Fishing Evergreen Lake

AKA: Evergreen Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Evergreen Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Evergreen Lake, IL

Popular Fish Species Evergreen Lake, IL

Crappie Fishing

Black and white crappie both reside in Evergreen Lake, with black crappie typically out-weighing white crappie. They do school together so when you find them you may catch both species. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a quick limit of crappie.

Saugeye Fishing

When a female walleye spawns with a male sauger, the result is a hybrid known as saugeye. Evergreen Lake has a notable population of saugeye, which are pursued by local anglers. Their meat is very tasty, and they put up a good fight. Look for them near bottom on sandy bars and especially along drop offs into river channels. These toothy critters often migrate up-river in winter and spring, congregating in low-current areas. A common method for catching saugeye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting topwater lures, live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for Muskellunge in Evergreen Lake could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for musky can be very exhilarating. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find muskie during summer.

Evergreen Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, saugeye, bluegill, green sunfish, warmouth and muskie at Evergreen Lake in Illinois.

Twisting and turning along more than 22 miles of shoreline, Evergreen Lake is a 925-acre reservoir in the central part of the state, 5 miles north of Bloomington. Boats are restricted to a ten horsepower (or less) motor.

Largemouth bass fishing is a highlight at Evergreen Lake. Muskie, also known as muskellunge, are another highly sought-after species here. Saugeye, a hybrid between a walleye and a sauger, are also popular among local anglers. In addition to the game fish, abundant populations of bluegill, crappie, and sunfish thrive here. These panfish provide enjoyable fishing experiences, particularly forbeginners.

Primary fish species residing in Evergreen Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Evergreen Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Comlara Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Recreation Area Drive, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Ropp Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, south side, off N 1200 E Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.