Fishing at Miltmore Lake, Lake County, Illinois

• Overview

  Miltmore Lake is one of the Lake County waters in Illinois. Elevation runs to 755 feet. The water covers some 84 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Venetian Village at 0.6 miles is the nearest place to stop. Lindenhurst is 1.2 miles and Lake Villa 2.1 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Miltmore Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Fish documented in Lake County include bluegill, common carp, green sunfish and pumpkinseed. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Miltmore Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 20°F in January and 72°F in July. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Once it clears, about late March, the fishing comes on quickly. Averages suggest open water from about late March through to roughly mid December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. On Miltmore Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. You can camp about half a mile away, going by the mapping. Fourth Lake Fen Forest Preserve runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. If the gate is shut, Slough Lake at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the current arrangement for Miltmore Lake.