Illinois power plant cooling lakes.

I know that there are several power plant cooling lakes in Illinois. Does anyone know the names of these. I hear that the water is much warmer in them, and the bite and spawn come earlier. Any info is appreciated. Thanks– Rob

Hi Robby, I Think the closest one to us is powerton in pekin, I have fished this lake a few times and the smallie and white bass fishing is great. The only real pattern is throwing at the rip rap banks,and one of the best is just to the right of the boat ramp ,there is no motor restriction there but you can’t launch untill 8:00 if I remember right ,there is limited parking and when it’s full its done, you can get more info on the net , also clinton lake is about 200 miles downstate , good crappie ,walleye and hybred stripers, just off the interstate…Good luck to you

Tony, Thanks much for the help. Nice to know there are at least three IDA members in Milan.

Rob,

In addition to those mentioned, you also have LaSalle, Braidwood and Heidecke.

JT Bagwell

Ps: Did you ever get my email a week or so ago?

I tried to get a discussion going on that Forum: Lake Egypt, but no takers.

Lake Egypt is one of these such lakes… the Northern area is warmest… unless the wind is blowing, then some of the southern pockets and bays warm up faster. It is an interesting lake, as what is developed is HIGHLY developed, but then the other half is COMPLETELY pristine. Strange lake, but enjoyable to fish. Dad and I are headed down the end of the month. Last year, the end of March was dead nuts on the beginning of spawn… except a cold front with rain came through and moved the fish back off the beds!

My understanding is the Rend (another good lake) and Carlyle are also power plant lakes. Anyone else?

Robby I’ve fished these cooling lakes.Braidwood opened March 1st.I believe LaSalle opened today the 15th.Water temps,very anywhere 10deg.to sometimes as much as 20deg.from discharge to suction.power demands weigh greatly on how the water warms.Wind will usually be present at one time or another on these bodies of water.My fav. would be Braidwood.Unique configuration of the resevoir,many chutes,fingers,depressions,defined points,LOTS of fishable water.Pick up a topo though fair amount of hazards to be aware of (spoil piles).Key in on defined cuts that lead around islands,you will find slight current their.Spinners,cranks,jigs,plastics, they all will work.Let the bass tell ya what they want.Shad is yhe main forage. Hope this will help

Thanks all for the info and insight. I am taking my boat out of storage tomorrow!!!! Going to Illinois River for Walleye, and Powerton for Smallies soon. Wish me luck and remember to release all the intellectually challenged fish so I might just catch a few.

Jerimiah, I did not receive your email. Try again, put your name in the subject and I will read.