MATTOON — For visitors looking to enjoy Lake Mattoon and Lake Paradise, “Boating, swimming and water sports are approved at your own risk,” has a new meaning.
Caleb Bennett and Madden Winnett, 9, rented kayaks on Lake Mattoon on Wednesday, July 30. The siblings felt comfortable on top of the water. "We were not swimming or anything," said Bennett.
Larry Griffith, of Mattoon, readies his boat to catch bait before fishing the following day on Lake Mattoon on Wednesday, July 30. "I don't trust the algae thing," said Griffith, even though the lake is now swim at your own risk.
A fisherman wets his line on Lake Mattoon. For some reason, in fishing, we have gotten the stigma that luck in some manner matters more than anything else. Not so says professional angler Rick Clunn.
Ken Trevarthan/Journal Gazette & Times-Courier
Shown is a deer getting a drink along the shore of Lake Mattoon.
Dawn James
Shown is an eaglet perched in a treetop at Lake Mattoon.
Dawn James
Lake Mattoon Sailing Association members Jan and David Irons are pictured with a sailboat at Lake Mattoon on May 25.
KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER
Fishing on Lake Mattoon is one activities for attendees at Camp New Hope near Neoga.
KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER
The beach area of Lake Mattoon is one of the popular spots at the lake southwest of Mattoon and just north of Neoga.
Larry Griffith, of Mattoon, readies his boat to catch bait before fishing the following day on Lake Mattoon on Wednesday, July 30. "I don't trust the algae thing," said Griffith, even though the lake is now swim at your own risk.
Caleb Bennett and Madden Winnett, 9, rented kayaks on Lake Mattoon on Wednesday, July 30. The siblings felt comfortable on top of the water. "We were not swimming or anything," said Bennett.
