Fishing Peelman Pond in Vermilion County, Illinois

• Overview

  Peelman Pond is a Vermilion County water, Illinois side. The country here is lake country bush. About 5 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It is a small entry by Vermilion County standards. Oakwood sits 2.5 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Catlin is 4.2 miles and Tilton 4.7 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Peelman Pond

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name greenside darter, rainbow darter, longear sunfish, smallmouth bass and stonecat. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. At Peelman Pond the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 75°F in July and bottoms out near 24°F in January. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid March. Break-up sits around mid March on average, with the water closing again about late December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. That is the shape of the year on Peelman Pond.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. The car has to stay half a mile away, which shapes how much tackle you bring. There is a campsite 0.9 miles from the water. A toilet block sits half a mile away. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Long Pond, 0.9 miles out. Rules at Peelman Pond are worth checking on the day.