The Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area is one of the largest state-owned and managed sites in Illinois. Located 35 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, the area comprises more than 20,000 acres and extends along the Kaskaskia River from Fayetteville to the Mississippi River in St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. The Illinois Department of Transportation owns the land along the river and leases most of the land to the Department of Natural Resources to manage for fish, wildlife and other recreational activities. A few areas are managed by the Kaskaskia River Port District for industrial use and are not available for public use.
Fishing- Kaskaskia River
Fishing is the most popular activity on the Kaskaskia River. The area contains 36 miles of channelized river, plus additional oxbows, creeks and river bottom lakes for the anglers to enjoy.
Fishing for channel and flathead catfish is especially popular and offers both day and night angling opportunities. Other species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, carp and freshwater drum. All exist in good numbers and provide excellent fishing throughout the year. Fishing tournaments must be scheduled through the site office.
Fishing- Baldwin Lake
Excellent fishing opportunities exist for both the boat and bank angler. Posted site specific regulations for largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, and crappie are enforced. For safety and management purposes, restricted areas are posted and enforced on the lake and along the shoreline. While no concession is present on the site, bait, tackle, and food services are available nearby. All fishing tournaments must be scheduled through the site office.
Boating-Kaskaskia River
Concrete launch ramps are provided on the Kaskaskia River at Fayetteville, New Athens, on Highway 154 west of Baldwin, and at Evansville. "No-wake" zones exist near the ramps, industrial sites and at all of the oxbows. Boaters must operate their watercraft accordingly in these areas.
Weekends and holidays throughout the summer receive the most boat usage and boaters are urged to be extra safety conscious during this time. Boaters also should be aware of barge traffic on the river and at the lock and dam site at the mouth of the river.
Boating Baldwin Lake
A two-lane launching ramp, boat docks, and parking lot are provided. Motors of 50 horsepower or less are allowed. Sailboating, swimming, and waterskiing are prohibited. Due to the open nature of the lake, boat and water safety are urged, particularly on windy days.
Hunting
Approximately 14,000 acres are available for hunting. Due to the amount of wooded acreage at Kaskaskia River SFWA, forest game species, such as squirrels and white-tailed deer, are very common and offer sportsmen many hours of hunting enjoyment. Extensive wetland areas associated with the river provide ample opportunities for waterfowl hunting. In addition, a public waterfowl hunting area, Doza Creek Waterfowl Management Area, exists in the area. Upland game, such as rabbits and quail, can be found in the open areas adjacent to the wooded portions of the site. Dove hunting is provided in several sunflower fields.
Hunter check stations are maintained in the area and access is primarily from the boat ramps and parking lots.
Trails
A 12-mile trail system exists on the site and is used by hunters, hikers, bird watchers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Trails are closed to vehicular traffic. Contact the site office for a trail brochure.
Picnicking/Camping-Baldwin Lake
Toilets, drinking water, and picnic facilities are available on the site. Primitive camping is permitted on lands adjacent to the Kaskaskia River. Please check with the Site Superintendent for locations and access information.
