Washington County Lake

lake in Illinois, USA

Illinois DNR identifies this 248-acre lake at Washington County State Recreation Area, four miles south of Nashville, Illinois. Its 2021 survey collected Common Carp, Green Sunfish and Warmouth in low numbers. These are historical survey records, not a current catch forecast or permission to fish or keep fish. The coordinates reproduce the agency profile's mapped water reference, not a verified entrance. Confirm current site rules, access and consumption advisories with Illinois DNR before visiting. Source: https://ifishillinois.org/Waterbodies/Details/7bf9b5fc-7ef8-4d58-9c33-a4db13ecb118

Fishing at Washington County Lake

Washington County Lake is a lake in Illinois, USA. This guide brings together documented fish species associations, available regulation records, and nearby campsites. A species listing does not establish that a fishery is open or that targeting or retaining that species is permitted.

What Fish Are Documented at Washington County Lake?

FishFinder records associations between Washington County Lake and Common Carp, Green Sunfish, and Warmouth. These may reflect documented presence, seasonal runs, or historical stocking rather than current abundance or a current stocking schedule. Read the source notes for the dates and reaches covered. The linked species guides provide general biology, not permission to target a species here.

Fishing Regulations & Licenses at Washington County Lake

Before fishing at Washington County Lake, confirm current rules with the responsible fisheries authority for the exact species, date, and reach. A license alone does not establish permission to target or retain a species. Seasonal openings, emergency closures, gear restrictions, and daily or size limits can change. FishFinder's matching regulation records are a starting point, not confirmation that a fishery is currently open.

Related Fish Guides for Washington County Lake

Explore the species guides for fish recorded at Washington County Lake:

Species source notes

The agency's Fishery History explicitly reports Warmouth, Common Carp and Green Sunfish collected in low numbers during the 2021 survey of Washington County Lake near Nashville, Illinois. The profile does not state its publication date. Its separate 2025–2026 catfish and bass stockings do not update these species' observation dates. Historical lake-level occurrence only, not current abundance, presence at every shoreline or permission to fish or keep fish. Species-specific current rule summaries remain unverified; consult current Illinois DNR rules, site restrictions and consumption advisories.

Species presence is not a live catch report or permission to fish or keep fish. Check current rules for the exact reach, date and species.

Illinois DNR / IFishIllinois: Washington County Lake — Fishery History, 2021 survey

Common Carp — Observation evidence: 2021. Source publication year: unknown. Green Sunfish — Observation evidence: 2021. Source publication year: unknown. Warmouth — Observation evidence: 2021. Source publication year: unknown. Editorial review: 2026-10-18. Publication and editorial dates do not establish a newer observation.

  • Common Carp evidence: The agency's Fishery History explicitly reports Warmouth, Common Carp and Green Sunfish collected in low numbers during the 2021 survey of Washington County Lake near Nashville, Illinois. The profile does not state its publication date. Its separate 2025–2026 catfish and bass stockings do not update these species' observation dates. Historical lake-level occurrence only, not current abundance, presence at every shoreline or permission to fish or keep fish. Species-specific current rule summaries remain unverified; consult current Illinois DNR rules, site restrictions and consumption advisories.
  • Green Sunfish evidence: The agency's Fishery History explicitly reports Warmouth, Common Carp and Green Sunfish collected in low numbers during the 2021 survey of Washington County Lake near Nashville, Illinois. The profile does not state its publication date. Its separate 2025–2026 catfish and bass stockings do not update these species' observation dates. Historical lake-level occurrence only, not current abundance, presence at every shoreline or permission to fish or keep fish. Species-specific current rule summaries remain unverified; consult current Illinois DNR rules, site restrictions and consumption advisories.
  • Warmouth evidence: The agency's Fishery History explicitly reports Warmouth, Common Carp and Green Sunfish collected in low numbers during the 2021 survey of Washington County Lake near Nashville, Illinois. The profile does not state its publication date. Its separate 2025–2026 catfish and bass stockings do not update these species' observation dates. Historical lake-level occurrence only, not current abundance, presence at every shoreline or permission to fish or keep fish. Species-specific current rule summaries remain unverified; consult current Illinois DNR rules, site restrictions and consumption advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish are documented at Washington County Lake?

FishFinder records associations with Common Carp, Green Sunfish, and Warmouth. Documented presence, seasonal runs, and historical stockings do not guarantee fish are currently present or that targeting or retaining them is permitted. Check the source notes for evidence dates and reaches, and confirm current species-specific rules and closures with the responsible fisheries authority.

Do I need a fishing license at Washington County Lake?

Fishing license requirements and exemptions depend on the jurisdiction and angler. Confirm the requirements for Washington County Lake with the responsible fisheries authority. A license does not override species protections, seasonal or emergency closures, gear restrictions, or reach-specific rules; check current rules before fishing.

What type of fishing spot is Washington County Lake?

Washington County Lake is a lake in Illinois, USA, and a popular destination for anglers exploring the region.

Water location & public access

Coordinates and Near Me distances refer to a named-water reference point, which may be a lake reference or river mouth—not a launch, safe entrance, or permission to cross private land. Distances are straight-line, not driving distances.

View water reference point on map (not directions)

This water has not been reviewed in this access catalog. See any source-backed access information in the guide below and confirm current access, permissions and restrictions with the land manager. The water reference map is not an arrival route.

Source verification is not live availability. Before every visit, check official closures, fees, permits, road and ramp restrictions and conditions with the land manager. A recent review does not establish that the site is open, safe or legal to use today. Check fishing licences and local rules separately. External maps are for orientation only.