| River | County | Reach | Length (miles) | Description | Potential Classification | ORVs | Watershed (HUC Code 8) | Year Listed/ Updated | Other State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple River | Carroll, JoDaviess | Wisconsin State line to Hanover (40 river miles); Hanover to mouth at Mississippi River (12 river miles) | 50 | A pleasant stretch of river flowing through extreme northwestern Illinois hill and farm country. Passes through Apple River Canyon State Park, an area of high limestone bluffs and hardwood forests. The river has a scenic natural setting and offers smallmouth bass and trout fishing. Moderate canoe use. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Apple-Plum | 1982 | ||
| Bay Creek | Johnson, Pope | Headwaters to RM 18 at Reevesville | 40 | A small southern Illinois stream flowing for the most part in the Shawnee National Forest through very scenic hill and hollow country. Watershed mainly forested. Moderate to heavy fishing. Flows through sandstone bluffs, ridges, and valleys. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Lower Ohio-Bay | 1982/ 1993 | ||
| Beaucoup Creek | Jackson, Perry | Rt 13-127 crossing to confluence with Big Muddy River | 33 | A meandering southern Illinois stream rising in relatively flat farm country. Lower portion flows through an area of scenic low hills. Fishing only in lower reaches. Canoeing fair to poor. Has fairly well wooded corridor. | Scenic | Big Muddy | 1982 | ||
| Beaver Creek | Clinton, Bond | Clinton/Bond county line to confluence with Shoal Creek | 23 | Within 50 miles of St. Louis SMSA. Flows through a generally flat heavily farmed watershed. Corridor fairly well wooded with some swamp. Receives moderate fishing use. | Scenic | Shoal | 1982 | ||
| Big Bureau Creek | Bureau | Epperson Run to West Bureau Creek | 5 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams | Recreational | Fish, Other | Lower Illinois-Senachwine Lake | 1995 | |
| Big Creek | Hardin | From Highway 146 near Elizabethtown to confluence with Ohio River | 1 | Natural stream with challenging rapids; occasional bluffs and steep valley slopes that flow through an undeveloped corridor and Shawnee National Forest. | Recreational, Scenic | Lower Ohio-Bay | 1982 | ||
| Big Creek | Hardin | Headwaters west of town of Karbers Ridge to confluence with tributary in T11S,R8E,28NW | 3 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Recreational, Other | Lower Ohio-Bay | 1995 | |
| Big Creek | Hardin | Confluence with tributary in T11S,R8E,28NW south to Highway 146 near Elizabethtown | 10 | Ripples and some minor rapids. Flows through sandstone bluffs, ridges, and valleys. | Recreational | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Other | Lower Ohio-Bay | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Big Grand Pierre Creek | Pope, Hardin | From source to confluence with Ohio River | 16 | A very scenic small tributary of the Ohio River flowing through southern Illinois hill country and the Shawnee National Forest. Canoeable in lower reaches. Moderate fishing use. Some ripples and minor rapids. Flows through sandstone bluffs, low ridges, valleys, and floodplains. | Recreational | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Lower Ohio-Bay | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Big Indian Creek | LaSalle | Earlville to confluence with Fox River at Wedron | 23 | A small stream flowing through north central Illinois farm country. Banks are well wooded with several large wooded areas along corridor. Water quality is generally good, but agricultural run-off does present a problem. Receives relatively low recreational use. | Scenic | Lower Fox | 1982 | ||
| Big Muddy River | Jackson, Frankiln | S.R. 14 south of Rend Lake to Southern Illinois Airport (U.S. 51) | 52 | A southern Illinois river with a well wooded corridor. Watershed fairly heavily farmed. Receives moderate recreational uses. | Scenic | Big Muddy | 1982 | ||
