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Fishing Locations :: Reservoir

Braidwood Lake

IL

Braidwood Lake, Illinois

Located in north central Illinois, Braidwood Lake is one of the best locations for fishermen in search of an exciting adventure.  Braidwood Lake is a cooling reservoir for a local nuclear power station and is located approximately one mile south of the town bearing the same name.  Anglers who visit this popular location should be prepared for one of the Midwest’s most pleasant experiences.

Item Details

Species
Crappie, LM Bass, SM Bass, Musky/Pike, Walleye

Fishing

The opportunities for fishing in Braidwood Lake are quite plentiful due to a wide selection of healthy game fish.  Some of these species can offer a strong challenge to even the most experienced of fishermen.  The game species of Braidwood Lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, musky, and walleye. 

The Braidwood largemouth bass is a favorite among many different anglers.  This variety of bass can be targeted throughout areas of the lake near the shoreline.   During the mornings and evenings, largemouth bass feed on the lake’s baitfish in weed beds and other sheltered areas.  Targeting these areas using a variety of plastics and topwater lures are an effective method for capturing Braidwood largemouth bass.  During the day, anglers should target the deeper waters of Braidwood Lake near drop offs and the open water. 

The smallmouth bass is another commonly targeted favorite that can be captured using similar methods.  As with largemouth bass, fishermen should target vegetation and obstacles such as submerged timber in order to find smallmouth bass.  The weed beds near the south ramp are often excellent locations for bass fishing. 

The catfish of Braidwood Lake can also be targeted with success.  In order to target this species, fishermen should find the deepest portions of the lake.  The most ideal locations include various fishing holes in the open water.  Anglers should attempt to target a variety of these fishing holes by locating them with a depth finder.  A standard bottom rig equipped with a line of heavy test and live bait is a good option for fishermen in search of Braidwood catfish. 

Braidwood’s crappie are plentiful and equally popular game species among all of the lake’s anglers.  Fishermen will find that this species can be found throughout the entire lake in several locations.  The most notable areas include shallow areas near the south ramp and banks.  Targeting the lake’s heavily vegetated sprawls recommended for crappie fishing.  Bank fishing and small boat fishing with light tackle is recommended. 

As a favorite species in most cold bodies of water in North America, the musky is a target of many experienced fishermen.  Target musky near the drop-offs near the islands on the East side of the lake.  Be careful as it can be shallow and dangerous near the islands. 

The other champion fighter of Braidwood Lake is the walleye.  During the Spring, this species can be targeted in large quantities in weed beds.  In order to catch the larger variety of walleye, fishermen should troll the deep open waters of the lake using crankbaits, live bait and other light tackle options. 

Facilities

The facilities and accommodations of Braidwood Lake include fishing piers, restrooms, tackle shops, boat landings, fueling stations, fishing guides, and lodging.

The Lake

Braidwood Lake has a total surface area of 2,640 acres.  The maximum depth of the lake is 100 feet.  The shoreline measures out to roughly 41 miles.

Braidwood Lake is an excellent location for the fishermen in search of a body of water with a surplus of great opportunities.

 

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