Fishing at Dutchman Lake, Johnson County, Illinois

• Overview

  In Illinois, Dutchman Lake belongs to Johnson County. The surface lies 430 feet up. It runs to roughly 102 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. About 2.6 miles of bank, so nothing stays unexplored for long. By elevation it sits in the lower part of our Illinois listings. For supplies, Goreville is 5.2 miles out. For a city, Evansville is 82 miles off. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Dutchman Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Across Johnson County, recorded fish include bluegill, stripetail darter and longear sunfish. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Dutchman Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 78°F; by January the average is down near 31°F. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. That shapes the year on Dutchman Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Tall Tree Lake, 1.3 miles away. Check the position at Dutchman Lake before loading the car.