Fishing at Tampier Slough, Will County, Illinois

• Overview

  Within Will County, Illinois, you have Tampier Slough. Elevation runs to 689 feet. It measures about 53 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. For a base, Goodings Grove sits 2.2 miles out. The big place round here is Joliet, 13 miles distant. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork. Nothing about it is complicated once you have walked it.

• Where to Fish on Tampier Slough

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Records held for Will County cover common carp, green sunfish, threadfin shad, bluegill and goldfish. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Tampier Slough that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 74°F and January near 22°F. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid March. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid March until roughly mid December. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. It holds true on Tampier Slough more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Parking is mapped about half a mile from the bank. There is a pier recorded roughly half a mile away. Picnic facilities are recorded some half a mile out. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Failing this one, try Tampier Lake, 0.6 miles away. For Tampier Slough, the notice at the access point is the final word.