Every Boat Ramp on Lake Springfield

About Lake Springfield

Lake Springfield is a 4,234-acre reservoir on the south side of Illinois' capital city, serving as both the municipal water supply and a popular urban fishing destination. The lake was created in the 1930s and has been actively managed by the city's Office of Public Utilities, which maintains fish habitat and stocks hybrid striped bass to provide anglers with a hard-fighting sportfish.

The hybrid striped bass fishery sets Lake Springfield apart from other central Illinois lakes. These aggressive fish patrol open water and can be caught schooling on the surface during summer mornings and evenings. Largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish round out the fishery, with good structure fishing along the old creek channels and submerged brush.

The lake features several public boat ramps and a full-service marina. Its location within Springfield city limits makes it one of the most accessible quality fishing lakes in the state, and it sees year-round angling pressure from local residents and visiting anglers alike.

Nearest towns: Springfield