishing over the past 30 or so years. Back when I lived in and around Decatur this lake was hardly more than a big mudhole. One might catch a few channel cats from time to time and even a bass now and then in the upper part of the lake or up some of the feeder streams. I remember fishing it because it was about the only place to fish around but seldom did we have much success. The one exception being in early summer when there would be a frog strangler rain. The creeks would be out of banks for a few hours and the channel cats flocked up to feed. Several such times found us wading out to the creek channel edge on Findley creek or Big creek to catch a bunch of challel cats. At certain times in the early spring crappie could be caught but I was never there at the right time.
Now I see the lake has walleye, muskie, and a whole list of fish. I believe the lake has been cleaned up too since I was there. I would have to rate it only one star from when I fished it but maybe it would rate several more stars now.
Reviewed Jul 28, 2009
DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for Lake Decatur. Although we strive to provide the most accurate information as we can the information contained in this page is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.
