Earlier this week, Clinton Lake reopened to recreation enthusiasts and a local DNR official recently outlined the reasons the lake closed as water levels rose but also became somewhat unstable.

DNR Conservation Police Captain John Williamson says there are a couple of factors when closing the lake, among them is the water levels rising means boats do not have the room to move under bridges along the lake.

The spillway was experiencing a rush of water over the dam. Capt. Williamson is advising caution for those headed to the spillway as levels are still high. Additionally, the trail in that area of Clinton Lake is closed, and Capt. Williamson questions if it will make it through the flooding.

Capt. Williamson has been in central Illinois for a long time and cannot remember if the lake has ever closed because of water levels. He advises being cautious for boaters going under bridges to make sure your boat is going to make it as water levels remain elevated.