Fishing Lake Mattoon

AKA: Mattoon Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Mattoon Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
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Lake Mattoon, IL

Popular Fish Species Lake Mattoon, IL

Lake Mattoon Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Mattoon is known to locals and anglers in the region as a good bass lake. Both weekend and tournament anglers have been catching bass in decent numbers, and fish over 4 pounds are not uncommon. Fishing for largemouth bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 5 pounds being caught. In Lake Mattoon, 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.

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. Lake Mattoon is home to both black and white crappie. With a history of good crappie fishing, Lake Mattoon 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. 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.

Lake Mattoon Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Lake Mattoon has a very dependable population of channel catfish for many years now. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 45 pounds. Flathead catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Lake Mattoon Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

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

Fed by the waters of Little Wabash River, Lake Mattoon is a 1,050-acre reservoir in central IL, 10 miles north of Effingham. One of the popular fish species here is saugeye, a hybrid between a walleye and a sauger. Saugeye are known for their excellent taste. Largemouth bass are also abundant in the lake. Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are another favorite. There are also healthy populations of crappie, sunfish, and catfish.

Boat launch ramps require payment of a fee to the City of Mattoon. Sandy beaches, rip-rap rock, grass and trees line the 55 miles of shoreline which welcome fishing enthusiasts.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Mattoon

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Mattoon Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
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

Lake Mattoon Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, at the west end of the 1250 N Road Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Lake Mattoon Marina
1282 County Rd 3600 E
Neoga, IL 62447
217 895-2922