Nystrom Lake near Cambridge: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Nystrom Lake lies within the bounds of Henry County, Illinois. This is mixed forest ground. Surface area runs to about 5 acres — small enough to read in one session. Our Henry County list holds plenty of bigger water. For a base, Cambridge sits 5.8 miles out. Davenport is the closest city, 29 miles away. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Nystrom Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Species logged across Henry County include johnny darter, green sunfish, common carp, bluegill and white sucker. The county list is broader than any single water. On Nystrom Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 74°F, while January sits near 20°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid March. Open water usually runs from mid March until about mid December. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Nystrom Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Mapping shows an empty shoreline: no ramp, no jetty, no marked entry. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Thompson Pond at 2.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm access to Nystrom Lake locally before you travel.