Common Questions and answers
What does Sankoty Lakes offer?
Sankoty Lakes, a Midwestern outdoor adventure resort, has evolved out of a vision to bring a vacation destination to Central Illinois surrounding a natural resource, the Sankoty Aquifer lakes. Our website has a wealth of information covering our glamping tents, RV sites, conservation efforts, elite fishing opportunities and much more. We encourage you to explore the website for information.
Does Sankoty Lakes have a Resort Fee?
Yes, Sankoty Lakes has a seasonal Resort Fee of $25 per room per night for Glamping Tent and Cabin reservations from April - October. The Resort Fee includes the following amenities:
Daily breakfast buffet for two (2) people at the Woolly Bugger restaurant, open from 7 am - 10 am.
High-speed Wi-Fi
Fly rods & tackle to use on the private Trout Stream.*
*Fly rods and tackle are on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability.
There is no Resort Fee for RV or 1840 Ranch reservations.
What is the price to stay?
The Sankoty experience varies by accommodations, by amenities, and by season. Book Now to begin creating your dream vacation stay at Sankoty Lakes.
What type of fishing does Sankoty Lakes offer?
Fishing is a pastime that draws people into their authentic soul, connects passions between loved ones, and clears the mind of our worldly stressors. Sankoty Lakes offer a variety of fishing experiences. We proudly bring the art of fly fishing to the Midwest with our manmade trout stream. Sporting catch and release with a barbless hook, the fishing enthusiast enters the world of artfully casting flies with fly rods. We’ve introduced rainbow, palomino, brook, and brown trout to the stream as well as countless species of fish to the Legacy Lakes and Lake Canada. We offer shoreline casting in designated areas, rentable john boats, and the opportunity to fish rod and reel in Lake Canada.
Can I fish without an overnight stay?
Sankoty Lakes is a private resort and reserves fishing opportunities for our overnight guests. One can purchase a Fly Fishing Experience (when available) as a day guest to explore the property and fish the stream and the lakes. Get in touch via our Contact Page to schedule this Experience.
Can I bring my own boat to Sankoty Lakes?
Sankoty Lakes has boats for you to rent by the full day or half day if you are an overnight guest. No outside water crafts are allowed on any of our lakes. Book a boat in advance of your visit by clicking Book Now.
Can anyone fish the trout stream?
Our trout stream is reserved for guests staying in the glamping tents and cabins located along the stream to fly fish only along the tent side of the stream. Anglers purchasing the Fly Fishing Experience will be fly fishing along the hillside side of the trout stream practicing catch and release.
Can children fish at Sankoty Lakes?
Not much is sweeter than making memories with children and seeing their determination to land a big fish. That is why at Sankoty Lakes, children 16 years and younger fish for free with a paying adult. We want to teach our youth the delicate fly fishing techniques and the art of catch and release.
Where can RV site guests fish?
Guests staying on the RV side of the property can fish in our lower trout stream as well as the banks of Lake Canada for no additional fee. Jon boats are available to rent. Guests can book a boat rental through our website by selecting Book Now.
Can we keep the fish we caught?
There are limited designated areas on the property where catch and keep is allowed. We monitor the condition of the fish daily and may apply restrictions to the catch and keep allowance.
Why is the trout stream catch and release only?
The art of fly fishing involves protection of the trout. The practice of catch and release with a barbless hook allows for the survival of the fish to be higher, protecting the fish population rather than using a barbed hook. When the trout are released back into the stream after a catch, it allows them to return to their natural habitat and spawn. Our guides can provide anglers more details as needed.
What is your Reservation Cancellation Policy?
A deposit of 50% of the reservation (before tax and resort fee) will be taken at the time of booking. The remaining balance will be collected 14 days prior to arrival date. Reservations made within that remaining balance timeframe will require full payment at the time of booking.
Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to arrival date will receive a refund minus a 5% cancellation fee on the deposit amount. Reservations cancelled past the cancellation window are ineligible for a refund.
What is your Pet Policy?
Dog-friendly rooms are available upon request, though they are limited and subject to availability. Reservations are required. Guests traveling with pets must call 309-570-1111 prior to booking to verify availability of a pet-friendly room to avoid the risk of not being able to check in with a pet and/or incurring any associated cancellation penalties. There is a pet fee of $35 per night (maximum $70 per stay) and Sankoty Lakes Pet Policy Agreement must be signed upon check in. Maximum of two dogs per accommodation.
To ensure your dog’s safety and our guests, we ask that all dogs remain on leash while on property. Pups are not to be left alone in the tents unless crated. We will need to charge your credit card $250.00 pet damage fee if we find damage caused by your pet. We also reserve the right to remove any animal that is being disruptive or dangerous.
When are Check-In and Check-Out?
Our check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and our check-out time is 11:00 a.m. If you would like to check-in earlier or leave later, we will try to accommodate your request; however due to labor shortages our housekeeping staff may not be able to accommodate an early arrival or late departure.
Is there WiFi?
WiFi is accessible throughout the property. You will be provided a WiFi code upon check-in. The televisions in each tent and cabin are Smart TVs ready for your App login. Be sure to bring your passwords to access your accounts.
Do the tents have refrigerators?
Each tent comes with a dorm-style refrigerator with no freezer. We recommend bringing your own cooler. Ice is available for purchase at the gatehouse.
Do I need to bring firewood?
