Fishing Marion Reservoir in Williamson County, Illinois

• Overview

  Williamson County in Illinois is where Marion Reservoir sits. Rolling hill runs right down to the water. It measures about 245 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Shoreline length is close to 3.5 miles, and each section fishes a little differently. You are 4 miles from Marion. Further out sit Energy (7.7 miles) and Crainville (7.9 miles). This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Marion Reservoir

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Public occurrence data for Williamson County names bluegill, green sunfish and longear sunfish. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Read Marion Reservoir before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 78°F, with January the cold end at about 31°F. Whether it freezes depends on the year. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Marion Reservoir runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Launching is possible: a slipway lies half a mile off. Carp respond to sweetcorn or boilies fished patiently on the bottom near feeding areas. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Saluki Lake is 4.2 miles off. Check the current arrangement for Marion Reservoir.