Lake Braewood, Illinois: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Lake Braewood lies within the bounds of McHenry County, Illinois. Everything around it is lake country bush. Small at around 2 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is a small entry by McHenry County standards. Algonquin is the closest town at 1.1 miles. The nearest city of size is Elgin, an 8.1 miles drive. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Lake Braewood

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. County-wide records name bluegill, largemouth bass, green sunfish, pumpkinseed and channel catfish. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. At Lake Braewood the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 73°F and January reads 20°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late March. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late March and starts locking again about mid December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. It sets the rhythm of the year at Lake Braewood.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Braewood Park holds the nearest mapped parking, 130 yards out. There is a toilet block some half a mile out. The water borders Dixie Briggs Forest Preserve, so reserve rules are likely to apply. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. The nearest alternative is Lake in the Hills, 2.3 miles out. Confirm before you fish Lake Braewood.