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BALDWIN LAKE


Lake Information

County: Randolph

Acreage: 2018

Average Depth: 8.00 feet

Shoreline Length: 15 miles

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? 50hp

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No

Picnicking? Yes

Camping? No

larger map link North Ramp Power Plant


    Click on area names for a more detailed map.
    Power Plant, North Ramp

Maps are not intended for navigation.


There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fish Stocking

Year

Species

Size

Count

2022

Black Crappie

Fingerling 1 - 3"

36209

2022

Largemouth Bass

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

20024

2022

Redear Sunfish

Fingerling 1 - 3"

62883

2023

Black Crappie

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

5464

2023

Black Crappie

Fingerling 1 - 3"

22355

2023

Largemouth Bass

Fingerling 1 - 3"

20448

2023

Redear Sunfish

Fingerling 1 - 3"

50000


Additional information for stocking on Baldwin Lake


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLACK CRAPPIE

Improving

Though not sampled in our survey, there are reports of quality-sized black crappie being caught. Site Regulation: 9” minimum length limit, 25 fish daily limit

BLUE CATFISH

Excellent

The numbers and quality of the blue catfish remain very good. Blue catfish collected ranged in size from 25 to 35 inches with the largest fish over 20 lbs.

BLUEGILL

Good

Bluegill numbers are good and the size quality is better than the previous survey with a good number of fish reaching 7 inches (RSD7 of 17).

CHANNEL CATFISH

Average

Channel catfish numbers remain high with catfish collected in this survey ranging between 6 and 14 inches and in poor condition.

FLATHEAD CATFISH

Very Good

The numbers and quality of flathead catfish remain very good. Flathead catfish collected were between 29 and 35 inches.

HYBRID STRIPED BASS (WIPERS)

Developing

Hybrid striped bass have also been requested for future stocking. They have done well in this lake in the past and should provide a good angling opportunity. Site Regulation: 3 fish daily limit, 17" length limit.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Improving

The largemouth bass numbers are finally coming back from the severe fish kill in 2011. The bass collected appear to be from a recent stocking and growth and condition appear very good. The fish collected were almost all 6-12 inches. Site Regulation: 18" minimum length limit, 3 fish daily limit.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Good

The recently stocked redear sunfish seem to be developing well and a good number of quality sized fish were collected in the 2017 survey.

SMALLMOUTH BASS

Poor

No smallmouth bass were collected in the 2017 survey. Smallmouth bass are still being stocked and IDNR had had several reports of catches by anglers. Site Regulation: 18" minimum length limit, 3 fish daily limit.

Location: Baldwin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is located in Randolph and St. Clair Counties approximately 2 miles north of Baldwin off of State Route 154.

Description: Perched cooling lake impounding 2,018 surface acres of water with approximately 75% of shoreline comprised of rock rip-rap. 50 h.p. boat motor limit. Two lane concrete boat ramp and fully blacktopped car/trailer parking lot available. Shore angler access is located on the west and north sides of lake.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Baldwin Lake is starting to recover from the major fish kill in 2011. Stocking efforts have been focused on developing quality populations of largemouth bass, black crappie, redear sunfish, and smallmouth bass.Hybrid striped bass have also been requested for future stocking. They have done well in this lake in the past and should provide a good angling opportunity. Currently this lake offers opportunities for trophy blue and flathead catfish. The largemouth bass and redear sunfish populations are showing signs of good survival and growth. There are also reports of quality-sized black crappie being caught.

Additional Lake Information: Two pole and line fishing only. Bow fishing is allowed. Maximum boat motor size is 50 HP. Swimming, wading, water skiing and sail boating are prohibited. There are no concessions available at the lake. Hours at Baldwin Lake vary according to season; please contact the park office for details.

Site Regulations:
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass: 17” minimum length limit, 3 fish daily limit
Largemouth or Smallmouth Bass: 18" minimum length limit, 3 fish daily limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 9” minimum length limit, 25 fish daily limit

Contact Information:
Baldwin Lake Park Office
618-785-2555
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Eric Ratcliff
618-931-4217