Augusta Lake Fishing in Hancock County, Illinois

• Overview

  In Illinois, Augusta Lake belongs to Hancock County. The water sits 636 feet up. It runs to roughly 27 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Nearest town is Colchester, 13 miles off. Carthage lies 16 miles off, Camp Point another 17 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Augusta Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Across Hancock County, recorded fish include green sunfish, white sucker, johnny darter, orangethroat darter and bluegill. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Augusta Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 76°F and January at 23°F. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid March. On the long-run averages the water opens up around mid March and starts locking again about late December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. It holds true on Augusta Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. There is no recorded infrastructure here; expect to find your own way in. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Argyle Lake, 15 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position at Augusta Lake before loading the car.