No. The Illinois Department of Agriculture regulates bringing firewood to a campsite because of the risk of carrying a tree killing insect or disease. The bugs can crawl out, spread to the trees at the resort, and begin to destroy those trees. This is a common rule at campgrounds, state parks, and national forest nationwide. We have firewood bundles available at the Gatehouse.
Can I bring my own kayak, canoe, paddle board or bicycle to Sankoty Lakes?
Sankoty Lakes will allow you to bring your own paddle board, kayak or canoe for a small launch fee of $20.00 per vessel per day. We do have kayaks (both solo and tandem) and canoes available to rent, as well. Sankoty Lakes encourages you to consider bringing your bicycle as a great way to get around the property.
Can I drive around on the Sankoty Lakes property and park near my tent?
You are allowed to park two vehicles at your tent or cabin. Sankoty Lakes is primarily a golf-cart accessible property and the paths are meant for walking, golf carts, and bicycles. Guests can bring their own bicycles to get around the property. We are focused on maintaining our natural and serene setting and we appreciate your contribution. Sankoty Lakes has golf carts to rent for a fun way to get around the property.
Is there handicapped parking?
Yes, there are handicapped spaces in the main parking lot and by the restaurant.
Are any accessible rentals?
Sankoty Lakes has two accessible, cozy cabins available to rent. Both are equipped with accessible kitchens and bathrooms. Select Book Now for descriptions of our available cabins.
Can I book my wedding or event at Sankoty Lakes?
Absolutely! We would love to host your special event or get you to the altar in the place where the sunset reflects its majesty off of rippling waters to create a majestic backdrop, our very own Sankoty Lakes. Feel free to send inquiries to info@sankotylakes.com for future events.
Where can I apply for a position at Sankoty Lakes?
Sankoty Lakes is growing leaps and bounds. We are always looking for dedicated individuals that love a challenge, are customer-centric and willing to put their heart and soul into helping our guests make memories with their family and friends. Find out more on our Careers Page.
What are my fishing options at Sankoty Lakes?
Scroll down or visit our fishing page here for current packages and pricing.
Lake and trout stream fishing at Sankoty Lakes*
EXPERIENCED FLY ANGLERs on the Trout Stream
Enjoy the catch and release and make lasting memories along the way. Angler must be knowledgeable of fly fishing, catch and release technique, and proper handling of the trout. Includes fly rod, flies, and net for 1 adult. Children under the age of 16 fish free with paying adult. (5 hour day). $150.00
SEMI-GUIDED Fly Fishing on the Trout Stream
Learn the art, enjoy the catch and release, and make lasting memories along the way. Fee covers semi-guided experience, instruction, and gear for one adult. Children under the age of 16 fish free with paying adult (5 hour day). $185.00
FULLY GUIDED Fly Fishing on the Trout Stream
Learn the art, enjoy the catch and release, and make lasting memories along the way. Fee covers fully dedicated guide experience, instruction, and gear for 1 adult. Children under the age of 16 fish free with paying adult. (5 hour day). $200.00
Guided Boat Fishing
Experience either the Lower or Upper Legacy Lake for an awesome day on the lakes. Catch and Release only. Price is per angler (5 hour day). We can accommodate 2 anglers per boat. $200.00
Upgrade pass for Overnight Guests
Expand your overnight glamping experience at Sankoty Lakes by purchasing an upgrade pass to fish the banks of Lower Legacy Lake and the rest of the Trout Stream. Pass is good for one day during stay. Multiple days may be purchased. Upgrade must be connected to an overnight reservation and must be the guest staying overnight. $75.00/angler
OVERNIGHT GUESTS receive 10% discounts on the following packages:
FULLY GUIDED
SEMI-GUIDED
GUIDED BOAT
Contact our team at 309-570-1111 to book your fishing trip and start making lifelong memories at Sankoty Lakes. See you on the water!
*Due to unforeseen circumstances, our trout stream is closed at this time. We will continue to update this page with any updates and changes!
FAQ about our fishing program
Can anyone fish the trout stream?
Our trout stream is reserved for guests staying in the glamping tents and cabins to fly fish only along the tent side of the stream. However, anglers purchasing the Fly Fishing Experience (who are not staying overnight) will be fly fishing along the hill side of the trout stream. Both sides are catch and release. Please read our stream etiquette guidelines here.
Can children fish at Sankoty Lakes?
Not much is sweeter than making memories with children and seeing their determination to land a big fish. That is why at Sankoty Lakes, children 16 years and younger fish for free with a paying adult. We want to teach our youth the delicate fly fishing techniques and the art of catch and release.
Where can RV site guests fish?
Guests staying on the RV side of the property can fish the banks of Lake Canada and our trout stream for no additional fee. Jon boats are available to rent. Guests can book a boat rental through www.sankotylakes.com by selecting Book Now.
Can we keep the fish we caught?
There are limited designated areas on the property where catch and keep is allowed. Our team monitors the condition of the fish daily and may apply restrictions to the catch and keep allowance.
Why is the trout stream catch and release only?
The art of fly fishing involves protection of the trout. The practice of catch and release with a barbless hook allows for the survival of the fish to be higher, protecting the fish population rather than using a barbed hook. When the trout are released back into the stream after a catch, it allows them to return to their natural habitat and spawn. Our guides can provide anglers more details as needed. Please read our stream etiquette guidelines here.