
Lake Decatur in Illinois has become a popular fishing destination, offering a variety of fish species and a large surface area for fishing enthusiasts to explore. With a maximum depth of 22 feet and an average depth of six feet, the lake provides ample opportunities for anglers to test their skills. While there are no specific laws against night fishing in Illinois, those interested in bank pole fishing at Lake Decatur should be aware of the regulations that govern this activity. These rules outline the number of poles, hooks, and lures allowed, as well as the specific times when fishing is permitted. Understanding and adhering to these regulations are crucial for anyone planning to engage in bank pole fishing at Lake Decatur.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Decatur, Illinois |
| Size | 3,093 surface acres, with a maximum depth of 22 feet and an average depth of six feet |
| Fishing regulations | Pole and line fishing only, with no more than two poles allowed per person, and only two hooks or lures per pole |
| Fishing license requirement | A valid sport fishing license is required to use a bank pole in Illinois |
| Boat requirements | All motorized watercraft and sailboats must be registered with the City of Decatur |
| Peace Poles | Erected in Decatur to promote peace and kindness in the community |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Bank poles are legal in Lake Decatur, Illinois, with a maximum of two poles per person
- A valid sport fishing license is required to use bank poles in Lake Decatur
- Bank poles are allowed a maximum of two hooks per pole
- Bank fishing is allowed at the bridge and part of the dike in Lake Decatur
- Bank poles are not to be used between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise

Bank poles are legal in Lake Decatur, Illinois, with a maximum of two poles per person
For those interested in fishing at Lake Decatur, there are a few regulations to keep in mind. Firstly, all tournaments must be registered, and only pole and line fishing is permitted. Each person is allowed a maximum of two poles, and each pole can have a maximum of two hooks or lures. These regulations are in addition to all statewide fishing regulations, which include a limit of three poles or tip-ups per person and a maximum of two hooks per line.
It's important to note that to fish in Lake Decatur, individuals must possess a valid sport fishing license. This license allows anglers to use various methods, including pole and line, bank pole and line, throw line, and trotline, among others. In addition to the fishing license requirement, there are also specific rules for boating and docking on the lake. For non-powered watercraft, individuals must register with their identification, the serial or hull number, make, model, and color of the watercraft. Dock owners or renters at Lake Decatur are required to have a dock permit agreement on file with the City of Decatur.
Lake Decatur offers a range of fishing opportunities and is a popular destination for anglers in Illinois. With its improved fish population and clear regulations, it has become a go-to spot for fishing enthusiasts in the area.
Which Bank Has Branches in Every US State?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

A valid sport fishing license is required to use bank poles in Lake Decatur
Bank poles are indeed legal in Lake Decatur, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, a valid sport fishing license is required to use bank poles in Lake Decatur, as is the case in Illinois in general. This license allows anglers to use a variety of fishing methods, including bank pole and line, throw line, trotline, and buoyed ganging devices, as long as the total number of hooks does not exceed 50.
In terms of regulations specific to Lake Decatur, only pole and line fishing is permitted, with a limit of two poles per person and no more than two hooks or lures per pole. These rules are in addition to all other statewide regulations, which must also be followed. It's worth noting that Lake Decatur has a no-wake rule that comes into effect half an hour after sunset.
While the above regulations apply to Lake Decatur in Illinois, it's worth noting that some US states, such as Wisconsin, have their own specific rules for bank pole fishing. For example, in Wisconsin, a set or bank pole license is required, which allows anglers to use up to five set or bank poles. Wisconsin also has specific rules regarding the types of bait that can be used in certain lakes and rivers, as well as daily bag limits for certain species of fish.
Therefore, it's always important to be aware of the specific fishing regulations in the state and body of water you plan to fish in, as these can vary from one location to another.
PNC Bank: Where is it Located?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Bank poles are allowed a maximum of two hooks per pole
Bank poles are a type of fishing equipment that can be used to catch fish from the bank of a lake or river. In Illinois, an individual possessing a valid sport fishing license may use a bank pole and line, among other legal devices, provided the total number of hooks does not exceed 50. In the state of Wisconsin, a set or bank pole is defined as a pole equipped with one line and a maximum of two hooks. A set or bank pole license permits the use of up to five such poles, and these licenses are only available to Wisconsin residents.
In Lake Decatur, Illinois, bank poles are allowed, with a maximum of two hooks per pole. Additionally, only two poles per person are permitted, and all statewide fishing regulations must be followed. Lake Decatur has specific regulations for certain fish species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, white or hybrid striped bass, and white, black, or hybrid crappie. These regulations specify minimum length limits and daily catch limits.
It is important to note that fishing regulations can vary from state to state and even between different bodies of water within a state. As such, anglers should always consult the local fishing regulations and any site-specific rules before casting their lines. This ensures compliance with the law and helps to promote sustainable fishing practices.
In conclusion, while bank poles with a maximum of two hooks per pole are permitted in Lake Decatur, anglers should be mindful of other applicable regulations to ensure a safe and legal fishing experience.
Initiating a Food Bank: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Bank fishing is allowed at the bridge and part of the dike in Lake Decatur
The bridge and part of the dike are open to bank fishermen, and fishing from these spots can be productive for walleye. If you want to fish from a boat, you can also access the entire dike from the water, which can yield nice walleye and smallmouth bass. Try casting toward the rocks with shad-imitating lures.
Lake Decatur covers 3,093 surface acres with a maximum depth of 22 feet and an average depth of six feet. There are public boat launching facilities available, but boating access fees are collected by the City of Decatur. All tournaments must be registered.
Illinois fishing regulations state that a maximum of two poles are allowed per person, with no more than two hooks or lures per pole. These regulations apply to Lake Decatur. Additionally, there are specific length and daily limits for different types of fish, which anglers must follow.
Banking Basics: Understanding the Core Purpose of Banks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.99 $15.99

Bank poles are not to be used between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise
While bank poles are legal in Lake Decatur, Illinois, there are specific times when they are not to be used. Bank poles are not permitted for use between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise. This rule applies to all types of bank poles, including those with a valid license. It is important to adhere to these regulations to ensure safe and legal fishing practices.
In addition to the restrictions on bank pole usage during certain times of the day, there are also regulations on the number of poles and hooks allowed. In Lake Decatur, each person is limited to using a maximum of two poles, with no more than two hooks or lures per pole. These restrictions are in place to promote sustainable fishing practices and fair usage of the lake's resources.
It is worth noting that while there are no specific laws in Illinois prohibiting night fishing, Lake Decatur has its own set of regulations. After sunset, the entire lake enforces a "no wake" policy, which means that boats must operate at a slow speed and create minimal wake or disturbance on the water. This rule is likely in place to ensure the safety of anglers and boaters during low-visibility conditions and to minimize disruption to the natural habitat.
Anglers wishing to fish in Lake Decatur should familiarize themselves with all applicable regulations. These may include restrictions on fishing equipment, catch limits, and size restrictions for specific fish species. By following these rules, anglers can help conserve the fish population and ensure a positive and responsible fishing experience for all.
In conclusion, while bank poles are generally permitted in Lake Decatur, they should not be used between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise. Anglers should also be mindful of other regulations pertaining to equipment, boat operation, and fishing limits to ensure compliance with local laws and sustainable fishing practices on Lake Decatur.
M&T Bank: Understanding the Name and Its History
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, bank poles are legal in Lake Decatur.
Only two poles are allowed per person.
A maximum of two hooks are allowed per pole.
No, as long as there are only two hooks per pole, any type of hook can be used.
Yes, bank poles cannot be used between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise.








































