Anyone have any experience paddling this? Thinking of taking a short trip from Decatur a couple hours down the river ?

Thoughts?

Haven't done it. But it is listed in the Paddling Illinois book. Has a couple of sections in it. One is for the area around New Salem, IL

I have paddled from Riverton to New Salem. The water gets VERY low in the summer and can be quite high in the spring, like most rivers. It is way out of its banks at times. Riverton to Carpenter Park in Springfield is a nice stretch.

Just finished the trip today from Lincoln Park in Decatur Il down Sangamon to Rock Springs Conservation Area. 2 1/2 hours total. Very low water, downed trees everywhere. I don't think they maintain the river in this area. Saw a lot of wildlife and my wife and kids had fun though. It was nice to get out on the water this early.

Very low, as in dragging the boat for stretches over the bottom?? or was it deep enough to float a canoe all the way?

The "Launch Sites" app shows a 4 out of 5 rating - at least for some of the access points.

I don't ever go on it when it looks to be "very low". I would say yes, "dragging the bottom of the boat for stretches." Maybe even having to get out and pull/push the canoe through in places. I'm guessing not a pleasant trip when it's low. I paddled from Wheeland Park in Riverton to Carpenter Park in Springfield again last week and it was perfect. Not sure if AndySG paddles the river here, or not. He might have more to offer.

I had to drag in many locations.

We paddled fhe Petersburg to Beardstown stretch of the river yesterday where the Sangamon meets the Illinois river. We really enjoyed the day, 47 miles and 10 hours. I think it was a great paddle. Even though the water is high enough to be passable to motor boats and it was a Saturday we saw very few people until we got near the Illinois river.

You lucky to be able to get out on the rivers. All of the ones up North here in IL are at or above flood stage and too fast to be out on. Same for Southern WI. Too much rain!!!