McCarthy Lake in Richland County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Richland County in Illinois is where McCarthy Lake sits. Height above sea level is 482 feet. At 5 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Most waters listed here for Richland County are larger. Olney at 4.8 miles is the nearest place to stop. Then Sumner, 17 miles, and Flora, 17 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on McCarthy Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Open biodiversity records for Richland County list green sunfish, bluegill, longear sunfish and redfin pickerel. The county list is broader than any single water. At McCarthy Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 77°F and January at 28°F. Seasons here are moderate, and the fishing runs most of the year. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. On McCarthy Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. For a change of water, Illinois No Name Number 2037 Reservoir is 2.8 miles distant. The position on McCarthy Lake is worth confirming on the day.