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Evergreen Lake, a 925-acre reservoir located in McLean and Woodford Counties, Illinois, is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. Created by damming Six Mile Creek, fishing at Evergreen Lake offers the chance to catch 6 fish species. The lake is known for its diverse fish population, including large mouth bass, crappie, and muskellunge, making it a popular spot for both casual and serious anglers.
Evergreen Lake’s tranquil environment, thanks to its 10-horsepower boat limit, ensures a peaceful fishing experience. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of fishing opportunities and regulations at Evergreen Lake.
Fish Species, Conditions and Strategies
Fishing at Evergreen Lake requires knowledge of the lake’s conditions and effective strategies. The lake has an average depth of 19.7 feet (ca. 6 m) and reaches a maximum depth of 50 feet (ca. 15 m). Anglers should focus on the lake’s structure, including weedy areas, rocky outcrops, and submerged logs, where fish are likely to congregate.
- Large mouth bass:
- Abundant in Evergreen Lake, thriving in weedy and rocky habitats
- Known for aggressive behavior, providing a challenge for anglers
- Baits: Plastic worms, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwater lures, live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers
- How to catch: Target shallow, weedy areas and structures. Use various retrieval techniques to entice strikes.
- Interesting fact: can grow up to 25 inches (0.64 m) long and weigh over 20 pounds (ca. 9 kg). They are known for their aggressive nature and are often considered top predators in freshwater ecosystems.
- Small mouth
- bass:
- Less common, found around rock ledges and drop-offs
- Baits: Jigs, tubes, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, live bait like crayfish or minnows
- How to catch: Focus on rocky structures and drop-offs. Use slow, steady retrievals or vertical jigging.
- White crappie:
- Present in the lake, part of a well-managed crappie fishery
- Baits: Small minnows, jigs (especially marabou or tube jigs), small spinners
- How to catch: Fish around structures like brush piles, submerged trees, or bridge pilings. Use slow, steady retrievals or vertical jigging.
- Black crappie:
- Becoming more prevalent, also part of the lake’s well-managed crappie fishery
- Baits: Similar to white crappie – small minnows, jigs, small spinners
- Interesting fact: Black crappie are known for their preference for clear, cool waters, while white crappie can thrive in more turbid environments. Both species are highly valued for their delicate, flaky meat.
- How to catch: Target structure and use slow retrievals. Black crappie tends to prefer cooler, deeper water than white crappie.
- Muskellunge (muskie):
- Introduced in 1990, with reports of large specimens being caught
- Baits: Large bucktail spinners, jerk baits, swimbaits, topwater lures, live suckers, or chubs
- Interesting fact: They are known as the “fish of 10,000 casts” because of their elusive nature. They can grow up to 50 inches (1.27 m) and are prized by anglers for their size and fight.
- How to catch: Target shallow, weedy areas and structures. Use fast, erratic retrievals to trigger strikes. Be prepared for a challenge, as muskies are known as the “fish of 10,000 casts.”
- Saugeye:
- A hybrid of sauger and walleye, regularly stocked with a strong presence
- Baits: Minnows, leeches, nightcrawlers, jigs tipped with live bait, crankbaits
- Interesting fact: Saugeye are hybrids of walleye and sauger, combining the best traits of both species. They have excellent low-light vision, making them efficient night-time predators.
- How to catch: Focus on shallow flats, points, and drop-offs, especially during low-light conditions. Use slow, steady retrievals or vertical jigging. Saugeye have exceptional low-light vision and feed actively at dawn, dusk, and nighttime.
NOTE: The trail goes around the whole lake. Takes about half an hour to walk the entire trail. There’s a small rental shop for paddle boards and kayaks. Parking lot available for guests. The only downside is there is no swimming area.
Boat and Shore Fishing
Evergreen Lake accommodates both boat and shore fishing, offering various amenities for anglers. The lake has two boat ramps and a canoe launch, making it easy to access different fishing spots. Boat rentals are available for those who do not have their own vessels.
Shore fishing is also popular at Evergreen Lake. The lake’s extensive shoreline provides numerous spots for anglers to set up. Fishing piers and accessible docks make it convenient for everyone to enjoy fishing.
The shoreline features a mix of open areas and wooded sections, offering diverse habitats for different fish species.
Recreational Amenities
In addition to fishing, Evergreen Lake offers a range of recreational amenities. Comlara County Park, which surrounds the lake, provides 137 campsites, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. The park includes a swimming beach, picnic areas, and hiking trails, ensuring that visitors have plenty to do when they are not fishing.
The lake’s bait shop and boat rental service are open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The bait shop stocks a variety of bait and tackle, including minnows, night crawlers, and wax worms. This makes it convenient for anglers to purchase everything they need for a successful fishing trip.
Fishing Regulations and Costs
Fishing at Evergreen Lake requires adherence to specific regulations to ensure sustainability and a healthy fish population. Anglers must possess a valid Illinois Fishing License, which can be purchased online or at various vendors throughout the state.
- Annual fishing license:
- Residents: $15
- Non-residents: $31
- One-day fishing license:
- Residents: $5.50
- Non-residents: $10.50
- Purchase online or at various vendors throughout the state
Watercraft Registration and Costs
- All watercraft must be registered with McLean County
- Daily permit:
- Residents: $15
- Non-residents: $20
- Annual permit:
- Residents: $38
- Non-residents: $48
These regulations and costs are in place to ensure sustainability and a healthy fish population at Evergreen Lake.
Fishing Outlook and Stocking Information
Evergreen Lake’s fishery is actively managed to maintain healthy populations of various species. Regular stocking ensures that the lake remains a productive fishing spot. Recent stocking efforts include largemouth bass, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, and saugeye.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) conducts regular fish surveys to monitor the health and population of the lake’s fish. These surveys help guide stocking decisions and management practices. For example, the most recent surveys indicate a strong population of largemouth bass, with many fish exceeding 12 inches in length. Muskie and saugeye populations are also thriving, providing excellent opportunities for anglers.
Tips for a Successful Fishing Trip
To maximize your chances of a successful fishing trip at Evergreen Lake, consider the following tips:
- Know the Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the lake’s fishing regulations, including size and creel limits. This ensures that you are fishing legally and sustainably.
- Choose the Right Gear: Use appropriate tackle and bait for the species you are targeting. For example, heavy tackle is necessary for muskellunge, while lighter gear is suitable for crappie.
- Timing is Key: Fish are more active during certain times of the day and year. Early morning and late evening are often the best times for bass fishing, while crappie fishing is most productive in the spring and fall.
- Explore Different Areas: Evergreen Lake has diverse habitats, so try fishing in different spots to find where the fish are biting. The lake’s structure, including weedy areas and rocky outcrops, provides excellent fishing opportunities.
Conclusion
Fishing at Evergreen Lake in Illinois offers a wide variety of fish species and exceptional amenities for anglers. Whether you are targeting large mouth bass, crappie, muskie, the lake provides ample opportunities for a successful and enjoyable fishing trip.
The lake’s serene environment, thanks to its 10-horsepower limit, makes it a perfect spot for both seasoned anglers and beginners. With its well-managed fishery and beautiful surroundings, Evergreen Lake is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Illinois fishing.
