History

In 1979 the Illinois Department of Natural Resources signed a 25-year lease with Central Illinois Public Service Company which designated the 1,775 acre Newton Lake and 540 acres of shoreline as a day use conservation area. By agreement, recreational activities in the area consist of fishing, picnicking, trail use and deer hunting.

Central Illinois Public Service Company constructed an electric power generating plant in Jasper County southwest of Newton. The Newton Plant is the most modern in the network of CIPS generating plants. The plant is fueled by coal and utilizes the latest developments in sulfur dioxide removal systems. It is hoped that this system will enable the plant to continue to burn high sulfur Illinois coal, yet remain with environmental safety standards. When the two generators at the plant operate simultaneously a total generating capacity of approximately 1,180,000 kilowatts is produced. CIPS provides electric service to an estimated 760,000 people in 65 counties over a service area of 20,000 square miles.

Prairie-Chickens

Jasper County hosts the largest of three prairie-chicken flocks still existing in Illinois. While large flocks once were a common sight in Illinois, the prairie-chicken is now an Illinois endangered species. The prairie chicken has earned fame through the uniqueness of its mating ritual. CIPS has designated approximately 240 acres of its property as additional prairie chicken sanctuary.

Hunting

Hunting programs at Newton Lake are available for deer (shotgun and archery), upland game, waterfowl and turkey (spring and fall archery). Waterfowl hunters must disembark from the east boat ramp. Contact site office for specific rules and regulations regarding all the hunting programs.  Hunter Fact Sheet

Boating

A two-lane boat ramp is available at the south access area. Concessions are available near the lake. The northern ends of the Sand Creek and Laws Creek fingers of the lake are restricted areas. Sailboating and swimming are not permitted. There is a 25 HP limit on boat motors.

Fishing

Newton Lake has a good bass population as a result of a comprehensive stocking program initiated shortly after the lake was impounded in 1976. Pole and line fishing only is permitted with a limit of two poles per fisherman. 

To avoid the possibility of over harvest and thus assure good fishing in the future, it is necessary to impose an 18-inch minimum length on largemouth bass and a daily creel limit of three per angler. The lake may produce some of the largest bass in Illinois.

Trails

Twenty-two miles of trail along the picturesque shoreline of the lake were opened in 1980. The trail system begins at the North Access parking lot. The trails are opened to hiking, cross-country skiing and equestrian use. A 5 mile mountain bike trail also is open. Motorized vehicles are prohibited.

Directions

To reach Newton Lake Fish & Wildlife Area in Jasper County from I-57 & I-70 take exit #160 at Effingham, proceed east on RT 33 to Dieterich, turn right at the stop light, go south approximately 12 miles, turn left at Newton Lake Entrance sign and go east approximately 3 miles; this will bring you to the boat ramp. The site office is 2 miles north of the boat ramp.

• 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 Commerce and Community Affairs' 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.