Fishing at Paragon Lake, Christian County, Illinois

• Overview

  Paragon Lake sits in Christian County, out in Illinois. It sits at 656 feet above sea level. With some 55 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Shoreline comes to about 1.3 miles, small enough to learn in a day. The nearest place of any size is Pana, 1.3 miles away. The nearest city of size is Springfield, 42 miles away. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Paragon Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Christian County records list bluegill, green sunfish and common carp among the fish reported. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Anyone new to Paragon Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 76°F; the cold one sits at 26°F. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Expect Paragon Lake to follow that timing. Water colour tells you more than the air temperature does.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. The nearest alternative is Lake Taylorville, 12 miles out. What applies at Paragon Lake may have changed since it was mapped.