Lake Commanche, Illinois: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Sangamon County, Lake Commanche is an Illinois water. Country round the bank runs to open valley. About 3 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. On size it sits at the modest end of our Sangamon County list. Some 2.5 miles away sits Divernon, the nearest settlement. After that come Pawnee at 2.5 miles and Auburn at 6.3 miles. The boundary is near enough that local access rules are worth double-checking.

• Where to Fish on Lake Commanche

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Survey and observation records for Sangamon County include green sunfish, bluegill and white crappie. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Lake Commanche that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 76°F for July and 25°F for January. Ice comes and goes from one year to the next. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Plan any trip to Lake Commanche around it. As the season turns, fish follow food rather than temperature alone.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. The nearest alternative is Sangchris Lake, 7.8 miles out. Rules at Lake Commanche are worth checking on the day.