Lake of the Hills, Illinois: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Lake of the Hills is set in Mercer County, Illinois. The surface lies 735 feet up. Nearest place of any size is Orion, 3.8 miles away. For a city, Davenport is 16 miles off. Other water within reach: Lake Lynnwood (2.3 miles), Frye Lake within 3.2 miles, Karl Lake (3.4 miles), Crescent Lake within 8.9 miles and Lake Matherville (9.9 miles). A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Lake of the Hills

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Mercer County records list channel catfish, johnny darter, green sunfish and bighead carp among the fish reported. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Lake of the Hills that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 21°F in January up to 74°F in July. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Look for the thaw near mid March; the fishing lifts straight after. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid March in spring and again near mid December in autumn. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lake of the Hills.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Should this one be busy, Lake Lynnwood is 2.3 miles off. Where Lake of the Hills is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.