You can float your boat on Lake Springfield, but not without proper licenses. Canoes, pontoon boats, rowboats, sailboats and motorboats are allowed on the central basin and central basin marginal land.

Watercraft must be licensed in accordance with City of Springfield and State of Illinois requirements. Registration for Lake Springfield can be completed at the Lindsay Bridge Boat Licensing Station, seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. til 5:30 p.m., phone 217-786-4075.

To register on Lake Springfield, you need the following items:

• a valid boat license from the State of Illinois or proof of application.
• a valid driver's license or other photo ID with current address.
• a completed application form detailing the length of the craft; the horsepower rating of its motor; the number of passengers the craft may safely carry and its contemplated use.

Licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year and must be renewed annually. No fee prorations are allowed; the full fee is charged regardless of how close to its March 31 expiration date the license is issued.

Complete information regarding watercraft licensing and boating safety on Lake Springfield is available on the CWLP web site.

Unless eligible for exemption under state licensing regulations, persons 16 and older must have a valid Illinois fishing license to fish for any species of fish, turtle or frog in Lake Springfield. The license must be in the possession of the holder during all fishing activity. Complete information on Lake Springfield fishing rules and regulations is available on the CWLP web site.

By clicking on the appropriate choices below, you can register on-line for State of Illinois watercraft and fishing licenses. For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources at 217-782-2965.