Raccoon Lake (Illinois) facts for kids
Raccoon Lake, also known as Raccoon Creek Reservoir, is a human-made lake in Marion County, Illinois. You can find it about 2 miles (3 km) northeast of Centralia, a city in Illinois. The lake is quite large, covering 970 acres. Its edge, or shoreline, stretches for 16.4 miles. On average, the water in Raccoon Lake is about 3.9 feet deep.
About Raccoon Lake
Raccoon Lake was built by the city of Centralia. It was finished in 1942. The main reason for building it was to provide water for the city. Centralia still owns and takes care of the lake today.
Fish and Fishing Fun
The city of Centralia works with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). They help to add fish to the lake regularly. This makes Raccoon Lake a great spot for fishing!
You can catch many different kinds of fish here, including:
- Largemouth bass
- Channel catfish
- White and black crappies
- Bluegill
- Carps
- Yellow bullhead
There is also a fishing dock that is partly set up for people with disabilities. This makes it easier for everyone to enjoy fishing.
Boating and Lake Access
If you like boating, you'll find the marina and boat ramp on the south side of the lake. There are no special rules about what kind of boat you can use for fishing. You can use boats with any amount of power.
Where the Water Goes
Raccoon Lake gets its water from Raccoon Creek. The water from the lake then flows into Crooked Creek. From there, it continues its journey into the Kaskaskia River. The lake is located in Centralia Township. Some areas along the lake's edge have houses built on them.
If you are traveling by car, the closest major highway exit is Exit 109 on Interstate 57.
