Fishing Heidecke Lake

AKA: Lake Heidecke

Popular Fish Species
Heidecke Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Heidecke Lake, IL

Popular Fish Species Heidecke Lake, IL

Heidecke Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Fishing in Heidecke Lake for smallmouth bass is popular with locals and bass tournament anglers alike. Recent slot limits have shown to improve the quality, and quantity, of smallmouth bass here. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to annual stocking by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and good fisheries management, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Heidecke Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Crappie Fishing

Because of the presence of both black crappie and white crappie in Heidecke Lake,anglers here get to catch and enjoy eating both species. Crappie fishing in Heidecke Lake is very popular this year, with plenty of hefty slabs being caught. 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. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Heidecke Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, white bass, yellow bass, hybrid striped bass and muskie at Heidecke Lake in Illinois.

Located in the Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Heidecke Lake offers 2,000 acres of fishing and boating enjoyment. The lake is located in the northeast portion of the state, and has 17 miles of shoreline to fish and explore.

Heidecke Lake is known for its impressive muskie population. Muskie, also known as muskellunge, are predatory fish renowned for their size and ferocious nature. In addition to walleye, bass, and muskie, the lake is also home to white bass, hybrid striped bass, crappie, and yellow bass. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake.

There is plenty of area for fishing from shore, with much of the areas requiring some walking to access. An excellent public boat ramp makes the launch of fishing boats a breeze. Bank fishing areas are accessed on the east side of lake off Dresden Road. Portions of the center and east dike are also open to bank fishing.

Primary fish species residing in Heidecke Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Heidecke Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Jugtown Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off N Jugtown Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.