Fishing Newton Lake

AKA: Newton Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Newton Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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Newton Lake, IL

Popular Fish Species Newton Lake, IL

Newton Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

The most sought after species at Newton Lake is largemouth bass. Fisheries management by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that illinois has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Newton Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.

White Bass Fishing

Fishing for white bass is also quite popular here. Several successful spawn years, has caused white bass to thrive in Newton Lake and anglers should 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.

Newton Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Take the kids fishing for channel cats in Newton Lake. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish at Newton Lake, 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, and Newton Lake holds some pretty big ones. 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.

Newton Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill and white bass at Newton Lake in Illinois.

Newton Lake is a 1,700 acre lake, located next to the Newton Power Station in southeast Illinois. The lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities. Bass fishing is a highlight here, which is present in abundance. In addition to bass, Newton Lake boasts thriving populations of other popular fish species. Bluegill, crappie, white bass, sunfish, and catfish can all be found in the lake's waters.

A 25-horsepower limit is in force for all boats. With 52 miles of shoreline there is plenty of water for everyone to fish. Access to the shoreline for bank fishing is somewhat limited. Try areas around boat ramps or the Newton Lake Conservation Area.

Primary fish species residing in Newton Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Newton Lake Amenities

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

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Newton Lake East Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off N 500th Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Newton Lake West Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off E 300th Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.