Sam Dale Lake

Sam Dale Lake

Zenith, Wayne County, IL
0mi²
145.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Sam Dale Lake is a beautiful reservoir located in Wayne County, Illinois, covering an area of 209 acres. It provides an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beautiful natural surroundings and engage in a range of recreational activities. The lake is well-stocked with a variety of fish species, making it an ideal location for fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can catch Redear Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, White Crappie, and Muskie, among other species, making it an excellent location for both novice and experienced anglers. In addition to fishing, Sam Dale Lake offers a range of other recreational opportunities, including boating and water sports. Visitors can enjoy a day out on the water, exploring the beautiful surroundings and taking in the scenic views. The lake has several boat ramps around its perimeter, making it easy to launch boats and watercraft of all sizes. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities on the lake, allowing visitors to experience the tranquil waters and beautiful natural surroundings up close. The lake also has several picnic areas and campgrounds, making it an excellent location for families and groups to spend a day out in nature. The picnic areas offer a beautiful view of the lake and are equipped with grills and picnic tables. The campgrounds provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the natural surroundings and spend a night under the stars. The lake's beautiful surroundings and serene atmosphere make it an ideal location for hiking, walking, and nature photography. Sam Dale Lake is also home to a range of wildlife species, making it an excellent location for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Visitors can spot a range of birds, including ospreys, bald eagles, and great blue herons, among others. There are also several hiking trails around the lake that offer scenic views and unique opportunities to explore the natural surroundings. In conclusion, Sam Dale Lake is a beautiful destination in Wayne County, Illinois, that provides a range of outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors. From fishing and boating to hiking and picnicking, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this beautiful lake. With its picturesque scenery and diverse range of activities, Sam Dale Lake is a must-visit location for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Illinois.

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Current Conditions

79°F°
Feels like 79°F°
Cloudy
Today's High
88°F°
Today's Low
70°F°

Water Temperature

70°F
Updated: (May 13)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Sam Dale Lake is 70°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind6 mph SE (Gust 14 mph)
Pressure
29.64 inHg
Visibility16 mi
Humidity70%
Cloud Cover100%

Forecast: Thursday, May 15

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
72°F°
10 AM
80°F°
1 PM
87°F°
4 PM
87°F°

Temperature

High
88°F°
Low
70°F°

Precipitation

Chance53%
Amount0.03"
Typerain

Wind

12mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
33mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed19 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise10:42 AM
Sunset12:59 AM
Moon PhasewaningGibbous
Max UV Index8 (Very High)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
2/5

Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

7:23 AM - 9:53 AM

8:01 PM - 10:31 PM

Minor Times (Good)

5:00 AM - 5:00 AM

11:49 AM - 1:19 PM

Outlook for Thursday at Sam Dale Lake

Expect temperatures ranging from 70°F to 88°F. There's a 53% chance of rain, potentially bringing around 0.03" rain. Winds will be averaging 12 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 33 mph. The maximum UV index will be 8 (Very High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 2/5 (Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 7:23 AM and 8:01 PM, or try the minor windows near 5:00 AM and 11:49 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Sam Dale Lake.

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May 15th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
145 ft
Area
0 mi²
Coordinates
38.541, -88.589

Weather Forecast

Thursday

88°F
70°F

Friday

85°F
64°F

Saturday

73°F
60°F

Sunday

78°F
57°F

Monday

76°F
62°F

Tuesday

78°F
64°F

Wednesday

64°F
52°F

Thursday

65°F
49°F

Friday

71°F
48°F
Thursday - 5/15/2025
88°F
70°F
12am
72°F
70°F
29.66 hPa
5 mph
SSE
G: 11 mph
2am
72°F
70°F
29.63 hPa
6 mph
SSE
G: 12 mph
4am
71°F
70°F
29.62 hPa
7 mph
SSE
G: 15 mph
6am
70°F
70°F
29.61 hPa
8 mph
SSE
G: 15 mph
8am
75°F
70°F
29.63 hPa
10 mph
S
G: 22 mph
10am
80°F
70°F
29.62 hPa
13 mph
S
G: 22 mph
12pm
85°F
70°F
29.62 hPa
15 mph
S
G: 22 mph
2pm
88°F
70°F
29.60 hPa
17 mph
SSW
G: 26 mph
4pm
87°F
70°F
29.62 hPa
19 mph
SSW
G: 30 mph
6pm
83°F
70°F
29.61 hPa
16 mph
SSW
G: 28 mph
8pm
79°F
70°F
29.63 hPa
13 mph
SW
G: 26 mph
10pm
75°F
70°F
29.68 hPa
14 mph
SW
G: 31 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Sam Dale Lake

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

32°F

On Jan 22

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

56°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: July (87°F).
  • Coolest avg: January (33°F).
  • Avg temps often suitable for swimming during July.
  • Rapid warming often occurs: April → May (+17°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-15°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

12am1am2am3am4am5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm09182736

Wind Direction

147°

Pressure

1004 mb

Cloud Cover

37%

Visibility

10 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

ThuFriSatSunMonTueWedThuFri0.008.8617.7226.5835.44
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Dale Lake

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