Skip to content

Herrin Reservoir

Herrin Reservoir is a reservoir in Illinois, near Williamson County.

Live lake forecast

Herrin Reservoir Fishing Weather

National Weather Service
Loading current weather…

Fish species in Herrin Reservoir

Official stocking history

Stocking records show that the following fish or strains were stocked here. A historical stocking does not by itself prove that a self-sustaining population remains today.

Herrin Reservoir is a reservoir in Williamson County, Illinois. Herrin Reservoir covers about 60 acres and holds about 50 acre-feet.

What to Expect at Herrin Reservoir

Herrin Reservoir 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 Herrin Reservoir

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

Bass

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

Crappie, Perch and Sunfish

For panfish at Herrin Reservoir, 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 Herrin Reservoir, put cut bait, a nightcrawler or prepared bait on bottom for channel catfish.

A Simple Fishing Plan for Herrin Reservoir

On a first trip to Herrin Reservoir, 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 Herrin Reservoir

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

Check the evidence

Sources and what they establish

Source dates describe the evidence, not a live catch forecast. Check the managing authority before planning access or keeping fish.

  • Bluegill — supporting source

    Illinois Department of Natural Resources — iFishIllinois

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Channel Catfish — supporting source

    Illinois Department of Natural Resources — iFishIllinois

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Largemouth Bass — supporting source

    Illinois Department of Natural Resources — iFishIllinois

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Redear Sunfish — supporting source

    Illinois Department of Natural Resources — iFishIllinois

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • White Crappie — supporting source

    Illinois Department of Natural Resources — iFishIllinois

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

✉Join the Fishing Tips Daily newsletter waiting list

Our newsletter is not sending yet. Leave your email if you would like to hear from us when it launches.

By joining, you agree to receive our newsletter when it launches. To request removal before then, contact us. Read our privacy policy.