First Lake, Illinois: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In Illinois, First Lake belongs to Alexander County. It sits at 299 feet above sea level. The water covers some 50 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Nearest town is Cairo, 1.7 miles off. La Center lies 10 miles off, Charleston another 13 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on First Lake

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Records held for Alexander County cover common carp, bluegill, slough darter and gizzard shad. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Take First Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 33°F in January up to 79°F in July. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. It sets the rhythm of the year at First Lake. A settled week fishes better than a changeable one.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. For the carp, bait a margin spot and sit on it; corn and bread still work. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. For a change of water, Second Lake is 0.8 miles distant. Confirm before you fish First Lake.