| Big Muddy River | Jackson, Union | Road bridge crossing in Sec. 15 approximately one mile east of town of Sand Ridge to confluence with Mississippi River | 28 | High limestone bluffs ascend several hundred feet above much of eastern bank of river as it flows toward Mississippi River. Several unique riffle areas such as Rattlesnake Ferry near Grand Tower, Illinois. This portion flows adjacent to exceptionally unique Pine Hill Swamp with luxuriant beds of aquatic vegetation and many cold springs. | Scenic | Cultural, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Big Muddy | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Big Muddy River | Jackson | Murphysboro (one-third mile downstream from bridge heading to 20th Street) to boundary of Sec.14a near Gorham | 8 | This portion is noted for its scenic beauty. Flows through a well wooded corridor in an area of moderately high hills of southern Illinois. Partially on Shawnee National Forest. Receives moderate canoe and fishing use. Portion above Murpysboro designated Big Muddy Canoe Trail. | Recreational, Scenic | Big Muddy | 1982 | ||
| Buck Creek | LaSalle | Headwaters to mouth at Fox River. | 16 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Lower Fox | 1995 | |
| Cache River | Johnson | US 57 bridge to county Highway 3 bridge northeast of Belknap | 36 | A unique stream consisting of cypress swamps and mud bottom sloughs in middle and lower portions. Flows through southern Illinois farm and forest country with a heavily wooded corridor. Receives moderate fishing and has canoeing potential. Passes through Little Black Slough State Natural Area and National Natural Landmark, a very large wild area. | Recreational, Scenic | Lower Ohio | 1982 | ||
| Cache River | Pulaski, Union, Alexander | Choate Mental Health Center north of the Village of Anna to US 57 bridge. Then County Highway 3 bridge northeast of Belknap to village of Ullin | 31 | Flows through rolling farm and forest country and receives a fair amount of recreational use. Lower segment flows through Buttonland Swamp National Natural Landmark. | Recreational, Scenic | Lower Ohio | 1982 | ||
| Crabapple Creek | From E 1950th Rd in T15N, R11W, S12 to mouth at Brouilletts Creek. | 6 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Middle Wabash-Busseron | 1995 | ||
| Crooked Creek | Clinton | Rt. 161 W. of Centralia to confluence with the Kaskaskia River | 33 | A slow moving, brushy stream, usable only during high water season. Significant habitat. Provides an unstable fishery. Not good canoeing. Significant wildlife habitat. | Scenic, Wildlife | Middle Kaskaskia | 1982 | ||
| Des Plaines River | Lake, Cook | Channelization near Wisconsin state line to point of several small dams near Melrose Park | 55 | A tributary of the Illinois River flowing through a very heavily populated part of the state completely within the Chicago SMSA. An interesting stream generally maintaining a wilderness character due to many parks, forest preserves and areas along its course. Heavily used for many recreational purposes. | Recreational, Scenic | Des Plaines | 1982 | ||
| Drummer Creek | Ford, Champaign | From headwaters south of Sibley to confluence with Sangamon River. | 18 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams | Recreational | Other | Upper Sangamon | 1982 | |
| Eagle Creek | La Salle, Livingston | From headwaters just north of highway 18 to confluence with Vermilion River | 11 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Other | Vermilion | 1982 | |
| Embarras River | Jasper, Coles | Lake Charleston to Ste. Marie | 74 | River has exceptionally fine sand and gravel bars bordering clear, fast riffles. Along floodplain and bluffs are woods containing tree species not commonly found in Illinois. Contains wide variety of aquatic habitats, fish and fauna. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Embarras | 1982 | ||
| Embarras River | Jasper, Lawrence, Crawford | From Jasper-Richland County line to confluence with Wabash River just south of Westport | 38 | Flows through highly agricultural watershed, but banks are fairly well wooded. River has many crooks and torturous bends. Low to moderate recreation use on this portion, although has possibilities. | Recreational, Scenic | Embarras | 1982 | ||
