Candlewick Lake, Illinois: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Candlewick Lake is a Boone County water, Illinois side. The surface lies 889 feet up. At about 184 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. The shoreline runs about 3.6 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Illinois listings. Supplies mean a trip to Poplar Grove, 2.5 miles off. After that come Belvidere at 6.3 miles and Capron at 7.3 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Candlewick Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Records held for Boone County cover banded darter, fantail darter and johnny darter. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Fish Candlewick Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 18°F in January and 72°F in July. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. The lid usually goes in late March, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Average temperatures cross freezing around late March in spring and again near mid December in autumn. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Plan any trip to Candlewick Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Parking is mapped about half a mile from the bank. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. County Lake sits 0.9 miles off and takes the overflow. Rules at Candlewick Lake are worth checking on the day.