Fishing at Ramsey Lake, Fayette County, Illinois

• Overview

  Fayette County in Illinois is where Ramsey Lake sits. It sits at 594 feet above sea level. It runs to roughly 45 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. With about 1.5 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. On our Fayette County list it sits near the top for size. The nearest place of any size is Ramsey, 1.7 miles away. Then Nokomis, 13 miles, and Vandalia, 14 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Ramsey Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Species logged across Fayette County include orangethroat darter, green sunfish and johnny darter. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Fish Ramsey Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 77°F at the top of summer and 26°F at the bottom of winter. The season stretches long at both ends here. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Expect Ramsey Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping shows a ramp about half a mile from the shore. The nearest car park is half a mile from the water. Mapping shows a campsite some half a mile from the water. A picnic spot sits 160 yards from the bank. There is a toilet block some 150 yards out. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. None of that is settled for Ramsey Lake in what we hold.