Lake Windermere in Coles County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Lake Windermere lies within the bounds of Coles County, Illinois. Height above sea level is 696 feet. It covers about 8 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. It is a small entry by Coles County standards. Mattoon sits 4.8 miles from the bank. Charleston lies 6.2 miles off, Toledo another 14 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Lake Windermere

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Species logged across Coles County include longear sunfish, bluegill and johnny darter. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Fish Lake Windermere where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 76°F, with January the cold end at about 26°F. The swings are modest, so patterns change slowly. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Lake Windermere runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. If the gate is shut, Lake Charleston at 7.5 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to Lake Windermere locally before you travel.