🏆🏆🏆🏆 Illinois River Hub — 2,023-acre site on the Illinois River — managed wetlands providing critical habitat for migrating waterfowl
Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area covers 2,023 acres on the Illinois River in Tazewell County — one of the key managed wetland sites on the Mississippi Flyway. The area’s moist-soil management units are flooded and drained seasonally to produce natural food sources for migrating waterfowl. During peak fall migration, Spring Lake hosts tens of thousands of ducks and geese. The Illinois River valley between Peoria and Havana is one of the most important waterfowl staging areas in North America.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Tazewell County, IL |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Size | 2,023 acres! |
| Migration | Tens of thousands of waterfowl! |
About Spring Lake
Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area in Tazewell County protects a major backwater lake along the Illinois River — one of the most important waterfowl migration areas in the Midwest. The lake hosts vast concentrations of ducks and geese during fall and spring migrations. American white pelicans and bald eagles are increasingly common visitors.
Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area in Tazewell County provides outdoor recreation in the Illinois River valley — one of the most important wetland corridors in the Mississippi Flyway. The area encompasses backwater lakes and floodplain habitat that support massive concentrations of migrating waterfowl.
Things to Do
Waterfowl hunting (world-class — the Illinois River valley is one of the continent’s premier waterfowl corridors), fishing, birdwatching for pelicans and eagles, and wildlife photography during migrations.
Waterfowl hunting (seasonal), fishing in backwater lakes, birdwatching during migration (enormous concentrations of ducks and geese), and wildlife observation.
Insider Tips
Waterfowl paradise: Spring Lake is one of the premier waterfowl hunting areas in the Illinois River valley. Pro tip: The area includes managed wetlands with water control structures that optimize habitat for migrating waterfowl. Fishing: Excellent catfish and bass fishing in the backwater lakes.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Peak waterfowl season. Spring: Fishing and bird migration. Summer: Fishing and wildlife viewing. Winter: Eagle watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish species are in Spring Lake?
Spring Lake and its backwater areas support largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and carp. The Illinois River connection provides seasonal influx of sauger, walleye, and white bass. Bank fishing access is available at several locations.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (a short drive away) or Pekin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (a short drive away).
🦆 Visit Spring Lake FWA
2,023 acres — tens of thousands of waterfowl, Mississippi Flyway hub!
