Big Lake

Big Lake southwest of Goose Lake is a lake in Fulton County, Illinois. Big Lake southwest of Goose Lake covers about 1,000 acres and reaches a recorded 24 feet.

How the Size and Shape of Big Lake Affect Fishing

Big Lake southwest of Goose Lake is too large to fish all at once, so pick one group of coves and points and stay there long enough to learn what the fish are using.

Fish and Baits at Big Lake

Fish reported from Big Lake southwest of Goose Lake include channel catfish, common carp, and spotted gar.

Catfish, Bullheads and Carp

For bottom fishing at Big southwest of Goose, put cut bait, a nightcrawler or prepared bait on bottom for channel catfish, and use corn or dough bait on a simple bottom rig for carp.

How the Seasons Change Big Lake

Spring at Big southwest of Goose is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall at Big southwest of Goose can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Big Lake

On a first trip to Big southwest of Goose, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.

Useful Tackle for Big Lake

A medium spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound line handles most jigs, worms and small lures at Big southwest of Goose, while a medium-heavy rod is better for bass jigs and heavier bottom rigs.

Big Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 1,000-acre Big Lake southwest of Goose Lake?

At Big southwest of Goose, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 24-foot deep end of Big Lake southwest of Goose Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Big southwest of Goose is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

Which reported fish is a simple first target at Big Lake southwest of Goose Lake?

Channel catfish is on the fish list for Big southwest of Goose, so start with a bait made for that fish instead of guessing at a species that may not be there.