Small Timber Lake, Illinois: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Small Timber Lake sits within Peoria County in Illinois. The water sits 610 feet up. Surface area runs to about 9 acres — small enough to read in one session. Nearest town is Bellevue, 1.7 miles off. It is 5 miles to Peoria, the nearest city. A county boundary sits nearby, which can matter for local access rules. The name is unique in the state, so there is no confusion.

• Where to Fish on Small Timber Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Species logged across Peoria County include common carp, white perch, goldfish, bluegill and orangethroat darter. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Small Timber Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 75°F and January at 22°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. After mid March the shallows warm and the fish move up. From about mid March to around late December, expect open water on the long-run figures. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. That shapes the year on Small Timber Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Parking is close: a car park sits half a mile from the bank. A platform or pier sits within 30 yards. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Big Timber Lake, 0.2 miles away. Rules at Small Timber Lake are worth checking on the day.