West Lake near Washington: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Tazewell County, West Lake is an Illinois water. The bank is 771 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 11 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Illinois listings. Nearest town is Washington, 2.4 miles off. Then Germantown Hills, 4.7 miles, and Morton, 6 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on West Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Tazewell County records list common carp, white perch, goldfish, bluegill and largemouth bass among the fish reported. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Anyone new to West Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 75°F in July and bottom out at 22°F in January. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid March. From about mid March to around late December, expect open water on the long-run figures. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to West Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. Public data records a pier about 80 yards out. There are picnic tables recorded roughly half a mile off. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Should this one be busy, Pine Lakes Country Club North Pond is 2 miles off. For West Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.