Baldwin lake

[Fireman Dave]

Does anyone fish Baldwin lake and catch crappie? I know It's a excellent catfish lake and they had a large bass kill some year's ago. Never fished it from a boat and was wondering if it would be worth while to try for crappies

[Swampseed]

I would go down the road a piece and try Sparta Shooting complex east lake. Weed through small ones and it's only 10hp limit lake.

[Fireman Dave]

Thanks for the suggestion swamp. Never heard of that lake before... is it one of those lakes that are chalked full of dinks? The 10hp limit is right up my alley.... just got rid of my 20ft champion with 225 and got a 14 foot jon boat with a 6hp. Lol. Love the gas mileage. Anyways i might have to try that lake if it's a good one like you say. Do u need permission or is it public

[skunked again]

The ones on the complex are public.

[skunked again]

Also with that 14' boat I'd stay off of Baldwin. It's a raised lake. Gets rough quick

[Fireman Dave]

Is east lake public? Thanks for the heads up on waves of Baldwin

[Swampseed]

There is a bunch of little one's. Not sure how far east your willing to go but Pinckneyville lake would also be good lake for your size boat.

[Fireman Dave]

I live in st. Louis so anything past Carlyle and Baldwin is a mystery to me. Those two lakes I usually catfishes and be very good at. Just trying to find somewhere I would have a fighting chance of getting some decent crappie without driving 2 hours...... kids ya know. Lol

[skunked again]

Send an email or call idnr to verify which lakes are open to public at Sparta shooting complex.
Coffeen would be an option.
Highland silver lake, can get yearly, weekend, or daily permits. Just be mindful of the duck hunters.
Highland old city lake, is also open for non motorized vessels. With a city permit.

[skunked again]

City of Highland, IL - Silver Lake Boat License Fees