Fishing on Clinton Lake, Clinton Illinois
Clinton Lake is a 4,900-acre reservoir located near Clinton, Illinois². The lake is a part of the Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, which encompasses 9,300 acres and offers various recreational amenities such as boating, skiing, swimming, picnicking and camping³.
The lake supports a diverse fishery, featuring largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, white bass and hybrid striped bass. Crappie and bluegill provide plenty of action for panfish enthusiasts⁴. The lake receives stockings of walleye, hybrid striped bass, blue catfish, and crappie by the IDNR Division of Fisheries³.
Some of the best fishing spots on the lake are Dam , DeWitt Bridge , Marina , Mascoutin State Park, North Fork, Parnell Access , Rt. 10 Shore , Weldon Access, West Side, Wetland Area³. Bowfishing is allowed on certain areas of the lake³.
The lake has a good population of quality largemouth bass, with 64% being over 12 inches in length and 29% over 15 inches³. The largest bass collected during the 2022 survey weighed 5.98 pounds³. The best time to fish for bass is in the spring and fall when they are more active and feed on shad and crayfish.
The lake also has a high-density crappie fishery, with both white and black crappie available. Approximately 21% of the white crappie were longer than 10 inches and 49% of the black crappie were longer than 10 inches³. The best time to fish for crappie is in the spring when they move to shallow water to spawn. Minnows and jigs are effective baits for crappie.
The hybrid striped bass are another popular target for anglers on Clinton Lake. They are stocked annually and can grow up to 27 inches and weigh over 13 pounds³. The best time to fish for hybrids is in the summer when they school near the surface and chase shad. Trolling or casting with spoons, crankbaits or live bait are good methods for catching hybrids.
The walleye are also stocked annually and can reach up to 28 inches and weigh over 10 pounds⁵. The best time to fish for walleye is in the spring and fall when they move along the shoreline and feed on shad and crayfish. Jigs, minnows, nightcrawlers and crankbaits are good baits for walleye.
The catfish are abundant in Clinton Lake and include channel catfish, flathead catfish and blue catfish. The blue catfish have been stocked at a low rate into Clinton Lake since 2014³. The best time to fish for catfish is in the summer and fall when they are more active and feed on shad, crayfish and other fish. Cut bait, live bait, stink bait and chicken liver are good baits for catfish.
The white bass are also present in Clinton Lake and can provide some fast action when they school near the surface. The best time to fish for white bass is in the spring and fall when they migrate along the lake and feed on shad. Spoons, spinners, jigs and minnows are good baits for white bass.
Clinton Lake is a great destination for anglers who want to enjoy a variety of fishing opportunities in a scenic setting. The lake has a good reputation for producing quality fish of different species and sizes. Whether you are looking for a trophy catch or just some fun fishing, Clinton Lake has something to offer you.
Source:
(1/2) Lake Profile — CLINTON LAKE – I Fish Illinois. https://ifishillinois.org/profiles/waterbody.php?waternum=00091.
(3/4) Guide To Fishing Clinton Lake In IL. https://www.aa-fishing.com/il/il-fishing-lake-clinton.html.
