East Lake Impoundment, Illinois: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  You will find East Lake Impoundment in Jefferson County, Illinois. The surface lies 449 feet up. It measures about 45 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Sesser lies 7.1 miles from the water. After that come Ina at 8.5 miles and Mount Vernon at 12 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on East Lake Impoundment

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Species logged across Jefferson County include green sunfish, bluegill, white sucker and largemouth bass. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Work East Lake Impoundment in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 30°F in January up to 78°F in July. In milder years the surface never sets. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. East Lake Impoundment fishes to that pattern most years. After a storm, the water clears from the edges inwards.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Auxiliary Reservoir at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. The position on East Lake Impoundment is worth confirming on the day.