The Narrows near Manito: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Look for The Narrows in the Mason County part of Illinois. The ground around here is lake country bush. You are 8.8 miles from Manito. The nearest city of size is Peoria, 25 miles away. Other water within reach: Woodyard Slough just 1.1 miles, Duck Creek Cooling Pond 1.5 miles away, Clear Lake just 1.7 miles, Lost Lake 1.8 miles away and West River just 1.8 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on The Narrows

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Species logged across Mason County include common carp, goldfish, white perch and channel catfish. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. The Narrows fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 24°F to 76°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Break-up comes around mid March, and the run that follows is short and strong. Averages place the thaw at mid March and the freeze at late December. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to The Narrows.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Woodyard Slough, 1.1 miles away. Check the position at The Narrows before loading the car.