| Fox River | LaSalle, Kendall | Yorkville to Wedron | 29 | Located in north central Illinois near Chicago, Joliet and Aurora SMSA's. One of states better river segments. Has high bluffs and well wooded banks. Very good canoeing and fair fishing. Receives fairly heavy recreational use. A generally free flowing, quiet stream with many islands and outstanding scenic beauty. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Lower Fox | 1982 | ||
| Fox River | Kane, McHenry, Lake, Kenosha | Wilmot WI to Algonquin (32 river miles); West Dundee dam to Elgin (6 river miles) | 41 | Flows through intensively farmed northern Illinois and several small cities. Completely within Chicago SMSA. Heavily used for fishing and canoeing. | Recreational | Lower Fox | 1982 | WI | |
| Goose Creek | Piatt | From headwaters near Mansfield to confluence with Sangamon River | 20 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Upper Sangamon | 1995 | |
| Hadley Creek | Pike | From headwaters to McCraney Diversion Ditch | 21 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | The Sny | 1995 | |
| Henline Creek | McLean, Ford | From headwaters south of Cropsey and just east of the McLean/Ford county line to confluence with Mackinaw River. | 18 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Mackinaw | 1995 | |
| Hutchins Creek | Union | Hutchins Creek between Clear Springs and Bald Knob Wilderness | 4 | The stream has a relatively wide channel with a moderate gradient. Riffles and small pools are present. Good water quality. | Recreational | Cultural, Geologic, Recreational, Wildlife | Upper Mississippi-Cape Girardeau | 1995 | |
| Illinois River | Peoria | Chillicothe to Woodford-Tazewell Co. line (16 river miles) Kickapoo Creek to Pekin (11 river miles) | 21 | A broad central state river heavily used by commercial barge traffic. Many locks and dams. Poor water quality. Watershed heavily farmed. Receives considerable pollution from agricultural runoff and Chicago Sanitary Sewer District. Partly in Peoria SMSA. Receives moderate to heavy recreational use. | Recreational | Lower Illinois-Senachwine Lake | 1982 | ||
| Johnny Run | Livingston, Grundy | From headwaters south of IL highway 17 to confluence with Mazon River | 30 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Upper Illinois | 1995 | |
| Jordan Creek | Vermilion | From headwaters north of road 850 N (township 18N, range 13W, section 23) to confluence with Salt Fork | 12 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Vermilion | 1995 | |
| Kankakee River | Kankakee | Indiana State line to 12d boundary | 21 | An eastern Illinois stream flowing through an area of intensive agriculture. Has a generally wooded corridor, but is farmed to waters edge in some places. A good recreational stream used for canoeing and fishing. Flows through Kankakee River State Park. | Recreational | Kankakee | 1982 | ||
| Kaskaskia River | St. Clair, Clinton | Rt. 161 south of Carlyle to State Route 15 crossing at Fayetteville | 49 | This river segment has very little development and flows through a generally wide wooded corridor. The watershed, however, is mainly in agriculture. It provides some of the best wildlife habitat in Illinois. Receives considerable recreational use. Canoeing and fishing good. | Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Middle Kaskaskia | 1982 | ||
| Kaskaskia River | Randolph, St. Clair | Carlyle Lake to Carlyle (5 river miles); US 50 at Caryle to ILL. 161 (12 rm); Fayetteville to chan. (24 rm); channelization north of Evansville to mouth at Mississippi River (16 rm) | 47 | A popular boating and fishing stream. A large tributary of the Mississippi River. It flows through southwestern Illinois agricultural country and near the St. Louis SMSA. A quiet winding stream offering a good warm water fishery and canoeing. | Recreational | Middle Kaskaskia | 1982 | ||
| Kishwaukee River | Boone, McHenry | Illinois Highway 176 East of Marengo to Beaver Creek | 31 | Fish-Habitat or spawning ground for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Kishwaukee | 1995 | |
| Kishwaukee River | Boone, Winnebago | Beaver Creek confluence to mouth at Rock River | 17 | A northern Illinois stream flowing through a heavily farmed watershed and Rockford SMSA. Generally wooded banks. Receives considerable recreation use. Lower portion flows through scenic Kishwaukee River Gorge. Much parkland along river. | Recreational, Scenic | Kishwaukee | 1982 | ||
