🌤 Weather at Pekin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–74 °F | 62–86 °F | 33–78 °F | 18–39 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Peoria Gtr Peoria Airport, 8 mi away, elevation 650 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Illinois River Gem — Backwater lake on the Illinois River near Pekin — exceptional crappie fishing in a historic river town
Pekin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area protects a backwater lake on the Illinois River near the historic river town of Pekin. Pekin was named in 1829 based on the popular belief that it was the antipodal point to Peking (Beijing), China — meaning if you dug straight through the Earth, you’d come out in Beijing. (The actual antipodal point is in the Indian Ocean.) The Illinois River at Pekin supports excellent crappie, catfish, and sauger fishing in the river’s backwater lakes and channels.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Pekin, Tazewell County, IL |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Town | Named for Beijing — “dig through Earth”! |
| Fish | Crappie, catfish, sauger! |
About Pekin Lake
Pekin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Tazewell County protects a 1,300-acre backwater lake and surrounding wetlands along the Illinois River near Pekin. The lake is a critical stopover for migratory waterfowl on the Mississippi Flyway. American white pelicans — massive birds with 9-foot wingspans — have become regular visitors in recent years.
Things to Do
Birdwatching (white pelicans, bald eagles, thousands of migrating waterfowl), waterfowl hunting (seasonal), fishing, and wildlife photography. Spring and fall migrations bring spectacular concentrations of birds.
Insider Tips
Illinois River backwater: Pekin Lake is an Illinois River backwater lake — these oxbow and side-channel lakes are critical habitat for fish spawning and waterfowl. Pro tip: Backwater lakes produce excellent largemouth bass and crappie fishing — the vegetation-rich waters provide cover and food. Pekin history: Pekin, Illinois was named after Beijing, China (Peking) — a common 19th-century American fascination with exotic place names.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Crappie spawn in the backwater. Summer: Bass fishing in vegetation. Fall: Waterfowl staging. Winter: Duck hunting and eagle watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a backwater lake?
Backwater lakes are connected to a main river but have little current — formed when river bends are cut off or side channels pool. They’re biologically rich — warm, shallow, vegetation-filled waters support fish spawning, amphibian breeding, and waterfowl nesting. Illinois River backwaters are some of the state’s most productive wildlife habitats.
Wildlife & Nature
Pekin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Tazewell County provides managed waterfowl habitat in the Illinois River floodplain. The area’s backwater lakes and managed wetlands are part of the Illinois River corridor — historically one of the most important waterfowl migration routes in North America. The Illinois River valley once supported the largest concentration of wintering waterfowl in the interior United States. While habitat loss has reduced these numbers, managed areas like Pekin Lake maintain critical stopover habitat. Mallards, blue-winged teal, and wood ducks are the most common breeding ducks. Migrating shorebirds use exposed mudflats during late summer. Great egrets, great blue herons, and green herons fish the shallows. Bald eagles perch in riverside trees.
Nearby Attractions
Pekin — the Tazewell County seat — has Mineral Springs Park. Peoria — Illinois’ oldest city — offers the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Caterpillar Visitors Center. Powerton Lake provides warm-water fishing. Spring Lake SFWA offers additional recreation. Fort Crève Cœur State Historic Site preserves La Salle’s 1680 fort site. Jubilee College State Park has 3,200 acres of forest. Wildlife Prairie Park features native Illinois wildlife.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area (a short drive away) and Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (a short drive away).
🎣 Visit Pekin Lake SFWA
Illinois River backwater — crappie haven near the “Beijing” of Illinois!
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pekin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Illinois state parks and on trails as long as they are leashed at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; state code caps leash length at 10 feet
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in areas posted 'NO PETS', reserved for beach areas, concession areas and crowded campground/picnic areas (e.g. no dogs on the beach at Illinois Beach State Park)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in campground cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Leash rule exceptions for hunting dogs, field trials and dog training areas; pets must not be left unattended
Are dogs allowed at Pekin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area?
Pets are allowed in Illinois state parks and on trails as long as they are leashed at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.illinois.gov. More: Illinois state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Pekin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
