Fishing Cedar Lake

AKA: Cedar Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Cedar 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

Cedar Lake, IL

Popular Fish Species Cedar Lake, IL

Crappie Fishing

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, Cedar Lake continues to impress crappie enthusiasts this year. 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. 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. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

Cedar Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Cedar Lake is a popular bass fishing tournament lake with annual events held by local and state fishing organizations. Both weekend and tournament anglers are catching bass in good numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. A history of careful fisheries management by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. In Cedar Lake, 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.

Cedar Lake Popular Fish - Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish Fishing

Fishing for redear sunfish, also known as shellcrackers, is popular here at Cedar Lake. Like most bream, they are a popular species with young and old, as well as beginners and seasoned anglers alike. This year, much like recent years, the redear sunfish population is healthy and always looking for something edible. Redear sunfish fishing is about as simple as fishing gets. Any lighter fishing pole, reasonably light line, small hooks baited with anything eatable, creates a great setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Redear prefer clear, warmer water and hang around brush, rocks, vegetation, docks or any cover available.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish and warmouth and striped bass at Cedar Lake in Illinois.

Cedar Lake Fishing Video

With 40 miles of scenic shoreline and 1,750 surface acres, Cedar Lake offers fishing and boating at the southern tip of IL, 5 miles south of Carbondale. Boat outboard motors are limited to a maximum of 10 horsepower, making this a popular lake for canoes, kayaks and row boats.

Cedar Lake, nestled in Illinois, is a beloved destination for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Situated in Lake County, this picturesque lake offers excellent fishing opportunities and a serene natural environment. Cedar Lake is known for its diverse fish population, attracting anglers of all ages and skill levels.

Bass fishing is a major attraction at Cedar Lake, with largemouth bass thriving in its waters. Anglers can test their skills and enjoy the thrill of reeling in these powerful game fish. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation and rocky areas, provides ideal habitats for bass, offering exciting angling experiences and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish.

Catfish are another popular species found in Cedar Lake. Anglers can target channel catfish and flathead catfish, both of which are abundant in the lake. Whether fishing from the shore or in a boat, anglers have the opportunity to hook into these bottom-dwelling predators and experience the exhilaration of a catfish battle.

Crappie, known for their delicate and flavorful fillets, are also abundant in Cedar Lake. These panfish provide enjoyable angling experiences, particularly for those seeking a rewarding catch. Anglers can target crappie in the lake's submerged structures, brush piles, and drop-offs using various techniques such as jigging or casting with live bait.

Cedar Lake is home to striped bass as well, providing anglers with the chance to catch these powerful and exciting game fish. Striped bass are known for their impressive size and strong fighting ability, making them a favorite target for those seeking a thrilling angling experience. Anglers can enjoy the challenge of landing these hard-fighting fish and the adrenaline rush that comes with reeling them in.

Sunfish, including bluegill and other species, are abundant in Cedar Lake. These smaller fish provide enjoyable angling experiences for families and beginners. Bluegill, with their vibrant colors and willingness to bite, are often a favorite target among young anglers. Anglers can enjoy the relaxation of catching sunfish from the lake's serene waters.

Cedar lake offers a nice variety of fish species, but the fishing is best for largemouth bass, redear sunfish and striped bass. Other options include catfish, crappie and bluegill. Two boat launch ramps are open to the public.

Primary fish species residing in Cedar Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Cedar Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Apart from fishing, Cedar Lake offers ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. The lake's calm waters and spacious surface area make it ideal for various water activities. Whether you prefer cruising on a pontoon boat, water skiing, or kayaking, Cedar Lake provides a serene and picturesque environment for boating adventures.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Cedar Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Cedar Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Cedar Lake Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Boat Dock Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Fishing Guides On Cedar Lake

Walters Fishing Guide Service - crappie, bass

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.

For those looking to extend their stay, Cedar Lake provides camping facilities. The lake features well-maintained campgrounds that offer a peaceful and scenic setting. Camping at Cedar Lake allows visitors to wake up to stunning lake views, enjoy campfire cookouts, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. The campgrounds provide amenities such as picnic areas, hiking trails, and fishing docks, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

There are no camping facilities or RV parks nearby.