[3][4] The lake, located in the southwestern corner of Tazewell County, has been extensively altered by dikes built in the 1900s (decade) and the 1950s.

Spring Lake has over 17 different species of aquatic vegetation, including Eurasian milfoil (invasive to Illinois), lily, and lotus.

[3][5][4] "The tremendous spring recharge from the bed of the lake amounts to 52 acre feet a day, creating very cold water temperatures under the insulating layer of vegetation for the majority of the summer months.

[6] Spring Lake is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for largemouth bass, bluegill, bullhead, carp, channel catfish, crappie, muskie, northern pike, and sunfish.

[3] Muskie are trap netted and spawned at Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery annually in March, producing over half a million eggs for state-wide needs.

[3][8] Spring Lake is a popular birding area, with species such as: warblers, vireos, tanagers, mute swans, waders, dabbling ducks, snow buntings, longspurs, osprey, spoonbills, teal, and waterfowl.