Izaac Walton Lake, Illinois: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Izaac Walton Lake sits within Franklin County in Illinois. Country round the bank runs to farm and woodlot. It covers about 24 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Most waters listed here for Franklin County are larger. Christopher is the closest town at 2.7 miles. St. Louis is the closest city, 75 miles away. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Izaac Walton Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Reported across Franklin County: bluegill, shortnose gar, green sunfish and longear sunfish. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Izaac Walton Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 78°F; by January the average is down near 30°F. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. It holds true on Izaac Walton Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. There is no recorded infrastructure here; expect to find your own way in. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Christopher Lake sits 1.1 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the current arrangement for Izaac Walton Lake.