| LaMoine River | Schuyler | lour Creek to Cedar Creek | 15 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | La Moine | 1995 | |
| Little Muddy River | Jackson, Franklin | 0.8 mi. upstream from Jackson-Franklin County line to confluence with the Big Muddy | 25 | A low gradient, brushy stream with little habitat variety, flowing through very well forested corridor. Some mine and oil field pollution and agricultural siltation. Hunting a major use. Light fishing pressure. Not a good canoeing stream. | Recreational | Big Muddy | 1982 | ||
| Little Vermillion River | Vermilion | Headwaters to upstream of Archie Creek near Sidell. Then from dam at Georgetown to state line | 28 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Middle Wabash-Little Vermilion | 1995 | |
| Little Wabash River | White | Carmi to confluence with Wabash River | 32 | Hunting, fishing, and canoeing are the primary recreational uses of this meandering central Illinois stream, these being only moderate. Extensive bottom land forests in corridor support a good variety of wildlife. Offers a scenic float trip. | Recreational, Scenic | Little Wabash | 1982 | ||
| Little Wabash River | Wayne, Clay | U.S. 50 east of Clay City to Edwards-Wayne Co. line | 70 | Hunting, fishing, and canoeing are the primary recreational uses of this meandering central Illinois stream, these being only moderate. Extensive bottom land forests in corridor support a good variety of wildlife. Offers a scenic float trip. | Recreational, Scenic | Little Wabash | 1982 | ||
| Lusk Creek | Pope | road in T12S, R6E, S3 to confluence with Copperous Branch | 6 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. Relatively narrow, with ripples and some minor rapids. Part of land in corridor is listed in National Register of Natural Landmarks. | Recreational | Cultural, Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife, Other | Lower Ohio-Bay | 1993/ 1995 | |
| Lusk Creek | Pope | R.M. 29 Headwaters to R.M.1, west of Golconda to (excluding from Copperous Branch up to road in T12S, R6E, S3) | 26 | Clear, highly scenic stream that flows through rock walled canyon over gravel and rubble; supports variety of aquatic habitat, unusual fauna and plant species. | Recreational | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife, Other | Lower Ohio-Bay | 1995 | |
| Mackinaw River | Woodford, McLean | Headwaters to upstream of Money Creek Rock Creek. Then tributary in T26N,R1E to cofluence with Rock Creek | 65 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for state or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Mackinaw | 1995 | |
| Mackinaw River | Tazewell, McLean | Colfax to confluence with Illinois River (excluding Rock Creek up to tributary in T26N,R1E,33) | 65 | Offers a high recreation potential. Little stream pollution. A central Illinois river with heavy farming in watershed. Banks are generally wooded. | Recreational | Mackinaw | 1982 | ||
| Manhattan Creek | Will | From headwaters NE of Manhattan (near the corner of Smith Road and South Cedar Road) to confluence with Jackson Creek. | 8 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Des Plaines | 1995 | |
| Mazon River | Grundy | East Fork of the Mazon River to confluence with West Fork | 10 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Upper Illinois | 1995 | |
| Mazon River | Grundy, Livingston | West Fork Mazon River to Mouth | 19 | Flows through central Illinois farm country. Offers fishing, canoeing, tubing and some white water kayaking. Has world renowned outcropping of carboniferous fossils which provided evidence for theory of continental drift. | Geologic, Recreational | Upper Illinois | 1982 | ||
| McKee Creek | Adams, Brown | Brown-Pike County Line to Siloam Springs State Park | 31 | A small western Illinois stream flowing through some rough hill terrain with a 50% farmed watershed. Fishing and hunting are major recreational activities. Generally good water quality with some agricultural runoff. Canoeing potential limited. | Recreational, Scenic | Lower Illinois | 1982 | ||
