This west floodplain lake receives overflow waters from the Illinois River.[1][2] The Anderson lake has a surface area of 1,134 acres (459 ha) with an average depth of 4 ft (1.2 m) and a maximum depth of 6 ft (1.8 m)[1] with 9.1 mi (14.6 km) shore is surrounded by bottomland forest.[2][3]
A levee constructed in 1980 separates Anderson Lake from Carlson Lake, a smaller 231 acres (93 ha) lake to the south that serves as a waterfowl refuge area.[1][2] Carlson Lake is drained in the spring to plant food for ducks, then flooded in the fall during migration season to attract waterfowl.[1]
Anderson Lake has boat docks and two public boat ramps.[6] Tent and trailer camping is available at Class C sites.[6] Two picnic shelters and picnic tables are available.[6] Hunting is permitted on 1,900 acres (770 ha) for waterfowl, doves, deer, rabbit, quail, and squirrel.[6][7]