FISHING AREA: Lake Mattoon crosses county lines and lies in three different counties. Coles County has 65 acres with a maximum depth of 35 feet and 45 miles of shoreline; Shelby County has 765.4 acres with a maximum depth of 35 feet and 45 miles of shoreline; and Cumberland County has 329 acres with a maximum depth of 35 feet and 45 miles of shoreline. The lake offers camping, boat fishing,skiing, and picknicking to visitors. Lake Mattoon is located south west of Mattoon, west of I-57
WATER CONDITIONS: The lake levels are up, clarity is not too bad, water temperatures are in the mid 80's. Fishing is pretty good!
FISH: Crappie ... Slow; Look for fish in 8 to 10 feet of water using minnows.
FISH: Bluegill ... Pretty Good; Look for fish near the rocks especially during early morning hours.
FISH: Catfish ... Excellent; Anglers are successful drift fishing at 13 feet deep and coming up to 6 or 7 feet.
FISH: Carp ... Good; Tournaments are held at the lake on some Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 noon; check it out!
NOTES: Reported by Joel Pittman of Mattoon Parks Dept.