| Miller Creek | Alexander | From headwaters at the NW edge of T15S, R2W, S018 to confluence with Sexton Creek near the Mississippi River. | 8 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Wildlife, Other | Upper Mississippi-Cape Girardeau | 1995 | |
| Ohio River | Pope, Hardin, Gallatin, Alexander, Pulaski, Massac | Confluence with Wabash River to Cave-in-Rock (45 rm), then from Cave-in-Rock to Cairo (95 river miles) | 129 | A very broad interstate river carrying a considerable amount of commercial barge traffic and has many locks and dams. Flows through mainly hill country with some high bluffs and much forest land along river. Very high recreation potential. Receives heavy fishing use. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Lower Ohio-Bay | 1982 | KY | |
| Otter Creek | La Salle, Livington | Headwaters south of Blackstone to confluence with Vermillion River | 22 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Vermilion | 1995 | |
| Panther Creek | Woodford | From headwaters just south of Minonk to confluence with Mackinaw River. | 27 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Mackinaw | 1995 | |
| Pecatonica River | Stephenson, Winnebago | McConnel Road to Sec. 23, T27N, R7E (18 river miles); Freeport to mouth (65 river miles) | 79 | A scenic northern Illinois stream flowing mainly through farm country with rolling hills. Fairly well wooded banks. Upper reaches have some rock outcroppings. Recreational use moderate. Fishing fair. | Recreational, Scenic | Lower Rock | 1982 | ||
| Piscasaw Creek | McHenry | Wisconsin state line to confluence with Little Beaver Creek | 9 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Kishwaukee | 1995 | |
| Plum Creek | Will | Goodnow to Dyer, IN | 16 | Flows east through northern Illinois farm country into Indiana. A small stream used for fishing and floating, but is somewhat limited due to size. Some archeological and historic value. | Recreational | Chicago | 1982 | IN | |
| Ramsey Creek | Fayette | From confluence with Ceasar Creek to mouth at Kaskaskia River. | 16 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Middle Kaskaskia | 1995 | |
| Riley Creek | Coles | From headwaters north of Mattoon at N CR 500E to mouth at Kickapoo Creek. | 15 | Fish-Habitat of spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Embarras | 1995 | |
| Rock River | Ogle, Lee, Whiteside, Henry | Oregon to Sterling (29 river miles); Sterling to Osborn (68 river miles) | 90 | A broad interstate river flowing out of Wisconsin and through a very intensively farmed portion of Illinois. Well wooded banks and slow current offer an interesting and leisurely canoe trip. Moderate fishing use. | Recreational | Lower Rock | 1982 | ||
| Rush Creek | McHenry | From headwaters SE of Harvard to mouth at Kishwaukee River. | 16 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Kishwaukee | 1995 | |
| Sangamon River | McLean, Menard, Sangamon, Macon, Piatt, Champaign | From Saybrook to upstream waters of Lake Decatur. Then from Decatur dam to confluence with Salt Creek. | 183 | A long meandering river segment through the heart of Illinois agricultural country. Banks and corridor well wooded in places. Some farming to water's edge. Flows for several miles through Allerton Park National Natural Landmark and Springfield SMSA. Several warm water fish species available. A good canoe stream. Segment between Decatur and New Salem dedicated as "Lincoln Heritage Canoe Trail". | Recreational, Scenic | Upper Sangamon | 1982 | ||
| Shoal Creek | Clinton | Confluence with Beaver Creek to mouth at Kaskaskia River | 13 | A low gradient stream flowing through a heavily farmed area of west central Illinois. Near St. Louis SMSA. Watershed is primarily farmed causing high turbidity and siltation problem. Moderate fishing and recreational use. | Scenic | Shoal | 1982 | ||
| Spoon River | Champaign | From headwaters at US 136 near Gifford to confluence with Salt Fork | 14 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Lower Illinois-Lake Chautauqua | 1995 | |
