White Pine Ditch Reservoir Fishing in Cook County, Illinois

• Overview

  Within Cook County, Illinois, you have White Pine Ditch Reservoir. This is lake country bush country. Surface area runs to about 3 acres — small enough to read in one session. Most waters listed here for Cook County are larger. For a base, Buffalo Grove sits 0.6 miles out. It is 18 miles to Elgin, the nearest city. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on White Pine Ditch Reservoir

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Public occurrence data for Cook County names common carp, bluegill, green sunfish and gizzard shad. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Fish White Pine Ditch Reservoir where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 74°F and January at 22°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Ice-out usually falls in late March, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Ice usually gives way near late March, and forms again about mid December. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. The season on White Pine Ditch Reservoir follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Public data has parking about 150 yards from the shore. For the carp, bait a margin spot and sit on it; corn and bread still work. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Lake Terramere, 2.1 miles away. Check the position at White Pine Ditch Reservoir before loading the car.