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Sangchris Lake

In 1964, ComEd built a 50 foot earthen dam across Clear Creek a tributary of the South Fork of the Sangamon River, which created Sangchris Lake so to provide cooling waters for the Kinkaid power-generating plant and recreation for outdoor enthusiasts. Sangchris Lake, located in both Sangamon and Christian counties in south central Illinois, got its name by combining the beginning letters of both counties in which it is located.

Within the boundaries of the Sangchris Lake State Recreation Area (SRA), Sangchris Lake is less than seven (7) miles long from its headwaters to the dam and yet, there are so many inlets and coves, the 3,022 acres of refreshing waters are contained by a 120-mile long shoreline.

Fishing

Since it was officiated as an Illinois State Fish Preserve in 1972, Sangchris Lake continues to provide a perfect place for fishing enthusiasts to cast their lines. While Sangchris Lake is stocked with largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, bullhead and carp, bluegill and crappie, anglers will also find healthy populations of sunfish, yellow perch, rock bass, warmouth and northern pike.

Jug fishing and trotlines are not permitted on Sangchris Lake.

Sangchris Lake holds the state record for producing the largest Striped Bass caught in Illinois. In 1994, Eric Shivers' catch weighed 31-pounds, seven-ounces.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries offers "Spear/Bow and Arrow" and "Hook-and-Line" Sport-Fishing Awards to recognize anglers for fish caught in Illinois' waters. (Click here for details.)

       

  Search Sangchris Lake Resources
    Sangchris Lake Illinois Coordinates:
39.6492N -89.4790W
Map It:
Lake Type:
Reservoir
Surface Area:
3,022 acres
Maximum Depth:
42 ft
Elevation:
584ft
Normal Water Clarity:
10 ft
Major City:
Springfield
Airport:
Springfield

Boating

Sangchris Lake welcomes small motorboats and fishing boats with a maximum horsepower of 25, rowboats, kayaks and canoes, which helps to ensure a quiet and relaxing outing on the water. Sailboats are not permitted on Sangchris Lake, however.

For easy boat access to Sangchris Lake, docks and public boat launching ramps are provided at three strategic locations along the shoreline.

       
Lodging

Sangchris Lake lodging options include two campgrounds, both of which are open from April 1 until around January 10. The Deer Run Campground on the northern side of the lake offers 120 campsites including five (5) campsites equipped for horses. The Hickory Point Campground on the eastern side of the lake near the boat dock area offers 55 campsites and two rental cabins. Both campgrounds provide handicapped-accessible sites.

Please consult the Lake Resource Guide for information on lodging and events in the area.



Communities

Illinois' closest major city to Sangchris Lake is Springfield. Nearby cities and towns, each with its own unique offerings, include: Kincaid, South Fork Township, Rochester, Sicily and Pawnee. Sangchris Lake flows through parts of Sangamon and Christian counties.

Fun times at Sangchris Lake  Sangchris Lake

  Sangchris Lake   Sangchris Lake



 
Average Temperatures Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Avg. High  34 Avg. High  40 Avg. High  51 Avg. High  64 Avg. High  74 Avg. High  83 Avg. High  86 Avg. High  85 Avg. High  80 Avg. High  67 Avg. High  53 Avg. High  38
Avg. Low  18 Avg. Low  22 Avg. Low  31 Avg. Low  42 Avg. Low  52 Avg. Low  62 Avg. Low  65 Avg. Low  63 Avg. Low  54 Avg. Low  43 Avg. Low  33 Avg. Low  22