Long Branch Fishing near Hillsboro, Illinois

• Overview

  Long Branch is one of the Montgomery County waters in Illinois. The ground round it is mixed woodland. The closest town, Hillsboro, is 3.6 miles distant. Litchfield follows at 10 miles, then Nokomis at 12 miles. Not far off: American Zinc Smelter Company Large Lake about 5.7 miles, Chautauqua Lake lies 7.3 miles on, Lake Lou Yaeger about 7.5 miles, Litchfield Lake lies 8.1 miles on and Rocky Ford Sportsman Club North Lake about 10 miles. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Long Branch

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Wading opens water that no bank angler reaches. Undercut banks hold fish that the middle of the river never will. Survey and observation records for Montgomery County include green sunfish, yellow bullhead, johnny darter and bluegill. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Fish Long Branch where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 26°F to 77°F. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. At Long Branch the season follows that pattern closely. Short days concentrate it into a narrow window.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Should this one be busy, American Zinc Smelter Company Large Lake is 5.7 miles off. Confirm access to Long Branch locally before you travel.