South Lake Fishing Guide, McHenry County, Illinois

• Overview

  This water sits in McHenry County, Illinois. It lies 889 feet above sea level. Surface area is around 27 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. The whole outline is near 1.9 miles, and most of it is walkable. It is one of the smaller waters we list in McHenry County. Head to Lakewood, 1.7 miles away, for anything you forgot. Beyond it, Lake in the Hills at 3.5 miles and Crystal Lake at 3.8 miles.

• Where to Fish on South Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. County-wide records name bluegill, largemouth bass, green sunfish and pumpkinseed. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. The near bank of South Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 73°F and January near 20°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late March. Break-up near late March, freeze-up near mid December: that is the shape of an average year. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan around that when you fish South Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Kishwaukee Fen Nature Preserve takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. For a change of water, Crystal Lake is 1.9 miles distant. For South Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.