Windfall Lake in Vermilion County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Set in Vermilion County, Windfall Lake is an Illinois water. Everything around it is pine and birch. About 23 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Supplies mean a trip to Oakwood, 7.8 miles off. Danville follows at 8.5 miles, then Tilton at 9.8 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Windfall Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Fish documented in Vermilion County include greenside darter, rainbow darter, longear sunfish, smallmouth bass and stonecat. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Windfall Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 75°F, while January sits near 24°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid March. Climate averages put the opening at about mid March and the closing near late December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Windfall Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Lake Mingo is 1.1 miles distant. Check the current arrangement for Windfall Lake.