New Gillespie Lake

New Gillespie Lake is a reservoir in Macoupin County, Illinois. New Gillespie Lake covers about 216 acres and holds about 2,325 acre-feet.

What to Expect at New Gillespie Lake

New Gillespie 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 New Gillespie Lake

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

Bass

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

Crappie, Perch and Sunfish

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

A Simple Fishing Plan for New Gillespie Lake

On a first trip to New Gillespie, 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 New Gillespie Lake

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