Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
Learn more
Banner Marsh offers three public access points for boaters and paddlers on Johnson Lake in Peoria County. The primary East Point access area features a concrete boat ramp, 50-vehicle parking lot with trailer spaces, restrooms, and a picnic pavilion. Additional access points at Bell's Landing (25-vehicle parking) and the main area also provide concrete ramps and facilities. All access areas are open 24 hours daily, though restrictions apply during waterfowl hunting season after 1:00 p.m. (shoreline fishing only).
Johnson Lake operates under a 25 horsepower motor limit, making it well-suited for kayakers, canoeists, and smaller motorboats. The marsh is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as a freshwater habitat in the Illinois River Valley. Anglers will find opportunities for walleye (14-inch minimum) and channel catfish, with daily harvest limits in place. Note that only youth group camping is permitted at Banner Marsh; nearby Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area offers camping alternatives for overnight trips.