Finger Lake, Illinois: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Look for Finger Lake in the Cass County part of Illinois. It sits in pine and birch country. Surface area is around 27 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. Virginia sits 5.1 miles from the bank. Further out sit Ashland (11 miles) and Beardstown (15 miles). Within easy reach: Longs Lake within 2.6 miles, Virginia Lake lies 4.2 miles on, Cross Slough within 10 miles, Chain Lake lies 10 miles on and Wyatt Pond within 10 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Finger Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. County-wide records name common carp, bluegill, largemouth bass and gizzard shad. The county list is broader than any single water. The near bank of Finger Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 76°F and January at 25°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid March. Expect the water usable from around mid March until roughly late December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Expect Finger Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Should this one be busy, Longs Lake is 2.6 miles off. Check the current arrangement for Finger Lake.