Nashville City Reservoir in Washington County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Look for Nashville City Reservoir in Washington County, Illinois. Height above sea level is 499 feet. It runs to roughly 44 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Of the waters listed here in Washington County, this is the largest. Start from Nashville, 1.2 miles down the road. Further out sit Okawville (12 miles) and Wamac (16 miles). It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Nashville City Reservoir

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Open biodiversity records for Washington County list green sunfish, bluegill, black bullhead, slough darter and bluntnose darter. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. At Nashville City Reservoir the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 78°F, with January the cold end at about 29°F. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. At Nashville City Reservoir the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Nashville Reservoir at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Rules at Nashville City Reservoir are worth checking on the day.