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Fishing Sangchris Lake

AKA: Lake Sangchris

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

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Sangchris Lake, IL

Popular Fish Species Sangchris Lake, IL


Sangchris Lake Popular Fish - Crappie

Crappie Fishing

Sangchris Lake has long been considered a decent crappie fishing lake. The lake has good populations of both black crappie and white crappie. While these two species generally school with their own, but 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. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. 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.


Sangchris Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Sangchris Lake continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass, as it has for several years now. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding lately. Cautious fisheries management by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has maintained a quality bass fishery providing both quantity and quality for anglers. A significant number of larger bass do roam these waters, so there is always the potential for catching a lunker. Bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If you find them shallow, and 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 Sangchris 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.


Sangchris Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

The state record channel catfish is over 45 pounds, and Sangchris Lake has the potential of growing many double-digit channel cats. Most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish at Sangchris Lake, as long as the line is strong enough. However, 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. Flathead catfish also reside here and they can grow much larger. 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.


Sangchris Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie and striped bass at Sangchris Lake in Illinois.

Located in Illinois, Sangchris Lake is one of the top bass lakes in the state. Covering over 3,000 acres, this fertile reservoir offers numerous fishing choices. One of the most sought-after species is the striped bass. Largemouth bass are also plentiful. Crappie are a favorite target for many anglers seeking a tasty meal. Catfish fishing is also popular. Nearly 100 miles of shoreline house a healthy body of water which contains this myriad of fish species. Boat launch ramps on the major arms of the lake make for easy launching of a variety of fishing boats including bass boats, pontoons and other fishing boats, plus pleasure and sail boats. There are multiple locations for portage of a canoe or kayak for fishing or sightseeing.

Primary fish species residing in Sangchris Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Striped bass

Sangchris Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Hickory Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road 2010 N, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Sangchris Lake West Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off N 200 E Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Strawkas Point Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off County Road 1650 N, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Fishing Guides On Sangchris Lake

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Illinois Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Hickory Point Campground - 217 498-9208

Deer Run Campground - 217 498-9208

Springfield KOA Campground - 217 498-7002

Sangchris Lake IL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Sangchris Lake
Sangchris Lake State Park
9898 Cascade Rd.
Rochester IL 62563
217 498-9208

IDNR District Fisheries 217 622-7219

 

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