Little Swan Lake Fishing Guide, Warren County, Illinois

• Overview

  Little Swan Lake sits in Warren County, out in Illinois. Height above sea level is 650 feet. The water covers some 228 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Around 4.2 miles of bank, which is a long day on foot. For a base, Bushnell sits 8.1 miles out. Further out sit Abingdon (12 miles) and Macomb (16 miles). Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Little Swan Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Fish documented in Warren County include johnny darter, green sunfish, white sucker, bluegill and largemouth bass. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Little Swan Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 75°F and January near 22°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. After mid March the shallows warm and the fish move up. On average, mid March opens the water and mid December closes it again. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. It sets the rhythm of the year at Little Swan Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. No slipway, car park or made path shows up nearby in mapping, so treat access as rough. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Lake Avon Country Club Reservoir, 6.3 miles away. Check the position at Little Swan Lake before loading the car.