Baldwin Lake

Baldwin Lake was constructed in 1969 by Illinois Power Company and is leased to the Illinois Department of Conservation for public recreation. The lake is managed as part of the Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area. Used to cool a coal-fired power plant, lake water may exceed 90 degrees during summer and 60 degrees in winter. Open water angling is a year-round feature. Fishing hours for the lake vary. From Jan. 1 to Feb. 15, the hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then from Feb. 16 to April 15, the lake can be fished between 6a.m. and 7 p.m. Starting on April 16, the hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until the fall waterfowl season. Then fishing is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of the year. Baldwin has a maximum limit of 50 h.p. for outboard motors. In addition, there is an 18-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass, and hybrid striped bass must be at least 17 inches long. Check length and creel limits at the lake for additional regulations. Sailing, swimming and waterskiing are prohibited on Baldwin Lake. There are also restricted areas on the lake and shore. The lake can get quite rough on windy days, and safety is urged. The lake and adjoining lands provide annual refuge for nearly 10,000 geese and 50,000 ducks. About 200 pairs of giant Canada geese nest on the levees in spring. Waterfowl viewing is a popular activity along a special waterfowl refuge drive. Wild turkeys, deer and other wildlife can also be observed.

Threadfin shad and inland silversides are the most abundant usable forage. Gizzard shad are available but quickly grow beyond forage size. Young-of-the-year panfish are utilized heavily. Some insects, such as midges, are also present.

Most species tend to move around the lake based on changing water temperatures. During winter, many bass, bluegill and striped bass move to warm water areas near the north levee or the hot water bridge. In spring, the trend reverses as fish move to more constant temperature zones on the south end of the lake.