Located three miles southeast of Clinton, Weldon Springs in De Witt County is another family-friendly spot because the panfishing is so strong. The overall objective for this lake is to provide a good panfishery, while at the same time supplying a quality largemouth bass fishery. The lake is known for supplying good fishing for all species found in the lake. The good fertility of the lake offers excellent growing conditions for the fish, and the high fishing pressure keeps the larger fish cropped off, allowing room for the middle-sized fish to grow larger. The campground was named by Family Circle magazine to be one of the "Top Twenty Campgrounds in America." There are seven interpretive trails that wind throughout the property, providing information about history, biology and features unique to the park. For more information, call the park office at (217) 935-2644.

Central Illinois-East
Families will enjoy the facilities at Lake Shelbyville in Shelby and Moultrie counties. Lake Shelbyville has numerous public boat launching facilities. If you use U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-developed access area boat ramps, be prepared to pay a fee. But there is free access on Illinois DNR state parks or Corps gravel boat ramps. The lake is well known as a great crappie and catfish lake for shore-anglers.

Anglers can also catch white bass, walleyes, muskies and largemouth bass. Beyond angling, Wolf Creek State Park offers a swimming beach, camping and contains seven hiking trails, including a scenic 15-mile equestrian trail. Eagle Creek State Park offers a full-service resort with golf, swimming pool and restaurant. There is also camping, miles of backpacking trails and personal watercraft rentals available at the nearby marina. To learn more, call (217) 774-3951 or check out www.lakeshelbyville.com.

Central Illinois-West
Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass County has three reservoirs totaling 270 acres and an additional 10 ponds totaling approximately 15 acres. Prairie Lake is 210 acres with a path around the entire 13-mile shoreline for easy bank-fishing access. Gridley Lake is 25 acres. There's a footpath around the entire shoreline for easy access and bank-fishing. Drake Lake is 35 acres with a path around the entire shoreline for easy access. All three lakes are about a maximum of 45 feet deep. There are 10 ponds on the site that have recently been renovated and restocked. With all this water comes some excellent fishing opportunities.

For information about their location, stop by the site office. Recreational uses include fishing and boating, including small sailboats, on Prairie Lake. All three lakes have concrete ramps. Prairie and Gridley lakes have pavilions for picnicking or family get-togethers. There is camping on Prairie Lake, from primitive tent sites to RV hookups. If your family members want cabins, they are available, too, but reserve them early. Prairie and Gridley have handicapped-accessible fishing piers. Playgrounds are located at Prairie Lake. There's a 10-horsepower motor limit on Prairie, and electric trolling motors only allowed on Gridley and Drake. Game fish include largemouth bass, bluegills, redear sunfish and channel catfish. There are muskies in Prairie Lake, too. Contact the site office for more details at (217) 452-7741.