Fishing Pistakee Lake
AKA: Fox Chain, Pistakee Lake
Popular Fish Species Pistakee Lake, IL
Crappie Fishing
Pistakee Lake has quality populations of both black and white crappie. When fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. With a history of good crappie fishing, Pistakee Lake continues to deliver good quantities of nice, fat slabs. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, 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. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Pistakee Lake is considered a good bass fishing lake. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Fishing for largemouth bass has been good for many years. Bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
White Bass Fishing
Successful spawn years in prior years have increased the population of white bass in Pistakee Lake, and anglers can expect some great fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, warmouth, muskie and northern pike at Pistakee Lake in Illinois.
Pistakee Lake Fishing Video
The second largest lake in the Fox Chain of Lakes, Pistakee Lake is a 1,700-acre lake in northeast IL, at Pistakee Highlands. Boating access to the lake is available via numerous marinas and resorts.
Pistakee Lake is a picturesque body of water located in Illinois, known for its fantastic fishing opportunities and breathtaking natural beauty. Situated in McHenry County, Pistakee Lake attracts anglers from near and far due to its diverse fish population and abundance of popular fish species.
One of the most sought-after fish species in Pistakee Lake is the walleye. Anglers appreciate the challenge of catching these elusive and tasty fish. With their unique feeding habits and preference for low-light conditions, walleye fishing often requires skill and patience. The lake also boasts excellent populations of bass, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, which provide exciting angling experiences for both beginners and seasoned fishermen alike.
Another prized game fish found in Pistakee Lake is the muskie, also known as the muskellunge. These large, predatory fish are renowned for their fighting ability and are a thrill to catch. Northern pike, another apex predator, can also be found in good numbers. These aggressive fish offer a challenge to anglers and provide a memorable fishing experience.
For those seeking a more relaxing fishing experience, Pistakee Lake offers an abundance of panfish species. Bluegill, crappie, and sunfish populate the lake and provide ample opportunities for family-friendly fishing outings. These smaller species are perfect for beginners and children to learn the art of angling while enjoying the peacefulness of the lake.
Much of the nearly 20 miles of shoreline is lined with homes and commercial enterprises. Bank fishing access is limited primarily to resort properties. Marinas, boat rental, bait, tackle, sundries and supplies for a day of boating or fishing are all close at hand. Restaurants, lodging and resorts are plentiful.
Primary fish species residing in Pistakee Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Pistakee Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Apart from fishing, Pistakee Lake is also a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. Its expansive waters and calm currents make it an ideal spot for various water activities. Whether you prefer cruising on a pontoon boat, jet skiing, or water skiing, Pistakee Lake provides a serene setting for boating adventures and water sports.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Ben Watts Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side of Pistakee Lake, off US Highway 12, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.
Marinas
Ben Watts Marina
116 S US-12
Fox Lake, IL 60020
847 587-0211
Nauti-Port Marina
514 Park Ave
Fox lake IL 60020
708 603-5940
Rustic Harbor Marina
28970 Broadway Terrace
McHenry, IL 60050
815 690-1226
Fishing Guides On Pistakee Lake
Fox Chain Of Lakes Illinois Fishing Guide Service - musky, walleye, panfish
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Illinois Fishing License.
Pistakee Lake offers camping opportunities for those who enjoy the outdoor experience. The lake is surrounded by scenic campsites, where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Camping at Pistakee Lake allows for early morning fishing excursions, picturesque sunset views, and the chance to observe the local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort - 847 546-2228
Pistakee Lake IL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Pistakee Lake
Rustic Harbor Marina
28970 Broadway Terrace
McHenry, IL 60050
815 690-1226
Fishing lakes in each state.
082824
Pistakee Lake in IL
ILLINOIS
Fishing for catfish, perch, bluegill, bass, crappie and sunfish in northeast IL.
