Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in St. Clair County, Illinois offers paddlers a unique opportunity to explore a series of shallow lakes and wetlands formed from reclaimed strip mine sites. The area encompasses Spring Lake North (578 acres) and Spring Lake South (610 acres), located approximately 12 miles southwest of Pekin in Tazewell County – not to be confused with other Spring Lakes in Illinois.

**Access and Facilities:** Both lakes feature boat ramps with a 25-horsepower motor restriction, making them ideal for kayakers and canoeists seeking quieter waters. The sites include accessible vault toilets and parking areas. A concrete pathway connects to the North Park shelter, providing additional amenities for paddlers.

**Water Characteristics:** These shallow lakes are characterized by dense aquatic vegetation, particularly cabbage weeds and thick weed beds that dominate much of the surface. Water temperatures can vary dramatically due to cold spring seepage throughout the lakes – ranging from 54 degrees at depth to near 100 degrees at the surface. This temperature differential creates unique paddling conditions, with the dense weed cover acting as an insulator.

**Paddling Conditions:** Navigation through Spring Lake requires skill and patience. A push pole is recommended for maneuvering through the extensive weed beds. Paddlers should target pockets and openings in the vegetation rather than attempting to push through solid mats of growth. The weed-choked nature of these lakes provides excellent fish habitat but can make paddling challenging, especially during peak growing seasons.

**Wildlife:** The combination of wetland habitat, standing timber, and aquatic vegetation creates exceptional opportunities for observing waterfowl, wading birds, and other wetland species. The area is managed as a Fish and Wildlife Area with waterfowl hunting periods, so paddlers should be aware of seasonal restrictions and hunting schedules posted at the site.