Wightman Lake is located within the Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area, spanning the Illinois River in Marshall and Peoria Counties near Sparland, Illinois.

The lake forms part of a 6,000-acre fish and wildlife area that extends nearly 10 miles along the Illinois River, with roughly half the area consisting of water features.

Access to Wightman Lake is available from the west side of the Illinois River via Railroad Street (Illinois Route 29) in Sparland. The area coordinates are 41. 0054, -89. 43922 for the Spring Branch and Sparland Units where Wightman Lake is situated.

The site is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and can be contacted at 309-246-8351. Paddling is permitted on Wightman Lake as part of the Greater Peoria Canoe and Kayak Trail system.

However, paddlers should be aware that backwater areas can become very shallow and potentially unnavigable, even for small watercraft. It's recommended to check with the managing agency before launching, as water levels can fluctuate significantly.

The lake is subject to Illinois River flooding, so checking current river levels is essential before any paddling trip. Water levels can be monitored through the National Weather Service river gauge system for the Illinois River.

The area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for migrating waterfowl and songbirds. Wightman Lake was originally developed as a wetland restoration project by Ducks Unlimited before being transferred to state management.

The surrounding habitat includes bottomland forest, wetlands, and restored native ecosystems designed to support various bird species including Prothonotary Warblers and Red-Headed Woodpeckers.

The facility includes parking areas, vault toilets, picnic tables, and shelters. A short trail leads from the parking area into the wetlands and bottomland forest.

The area serves as both a recreational paddling destination and an important wildlife habitat showcase for ecosystem restoration efforts.

Standard Illinois watercraft regulations apply, including personal flotation device requirements and registration rules for non-residents.