Baldwin Lake
Baldwin Lake is a 2,018-acre perched cooling lake in Randolph County, managed by IDNR as Baldwin Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, about 2 miles north of Baldwin off Route 154. It is known for blue and flathead catfish and largemouth bass, and about 75% of its shoreline is rock rip-rap.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Blue Catfish
Deep channel edges. Fresh cut shad. Big fish in winter.
Flathead Catfish
Live bait around wood and rock at night.
Largemouth Bass
Weeds, docks and wood in the shallows.
Bluegill
Weed beds and shallow flats in late spring.
Crappie
Brush piles, docks and standing timber. Minnows or small jigs.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.
Boat launches
2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Baldwin Lake two-lane boat rampRampConcrete two-lane ramp with docks and parking; shore access on west and north sidesDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the IDNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass Also applies to smallmouth bass | 18 in | 3 / day |
| Crappie | 9 in | 25 / day |
| Striped/Hybrid Striped Bass | 17 in | 3 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Illinois Department of Natural Resources ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Baldwin Lake ↗Local tips
- Fishing hours: Feb 16-Oct 31 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Nov 1-Feb 15 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
- South half of the lake is closed to fishing during waterfowl hunting season; restricted areas are posted
- Two pole and line only, max 2 hooks or lures per pole; zebra mussels present
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.