Dunlap Lake

Dunlap Lake is a reservoir in Madison County, Illinois. Dunlap Lake covers about 205 acres and holds about 3,010 acre-feet.

What to Expect at Dunlap Lake

Dunlap Lake was made by holding back a river or creek, making the old channel, bends and quiet coves sensible places to begin.

Fish and Useful Baits at Dunlap Lake

Fish reported from Dunlap Lake include black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and white crappie.

Bass

For bass at Dunlap, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.

Crappie, Perch and Sunfish

For panfish at Dunlap, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill, redear or other sunfish.

Catfish, Bullheads and Carp

For bottom fishing at Dunlap, put cut bait, a nightcrawler or prepared bait on bottom for channel catfish.

A Simple Fishing Plan for Dunlap Lake

On a first trip to Dunlap, check incoming water, one bend in the old channel and a point near deep water with a moving lure, then slow down with a jig or worm where you get a bite.

When to Fish Dunlap Lake

Spring around Dunlap 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 around Dunlap can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.