Waterloo New Reservoir Fishing Guide, Monroe County, Illinois

• Overview

  The Monroe County end of Illinois holds Waterloo New Reservoir. Elevation runs to 574 feet. It measures about 35 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The nearest town is Waterloo, 1.7 miles away. Beyond it, Valmeyer at 6 miles and Columbia at 9.2 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork. It gives up fish to patience rather than to gear.

• Where to Fish on Waterloo New Reservoir

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Fish documented in Monroe County include bluegill, green sunfish and gizzard shad. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. The near bank of Waterloo New Reservoir is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 78°F for July and 29°F for January. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Time your trip to Waterloo New Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Parking is mapped about half a mile from the bank. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Waterloo Reservoir Number 1 at 0.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position on Waterloo New Reservoir before loading the car.