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Coffeen
Lake is an attractive site with a history of providing anglers and hunters
great success. The site was opened in 1986 and operates under a long-term lease and management agreement between the Illinois Department. 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 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 percent of the surface water. The
cooling loop is 4.1 miles in length.
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 percent forest to 40 percent prairie and wetlands. A variety of trees, woodland
and prairie plants cover the slopes of the stream valley. Visitors also may
find a diverse wildlife community. Muskrats, turtles, herons and
mussels are seen in or near the water. Red-tailed hawk, blue jay and
dragonfles may be seen overhead. Bobwhite, coyote, white-tailed deer
and black rat snake are common to the area.
Facilities
Boating
The Main Access (lower pool) provides a two lane ramp and a newly
constructed parking lot with an accessible loading platform and
reserved parking stalls. The North Access (upper pool) provides
a single lane ramp, an accessible courtesy
dock and a parking lot.
Motors of 25 horsepower
or less are allowed to operate on the lake. (Boats with larger motors are allowed, but are restricted to trolling
motor operation only.) Motors larger than 25 horsepower can
be used for loading and unloading a trailered watercraft, provided the
watercraft is operated at a no-wake speed within
150 feet of the loading ramp.
 Fishing
Twenty-two
species of fish are present in the lake, but most anglers seek largemouth
bass, white crappie, channel catfish and striped bass. Coffeen Lake boasts
an excellent largemouth bass and channel catfish populations. Coffeen Lake has nearly 50 miles of shoreline and is deeper
than most Illinois lakes, averaging nearly 19 feet with a maximum depth
of 59 feet. Power plant
operations noticeably influences fish activity and fishing success, Considerable opportunities for bank fishing are available at all boat access areas. 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. Check site specific regulations at the 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 Regulations
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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