Fishing at Little Sawmill Lake, Jo Daviess County, Illinois

• Overview

  The Jo Daviess County entry here is Little Sawmill Lake, in Illinois. It sits at 591 feet above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 7 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Our Jo Daviess County list holds plenty of bigger water. For supplies, Savanna is 8.4 miles out. The nearest city of size is Davenport, 47 miles away. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Little Sawmill Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Jo Daviess County, recorded fish include common carp, johnny darter, bluegill and white sucker. The county list is broader than any single water. On Little Sawmill Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 18°F in January up to 73°F in July. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late March. From about late March to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Plan around that when you fish Little Sawmill Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Densmore Lake, 0.9 miles away. For Little Sawmill Lake in particular, ask before you travel.