STERLING LAKE

Fishing Weather Hydrology
November 2, 2024

Sterling Lake fishing area is located in Sterling, Illinois, and is known for an abundance of fish species including bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Nearby activities include hiking, picnicking, and camping with scenic views of the lake. Fishing tips include using live bait, fishing near the bottom or near structure, and using lures that mimic local baitfish. The best time of year to visit is during the spring and fall with average temperatures ranging from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, Sterling Lake is a great spot for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Featured Fish - Black Crappie

It is an abundant species and is important both commercially and as a sport fish. Black crappies are easily caught, often as fast as the hook can be rebaited. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: Though they show a definite family resemblance, they are distinctive enough that they shouldn’t be confused with any other species. The black crappie and the white crappie are most often confused with each other. Despite their common names, both species are the same color (dark olive or black dorsally with silvery sides) and both have spots on the sides. However, the pattern of the spotting is distinctly different. In the black crappie the spots are more or less irregular and scattered while in the white crappie the spots may be more vague and are clearly arranged into 7-9 vertical bars on the sides. Another distinction; the black crappie has 7-8 dorsal spines while the white crappie has only 6, the same number as in its anal fin. In body shape the black crappie’s is somewhat deeper than the white crappie.

INTERACTIVE MAP

Fish Species
  • Image Alt Largemouth Bass


  • Image Alt Bluegill


  • Image Alt Channel Catfish


  • Image Alt Black Crappie


  • Image Alt Muskellunge


  • Image Alt Walleye


WEATHER TODAY

°F

°F

mph

Windspeed

%

Humidity

Hourly Forecast
Next 5 Days

Long Term Forecast
Next 16 Days

Streamflow Levels

1

Cubic Feet Per Second

25

Cubic Feet Per Second

40

Cubic Feet Per Second

137

Cubic Feet Per Second

5

Cubic Feet Per Second

7

Cubic Feet Per Second

355

Cubic Feet Per Second

Point of Interest

Pistakee Bog Nature Preserve

Pistakee Bog Nature Preserve

There is no Pistakee Bog Nature Preserve in Tennessee. However, there is a Pistakee Bog Nature Preserve located in Illinois. It is a unique natural area that offers visitors the opportunity to explore a rare ecosystem that supports a diverse array of plant and animal species. The preserve features a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and photography opportunities throughout the preserve. The site also features several educational exhibits and programs that help visitors learn about the ecological and natural history of the area. Some of the specific points of interest to see ...