Citizens Lake near Monmouth: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Warren County in Illinois is where Citizens Lake sits. The bank gives way to mixed forest. The water covers some 25 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The full circuit measures close to 1.0 miles on foot. For supplies, Monmouth is 1 mile out. Oquawka follows at 15 miles, then Abingdon at 15 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Citizens Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. County-wide records name johnny darter, green sunfish and white sucker. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Read Citizens Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 75°F and January near 22°F on the long-run figures. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Ice-out usually falls in mid March, and the weeks after it fish hardest. The season between ice runs from about mid March to mid December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Expect Citizens Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. You can camp half a mile off, which suits an early start. A rest area sits about 130 yards from the water. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Youngs Lake sits 6.2 miles off and takes the overflow. For Citizens Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.