Forbes Lake

Forbes Lake is a reservoir in Marion County, Illinois. Forbes Lake covers about 585 acres and reaches a recorded 31 feet.

How the Size and Shape of Forbes Lake Affect Fishing

Forbes Lake has an old channel, incoming water and quiet coves, and small water-level changes can move fish from the bank to the first drop.

Fish and Baits at Forbes Lake

Fish reported from Forbes Lake include bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, saugeye, white crappie, and wiper. Stocking records for Forbes Lake also list channel catfish, saugeye, and wiper, though that does not mean those fish will be easy to catch on every trip.

Bass

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

Crappie, Perch and Sunfish

For panfish at Forbes, 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.

Walleye and Open-Water Fish

For roaming fish at Forbes, fish a jig, blade bait or crankbait near the old channel for saugeye, and use a shad-colored swimbait, spoon or trolling lure around open-water baitfish for wipers.

Catfish, Bullheads and Carp

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

How the Seasons Change Forbes Lake

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

A Simple Plan for Fishing Forbes Lake

On a first trip to Forbes, 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.

Useful Tackle for Forbes Lake

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

Forbes Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 585-acre Forbes Lake?

At Forbes, 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 31-foot deep end of Forbes Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Forbes 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 Forbes Lake?

Bluegill is on the fish list for Forbes, so start with a bait made for that fish instead of guessing at a species that may not be there.