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Coffeen
Lake is an attractive site with history of providing anglers and hunters
success. The site was opened in 1986 and currently operates under a long
term lease and management agreement between the Illinois Dept. of Natural
Resources and Ameren Energy Generating Company. This agreement grants
authority to the State to open the lake and certain lands to the public
for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, picnicking and hunting.
History
The original power
company built a 75-foot high earthen dam on a branch of the east Fork
of Shoal Creek in 1963. The lake was completely filled by 1966 and now
serves as cooling water for the coal-fired Coffeen Power Station. The
power station has a generating capacity of 945 megawatts of electricity,
with the first unit coming into operation in 1965 and the larger, second
unit in 1972. The heated discharge affects 73% of the surface water. The
cooling loop is 4.1 miles.
Natural
Features
The oak-hickory forests
surrounding Coffeen Lake are representative of the native cover found
within the Southern Till Plain Natural Division of central and southern
Illinois. Soils are of loess and till, rather light and a characteristic
"claypan" can be found. Pre-settlement vegetation was a mixture
of 60 % forest to 40% prairie and wetlands. A variety of trees, woodland
and prairie plants cover the slopes of the stream valley. Visitors may
also find a diverse wildlife community. Muskrats, turtles, herons and
mussels are seen in or near the water. Red-tailed hawk, blue jay or a
dragonfly might be seen in the air. Bobwhite, coyote, white-tailed deer
and black rat snake are common to the area. The opportunity to observe
and enjoy the area's rich wildlife heritage is available.
Lake
Coffeen Lake boasts
an excellent largemouth bass and channel catfish population. Twenty-two
species of fish are present in the lake, but most anglers seek largemouth
bass, white crappie, channel catfish and striped bass. The lake is deeper
than most Illinois lakes, averaging nearly 19 feet with a maximum depth
of 59 feet. Coffeen Lake has nearly 50 miles of shoreline. Power plant
operation noticeably influences fish activity and fishing success. Fish
growth appears to be faster than in many other lakes, however.
Facilities
Boating
The Main Access (lower pool) provides a two lane ramp and a newly
constructed parking lot with a handicap accessible loading platform and
reserved handicap parking stalls. The North Access (upper pool) provides
a newly constructed single lane ramp and a handicap accessible courtesy
dock and parking lot.
Motors of 25 horsepower
or less are allowed to operate on the lake. Boats with motors larger than
25 horsepower are allowed on the lake, but are restricted to trolling
motor operation only. However, motors larger than the 25 horsepower can
be used for loading and unloading a trailered watercraft, provided the
watercraft over the horsepower limit is operated at a no-wake speed within
150 feet of the loading ramp itself.
 Fishing
Bank fishing is available at all boat access area. Considerable
acreage is open for bank fishing where parking is present. Posted site
specific regulations for bass and crappie are enforced. All fishing tournaments
must be scheduled through the site office. Fishing Tournament Schedule
Picnicking,
Camping & Concessions
Toilets, drinking water and picnic facilities are available at the main
access area. A private campground is located just to the north of the
main access area. Bait, supplies and food can be obtained there.
Hunting
Deer, squirrel, turkey, coyote and waterfowl hunting are allowed
on site. Check site specific regulations at site office. Site permits
are required. Hunter
Fact Sheet
Trapping
A controlled aquatic furbearer trapping program allows the harvest of
a valued renewable resource. A public drawing is held for site trapping
permits the last Saturday of October prior to each trapping season.
Trapping Regs
Please
do you part in maintaining a clean area. Place all litter in the nearest
trash container. If you need help or have a question, contact site personnel.
Location/Directions
Located
in Montgomery County approximately 3 miles east northeast of Donnellson,
Illinois and State HWY 127. Approximately 2 miles west southwest of Coffeen,
Illinois and State Highway 185.
From
Springfield, IL take I 55 South to Hwy 127 south to Hillsboro, IL. Take
Hwy 185 east to E. 14th Road, south to N. 4th Avenue, east to Main Access
and Office.
From
St. Louis, MO take I 70 east to Greenville, IL exit Hwy 127, north to
Donnellson. Just north of Donnellson take N. 3rd Avenue, east to Buckeye
Trail, north to N. 4th Avenue, east to Main Access and Office.
From
Effingham, IL take I 70 west to Vandalia exit, Hwy 185 west to Coffeen,
IL, west to Hwy 185 east to E. 14th Road, south to N. 4th Avenue, east
to Main Access and Office.
From
Decatur, IL take Hwy 48 south to Raymond, IL Hwy 127 south to Hillsboro,
IL, Hwy 185 east to E. 14th Road, south to N. 4th Avenue, east to Main
Access and Office.
GPS Coordinates
N39° 03. 396 '
W089° 24. 836'
- While groups of 25 or
more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required
to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling
conflicts.
- At least one responsible
adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
- Pets must be kept on
leashes at all times.
- Actions by nature can
result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park
office before you make your trip.
- We hope you enjoy your
stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
- For more information
on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity,
Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
- Telecommunication Device
for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175
for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.
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