| Spoon River | Fulton, Knox, Stark | From headwaters N of the town of Wyoming and NE of Toulon to mouth at Illinois River. | 147 | A long river segment through central Illinois farm country having very few cultural intrusions. Unique in this respect for the area. Banks fairly well wooded with some large forested areas in corridor. Receives moderate recreational use. | Recreational, Scenic | Lower Illinois-Lake Chautauqua | 1982 | ||
| Spring Creek | Iroquois | 3 miles south of Onarga to mouth at Iroquois River | 33 | Flows through heavily farmed portion of eastern Illinois but has fairly well wooded corridor. Has cut into local moraine ridges causing many deep gullies. Receives moderate to heavy fishing pressure. Little canoeing use. | Recreational | Iroquois | 1982 | ||
| Sugar Creek | Iroquois | Upstream approximately 36 miles to where channelization begins to confluence with Iroquois River | 36 | Rises in Indiana and flows through an intensively farmed part of Illinois to the Iroquois River. Has water quality problem caused by agricultural runoff. A meandering stream with generally well wooded banks. Recreational use moderate. | Recreational, Scenic | Iroquois | 1982 | ||
| Sugar River | Winnebago | Wisconsin state line to confluence with Otter Creek | 5 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Sugar | 1995 | |
| Ten Mile Creek | DeWitt | From headwaters just N of Toad Hill Road in T 21N, R 3E, S 28 to confluence with Salt Creek. | 19 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Salt | 1995 | |
| Vermilion River | Livingston, La Salle | Pontiac to Long Point Creek. Then from to tributary in Sec. 8, T31N, R3E to confluence with Illinois River | 45 | A very good central Illinois river with good recreation potential. Especially popular for canoeing. A scenic stream flowing through intensively farmed region. Offers best white water canoeing in State. Banks generally forested and it has numerous bluffs. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Lower Illinois-Senachwine Lake | 1982 | ||
| Vermilion River | Livingston | Long Point Creek to Tributary in Sec. 8, T31N, R3E | 16 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic fractures; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Vermilion | 1995 | |
| Vermilion River, Middle Fork | Vermilion, Ford, Champaign | From Ford-Champaign County line to conflunence with Knights Branch. | 27 | One of Illinois finest streams. Flows through central Illinois farm country, but maintains a well wooded corridor. Flows in part through Champaign-Urbana SMSA. Good water quality. Strip mining in lower reaches. Heavily used for recreational purposes. Endangered species, blue breasted darter present. Several archeological sites along river._x000D_ | Recreational, Scenic | Vermilion | 1982 | ||
| Vermilion River, Salt Fork | Vermilion, Champaign | Upstream 36 miles to where channelization begins in Champaign County to confluence with the Middle Fork | 38 | Offers a good variety of aquatic habitats. Flows through central Illinois. Flat agriculture country and Champaign-Urbana SMSA. A scenic free flowing segment of the Vermillion River system. Passes through Kickapoo State Park and has a fairly well wooded corridor. Receives moderate recreational use. | Recreational, Scenic | Vermilion | 1982 | ||
| Vermillion River, Middle Fork | Vermilion | Confluence with Knights Branch to river mile 46.9 near Collison. Then from river mile 29.8 at the Conrail Railroad crossing north of U.S. Highway 150 to mouth | 4 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Vermilion | 1995 | |
| Walnut Creek | Woodford | From headwaters to confluence with Mackinaw River | 25 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Mackinaw | 1995 | |
| West Branch Little Wabash River | Shelby | From headwaters to confluence with Little Wabash River | 12 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Little Wabash | 1995 | |
| West Okaw River | Moultrie | From confluence with Stringtown Branch to mouth at Lake Shelbyville | 19 | Fish-Habitat or spawning grounds for rare or ecologically significant fish species; habitat supports an unusually wide diversity of fish species. Other-Outstanding hydrologic features; one of the region's few remaining undeveloped, fully functioning high-order streams. | Recreational | Fish, Other | Upper Kaskaskia | 1995 |
Last updated: November 30, 2016