Fishing Crescent Lake in Perry County, Illinois

• Overview

  In Illinois, Crescent Lake belongs to Perry County. This is farm and woodlot ground. The whole thing is a single swim; walk it in a minute. It is a small entry by Perry County standards. Pinckneyville at 5.5 miles is the nearest place to stop. Further out sit Du Quoin (9.6 miles) and Steeleville (13 miles). It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Crescent Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Records held for Perry County cover bluegill, johnny darter, slough darter, largemouth bass and longear sunfish. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Crescent Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 78°F, the coldest about 30°F. Fishing continues through most of the calendar, with quiet spells rather than closures. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Expect Crescent Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Crystal Lake provides a boat ramp about half a mile away. You can leave the car about half a mile from the water. Overnight stays are possible half a mile away. There are picnic tables recorded roughly half a mile off. There is a toilet block some half a mile out. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Should this one be busy, Willow Lake is 0.1 miles off. Ask locally about Crescent Lake if anything is unclear.