Lake Nelson near Aledo: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Lake Nelson lies within the bounds of Mercer County, Illinois. The setting is rolling bush. At 8 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Head to Aledo, 8.3 miles away, for anything you forgot. Andalusia follows at 11 miles, then Buffalo at 12 miles. Also on the doorstep: McLaughlin Pond 8.1 miles, Lake George 8.6 miles away, Valley Friends Lake 9 miles, Hidden Lake 9.1 miles away and Dead Slough 9.4 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Lake Nelson

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Fish documented in Mercer County include channel catfish, johnny darter, green sunfish, bighead carp and red shiner. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. The shape of Lake Nelson rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 21°F to 74°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The lid usually goes in mid March, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Break-up sits around mid March on average, with the water closing again about mid December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. It sets the rhythm of the year at Lake Nelson.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. For a change of water, McLaughlin Pond is 8.1 miles distant. Treat access at Lake Nelson as something to verify.