Roachtown Lake in Saint Clair County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Roachtown Lake is a Saint Clair County water, in Illinois. Beyond the shoreline you have farm and woodlot. This is a pocket water of some 13 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. The closest town, Millstadt, is 2.4 miles distant. Then Smithton, 4.8 miles, and Belleville, 5.2 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Roachtown Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. County-wide records name bluegill, green sunfish and largemouth bass. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Roachtown Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 78°F; the cold one sits at 29°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Plan any trip to Roachtown Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Beil Lake Number 1 North Dam Number 2, 0.7 miles out. Confirm access to Roachtown Lake locally before you travel.