Daum Lake near Elmwood: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  In Illinois, Daum Lake falls inside Knox County. It stands 676 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 8 acres — small enough to read in one session. Most waters listed here for Knox County are larger. The closest town, Elmwood, is 8.5 miles away. The nearest city of size is North Peoria, 27 miles away. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Daum Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Open biodiversity records for Knox County list johnny darter, largemouth bass, white sucker and slenderhead darter. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. The shape of Daum Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 74°F; by January the average is down near 21°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid March. Open water usually runs from mid March until about mid December. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. It sets the rhythm of the year at Daum Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Happy Hollow Lake Number 2 is 3.4 miles distant. None of that is settled for Daum Lake in what we hold.