M D Borah Lake in Richland County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Richland County end of Illinois holds M D Borah Lake. Country round the bank runs to farm and woodlot. The nearest place of any size is Olney, 3 miles away. Further out sit Sumner (12 miles) and Newton (16 miles). Close by you have: Webber Lake near enough 0.2 miles, East Fork Lake at about 1.1 miles, Vernor Lake near enough 1.7 miles, Illinois No Name Number 2037 Reservoir at about 4 miles and Millers Lake near enough 4.5 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on M D Borah Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Across Richland County, recorded fish include green sunfish, bluegill, longear sunfish and redfin pickerel. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. M D Borah Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 77°F, with January the cold end at about 28°F. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. Cover comes and goes, so treat it with suspicion rather than trust. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. It holds true on M D Borah Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. The nearest alternative is Webber Lake, 0.2 miles out. Check the position on M D Borah Lake before loading the car.