Clinton thawed out enough to launch?

Started by brettmoore8802, February 14, 2016, 08:53:54 AM

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brettmoore8802

Good morning! Next weekend my brothers are visiting and I was hoping that we could head out to Clinton since it's supposed to be 50 something degrees. My only question is there a boat ramp that isn't on the east "off limits" side that we can launch from? I didn't know if the hotter water on the east side kept the majority of the lake thawed out or not. Thanks in advance for any tips you can give me!

analfisherman

Call this number, they have an office right on Clinton

IDNR Region 3 Office at Clinton Lake at 7240 Ranger Road, DeWitt, IL 61734, phone 217-935-6860.
or

Park Information
7251 Ranger Road
DeWitt IL 61735

217-935-8722

Have fun and if you can find them, try some Uncle Josh Porkers. (they have a web site and you can order direct) BUT remember...if you like the Porker, Josh isn't making them any more but have plenty in house and when gone they are gone forever.
If you order by Mon. should have them by or before Fri.

http://smallwatersfishing.com/2012/01/31/the-porker-is-back/

http://smallwatersfishing.com/2012/03/16/outdoor-sportsman%E2%80%99s-lodge/

Fished Clinton and Newton a couple years back and SLAYED the Bass.First first week of March or last week of Feb. can't remember.
"Fishing isn't life or death... it's more important than that."

Wizard

Baldwin in S. Illinois is also a good power plant lake. Lots of bass over the 18 inch minimum limit. Also SM, Stripers, Crappie, Catfish and hybrid Gills. 40 hp main motor limit. Good fishing all winter and spring. Baldwin is a bowl shaped, shallow lake and can become dangerous quickly if the wind comes up.

2putt

The main lake has been open all year. A few of the coves iced up on the west end of lake. I was there Feb 1 and did pretty good. 8 bass, couple over 16.

I would recommend putting in at the Mascoutin area. That's the north side of lake. Entrance is off of Route 14, south of De Witt.

The water temp around the ramp will probably be in the fifties depending on how much they've been pumping. Water will get warmer as you head East. It was 68 when I was there last. But again, that depends on how much they've been pumping.

brettmoore8802

Wow guys thanks for all the tips! I'm down here in Decatur so the drive to confirm would have been a pain. The park info number and lure suggestions are great as well! I'm still a novice to fishing lakes from a boat and I can use all the help I can get.