Strode Lake, Canton, Illinois

Posted: Jul 13 in Dive Blog tagged Illinois Diving by Jan

Located in Canton Illinois, Strode Lake is one of several old coal strip mine lakes which were donated to the Canton Park District.  Maximum depth is approximately 60 feet, but the best diving is between 20 & 30 feet along the weed line or on the various man-made objects which have been sunk in the lake which include a bus, coffin, two boats, a step van, and a semi tractor flat bed.

There is also a training platform suspended at 25 feet.  The fish life is varied and plentiful, and includes sunfish, large crappie, bass, & catfish.  Boats with trolling motors are allowed in the lake, so care should be exercised while surfacing.

Due to the soft, silty bottom, good buoyancy control is a must.  Surface amenities include a picnic pavilion and bath houses.   There are many hiking and biking trails throughout the park and numerous fishing lakes.  Entrance fee is $5. C card required.  Bring what you need, since there are no equipment rentals on site.  Nearest air fill station:  Do Dive In.