Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area Undergoing Major Rehabilitation and Road Improvement Project

Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area, approximately 25 miles southwest of Peoria in Tazewell County, sits along the east side of the Illinois River. The state first acquired 632 acres of land in 1950, and the site has since expanded to more than 2,000 acres.

Spring Lake is a unique natural feature that was originally formed by a meander of the Illinois River. Historical surveys dating back to 1840 identified the lake as an abandoned river channel, and ownership was later transferred to the State of Illinois. Nestled beneath a large sandstone bluff, the lake stretches nearly 8 miles through the Illinois River bottomlands. It derives its name from the many spring seeps that come out of the bluff from the Mahomet Aquifer.

Today, the original lake is divided into two sections: Spring Lake North (578 acres) and Spring Lake South (610 acres). Both lakes are relatively shallow, averaging about 3 feet in depth, and support extensive aquatic vegetation. The area is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering fishing, boating, waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, hiking and camping opportunities.

Major Improvement Project Begins

In June 2026, a large-scale, two-part improvement project began at Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area. The project includes significant road repairs throughout the park and a comprehensive rehabilitation of Spring Lake South.

Road Improvements

The road improvement portion of the project will focus on repairing and resurfacing roads throughout the site. Several parking lots and pull-off areas along South Lake Road will also be repaired, resurfaced and restriped, including updates to improve ADA accessibility. Additional improvements include:

• Repairs to the North Lake causeway boat ramp parking lot
• Resurfacing of the North Lake campground loop
• Replacement of two bridges within the park

To allow construction to proceed safely and efficiently, the South Lake portion of the park will be closed during the project. The North Lake area will remain open to visitors.

South Lake Rehabilitation

The second phase of the project focuses on restoring the health and long-term quality of Spring Lake South. Rehabilitation efforts include:

• Dewatering the lake
• Conducting fish salvage operations
• Dredging selected areas
• Repairing water control structures
• Refilling and restoring the lake

In May 2026, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) staff began removing boards from the lake’s water control structure to gradually lower water levels and begin the dewatering process. At the same time, IDNR issued a fish salvage declaration.

What Is a Fish Salvage Declaration?

A fish salvage declaration temporarily removes existing fish harvest regulations for anglers who hold a valid Illinois fishing license. This action is commonly taken when a fishery is expected to be lost due to construction, rehabilitation or other management activities.

The goal is to allow anglers to make full use of the fishery before the lake is drained.

In addition to public fishing opportunities, IDNR staff conduct fish salvage operations using standard sampling methods, including electrofishing boats. Fish collected during these efforts were transported and stocked into nearby public lakes and ponds to help preserve valuable fish populations.

Goals of the Rehabilitation Project

The Spring Lake South rehabilitation project is designed to improve both the lake’s habitat and its fishery for future generations.

• Restoring Lake Depth and Habitat: Over time, sediment accumulation has reduced the lake’s depth. By draining the lake and allowing the lakebed to dry, the sediments will naturally compact, helping restore depth when the lake is refilled. Heavy equipment crews will also perform limited dredging along portions of the shoreline. The lake is expected to remain dewatered for approximately one year.
• Rebuilding the Fish Population: Another major objective is to restart and strengthen the fish community within Spring Lake South. After rehabilitation is complete, the lake will be restocked with species that have historically supported popular fishing opportunities, including:
  • Largemouth bass
  • Bluegill
  • Redear sunfish
  • Crappie
  • Channel catfish
  • Northern pike

While fish stocking will begin after the lake is restored, it is expected to take approximately four to five years for the fishery to fully reestablish and reach its full recreational potential.

Looking Ahead

The Spring Lake rehabilitation and road improvement project represents a significant investment in one of central Illinois’ most important outdoor recreation areas. Although temporary closures and construction activities may impact visitors in the short term, the long-term benefits will include improved infrastructure, healthier aquatic habitat, and enhanced fishing and recreational opportunities for years to come.