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Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be very active with peak fishing times around 6-8 AM and 2-3 PM and 7-8 PM. SEE MORE

Lake Jacksonville is located 3 miles south of Jacksonville and 30 miles west of Springfield just off of I-72.
Carp, buffalo, sucks and carpsuckers may be taken by means of pitchfork and gigs (no bow and arrow devices).
Site regulations:
Largemouth bass: 14? 18" protected slow, 3 fish daily limit
Crappie: No more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10", 25 fish daily limit
Hybrid striped bass: 17" minimum length, 3 fish daily limit
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Carp, buffalo, sucks and carpsuckers may be taken by means of pitchfork and gigs (no bow and arrow devices).
Site regulations:
Largemouth bass: 14? 18" protected slow, 3 fish daily limit
Crappie: No more than 10 fish greater than or equal to 10", 25 fish daily limit
Hybrid striped bass: 17" minimum length, 3 fish daily limit
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Lake Jacksonville.Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Jacksonville, IL
- How big is Lake Jacksonville?
- How deep is Lake Jacksonville?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Jacksonville?
- Are there places to stay in the Lake Jacksonville area?
- What are the best fishing times for Lake Jacksonville?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Lake Jacksonville?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Jacksonville?
- What is the fishing outlook for Lake Jacksonville?
- What is the average air temp for Lake Jacksonville?
- Are there any state parks near Lake Jacksonville?
How big is Lake Jacksonville?
Lake Jacksonville is approximately 442 sq acres (1.8 sq km) in size with 19 miles (29.9 km) of shoreline.
How deep is Lake Jacksonville?
Lake Jacksonville is approximately 31 feet (9.5 m) at its deepest point with an average depth of 12 feet (3.7 m).
What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Jacksonville?
Although thery may be others but anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Hybrid Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout and White Crappie in Lake Jacksonville.
Other fish species in the lake include Redear Sunfish.
Are there places to stay in the Lake Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?
Today for Lake Jacksonville, fishing looks to be very active with peak fishing times around 6-8 am and 2-3 pm and 7-8 pm. (view forecast graph)
For more best fishing times and fishing forecast vist our Lake Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?
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 Jacksonville (.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 Jacksonville?
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 Jacksonville?
What does the future look like for Lake Jacksonville? We have some insignt on what to expect for a number of fish species in Lake Jacksonville.
Explore the Lake Jacksonville area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.


2020 Forest River Sunseeker 3050S 30 amp power 3 weeks max rentals
31 ftSleeps 5
SPRINGFIELD, IL
SPRINGFIELD, IL
$180/nightMORE


2022 Brand New Mercedes Sprinter Van - Fully Loaded - 10 Passengers
24 ftSleeps 1
Dardenne Prairie, MO
Dardenne Prairie, MO
$495/nightMORE
History & Status of the Fishery
The Division of Fisheries entered into a formal Cooperative Management Agreement with the City of Jacksonville in 1984 to manage the sport fishery. Due to the poor sportfishery, the lake was completely drained, rehabilitated and restocked in 1986. This project produced one of the best largemouth bass populations in the state.
Controling Authority
Site Superintendent
217-479-4644
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Blake Ruebush
217-622-7219
217-479-4644
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Blake Ruebush
217-622-7219
What is the average air temp for Lake Jacksonville?
Looking forward to your next adventure at Lake Jacksonville? 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 Jacksonville?
Enjoy more of the outdoors with a visit to an area state park. There are 1 state park in the vacinity of Lake Jacksonville.
For more Illinois State Park information see our State Park Guide.
Lake Jacksonville Reviews
Below is the word on street about Lake Jacksonville.Have you been to Lake Jacksonville? Why not share your personal reveiw with others?
Submit Review
ryan c.

This is an amazing lake if you like fishing brush and down timber. Jacksonville has anything that an angler could ask for from docks to pads to like I said timber and brush. I was there in early September and caught a ton of fish. If you didn't know the size of the lake you would think that it was 4 times the size with a the cuts and coves it fishes alot larger. I recommed this lake to anyone and everyone.
Reviewed Sep 12, 2008
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Lake Jacksonville...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Morgan Lake | 2.3 mi | 24 | 7 ft |
Mauvaise Terre Lake | 2.6 mi | 172 | 11 ft |
Waverly Lake | 11.2 mi | 112 | |
Roodhouse Park Lake | 17.0 mi | 10 | 13 ft |
Loami City Reservoir | 18.5 mi | 11 | 14 ft |
White Hall City Lake | 18.6 mi | 34 | 31 ft |
DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for Lake Jacksonville. 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.