Fishing at Upper Bluff Lake, Union County, Illinois

• Overview

  Within Union County, Illinois, you have Upper Bluff Lake. Elevation runs to 325 feet. With some 191 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Among the waters listed for Union County, none is wider. Jonesboro is the closest town at 6.2 miles. Beyond it, Anna at 7.4 miles and Cape Girardeau at 11 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Upper Bluff Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Fish documented in Union County include common carp, longear sunfish and bluegill. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. The shape of Upper Bluff Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 32°F to 79°F. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. On Upper Bluff Lake the same rules apply, with local timing. Autumn cools the shallows first, so work deeper as it goes on.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. Carp respond to sweetcorn or boilies fished patiently on the bottom near feeding areas. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Bluff Lake at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position at Upper Bluff Lake before loading the car.