Hancock County · reservoir · 11 acres
Horton Lake
Stocked 11× since 2021 · Illinois DNR
Horton Lake is a reservoir in Hancock County, Illinois, stocked with Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout — most recently on Jan 1, 2026. FishableWaters aggregates every stocking record for this water from Illinois DNR; the latest schedule and today's bite windows are above.
Best days this week
Days near a new or full moon tend to fish best.
Today's bite windows
Conditions, next 3 days
Today
Partly cloudy
84°
61°
8 mph
1%
Fri
Rain
86°
70°
16 mph
85%
Sat
Overcast
74°
67°
23 mph
85%
↘ pressure fallingFalling pressure ahead of a front often turns the bite on.
Stocking ledger
| — 2026 — | ||||
| Jan 1 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | ||
| — 2025 — | ||||
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 260 | 5.5" | |
| Jan 1 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | ||
| — 2024 — | ||||
| Jan 1 | Rainbow Trout | 729 | ||
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 156 | 2" | |
| Jan 1 | Rainbow Trout | 729 | ||
| — 2023 — | ||||
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 260 | 9" | |
| — 2022 — | ||||
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 260 | 5.5" | |
| Jan 1 | Largemouth Bass | 1,396 | 2" | |
| — 2021 — | ||||
| Jan 1 | Channel Catfish | 260 | 5.5" | |
| Jan 1 | Largemouth Bass | 1,292 | 2" | |
When does Horton Lake get stocked?
Going by 11 records since 2021, stocking here peaks in January.
Angler reports
What's biting
No reports yet — be the first
Best bite times
No reports yet
Field notes
No notes yet
All Illinois waters with channel catfish → · All Illinois waters with largemouth bass →
Nearby waters
- Sheridan Creek2.3 mi
- Jack Creek2.0 mi
- Devils Creek2.5 mi
- Robinson Creek3.2 mi
- Sugar Creek4.7 mi
- Painter Creek5.0 mi
- Larry Creek5.6 mi
- Lamalees Creek5.7 mi
Seasons, limits, and rules are the state's call — check the official IL regulations and buy your license before you go. We link the source; we never restate the rules.
Horton Lake fishing — FAQ
What fish are stocked in Horton Lake?+
Horton Lake is stocked with Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout in Hancock County, Illinois, most recently on Jan 1, 2026 by Illinois DNR. The full stocking ledger is on this page.
When does Horton Lake get stocked?+
Going by 11 records since 2021, stocking at Horton Lake peaks in January. Check this page for the season's scheduled and most recent stockings.
Do I need a license to fish Horton Lake?+
Yes — Illinois requires a fishing license. Buy one from the state and check current seasons and limits before you go; both are linked on this page.
Where is Horton Lake?+
Horton Lake is a reservoir in Hancock County, Illinois. Driving directions and an interactive topo map are on this page.
Data: Illinois DNR · updated Jan 1, 2026 · checked daily · we publish what agencies publish, nothing else.