Illinois Fishing Reports
03-16-2008
11-16-2007
Cooler water temps should improve fishing and we notice fish are setting up for a more normal fall pattern.
At strip lakes or area ponds water temps were in low 60s and the Bass were FAIR on plastics, minnowbaits and spinnerbaits (chatterbaits) along remaining weeds; Bluegills were FAIR on wax worms and near shore cover at most lakes; and Crappie are FAIR+ on jigs or minnows fished over brush or trees. Catfish are FAIR-SLOW on dip baits, cut baits and crawlers and little shallower.
At the Illinois River in Peoria area we have very few reports - the Catfish were FAIR on Hoss´s Hawg Bait dip bait, crawlers and shad near discharges, creeks or bridges. WhiteBass were FAIR below dam, near bridges, incoming creeks or streams on twisters or bladebaits.
Near Henry the Sauger were FAIR north of Henry on trolled crankbaits at 10-13 foot.
Up River the Catfish were FAIR-SLOW on dip baits or shad along channel edge while WhiteBass are FAIR on bladebaits or jigs and shinners. And a nice walleye was caught in12 feet water below the Starved Rock dam on a jig and minnow last week.
With waterfowl seasons upon us, watch for hunters out on the river.
Stream guide Jonn Graham tells us "Last week the Mackinaw was in beautiful shape, while the Vermilion is OK and fishing has been phenomenal. The river smallies seem to have moved to the edges of the wintering haunts and are stacked like cordwood. Fast moving minnow imitators did the trick. The bass are really starting to add the winter bulk. The next few weeks should be very exciting. "
Prospective 2008 clients should book early by contacting him at 309-399-7055.
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-Check your copy of Our Best Times Calendar (remember the midway minor times) which has produced Good fishing too (check photo on Home page).
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We have come to that time of the year when some lakes will Close for waterfowl season and winter.
Here are a few lakes that will be CLOSED to fishing with others listed below:
- Braidwood Lake - is CLOSED as of Oct. 17th
- LaSalle Lake - Is CLOSED as of Oct. 15th. and is Tentatively set to re-Open in mid March to fishing
- Heidecke Lake - is CLOSED as of Oct. 10th and is Tentatively set to re-Open about April 1st
- Rice Lake - is CLOSED to fishing as of Oct 8th.
- Mazonia -is CLOSED as of Oct. 17th ; but Monster Lake at Mazonia South remains open year-round, conditions permitting.
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ANDERSON LAKE (309/759-4484)
- No Reports -
- - THIS AREA IS CLOSED TO BOAT FISHING in Main Lake on Oct. 20th for waterfowl season with Some Bank fishing allowed. Contact site at 309-759-4484 for more info
ARGYLE LAKE - In Argyle State Park SW of Macomb off US 136
Bass were FAIR on plastics, crankbaits and spinnerbaits
Bluegills are SLOW-FAIR on wax worms or crawler parts and Redears are SLOW
Crappie are FAIR on minnows
Catfish are SLOW-FAIR on dip bait and cralwers
Muskie were SLOW on spinnerbaits
Saugege are SLOW
John tells us Trout are FAIR on trolled crankbaits
BANNER MARSH -3 access points on Routes 24/9 SW of Banner 3 miles, with a 25HP limit. (309-647-9184)
--No Reports Yet -
- - THIS AREA is CLOSED TO BOAT FISHING as of Oct. 17th -
BANK FISHING ONLY ALLOWED AFTER 1PM but NO FISHING ALLOWED in EAST POINT ACCESS AREA - - -- THE EAST POINT ACCESS REMAINS CLOSED To Serve as A Waterfowl Refuse.- - - Area Re-Opens Dec. 26th
CHAUTAUQUA LAKE - Just southwest of Goofy Ridge. 309-535-2290 -
---There is a no wake 10 mph boat speed limit (which may not be posted at lake).
- - THIS AREA IS CLOSED TO BOAT FISHING as of OCT. 16th till sunrise on JAN. 15, 2008 - with only shore fishing allowed on the south shore of the North Pool from the Goofy Ridge Public Access Area to the west gate of the North Pool Water Control Structure.
DAWSON LAKE - East of Bloomington Exit #149 on I-74, North through LeRoy 4-miles on CH21 then East at Moraine View State Park sign.
--- Lake level about 2 foot below pool.
- - No New Reports
-The Moraine View Concession was Closed and re-opens on October 31st
---Bow Fishing is allowed for carp from a boat on Dawson Lake, but not within 100 feet of any developed recreation areas.
DOUBLE T STATE FISH and WILDLIFE AREA(3 miles northwest of Canton) - From State Route 78 in Canton, turn West on Vine Street (County Hwy. 21) go 3 miles turn right following County Hwy. 21 for 1-mile to cross-road (Cypress Rd.) and turn left (west), Lakes are 1 to 1 1/2 miles.
--THIS AREA IS CLOSED TO FISHING - as of OCT. 1st - DURING WATER FOWL SEASON and winter-- And will Re-Open on April 1st, 2008
DUCK ISLAND FISHING LAKES - US Route 24 West from Peoria about 2-mile past Rice Lake on the left.
---This Area Is OPEN to public But we receive Few or No Reports from here --
EVERGREEN LAKE - North of Bloomington to Exit #8 on I-39, and West just over 1-mile and turn left (south) at sign.
This Lake has BOATING FEES and a 10hp limit.
- - - If the IDNR proposal is approved, the Evergreen Lake crappie limit would be 15 fish a day of 9 inch or longer next year. - - -
---Water level is about 4 foot below pool, stained to slightly stained.
Bass were SLOW-FAIR on plastics and spinnerbaits.
Bluegills were FAIR-SLOW.
Catfish were SLOW on liver, crawlers and dip baits near swimming beach or spillway area.
Crappie were FAIR+ on jig/minnows in near shallower brush or timber and along pump house.
Saugeye are SLOW.
Muskie were FAIR on spinnerbaits/bucktails on the northwest end of the lake on flats.
- - THE LOWER AREA OF LAKE SOUTH OF and EAST OF DEER ISLAND IS CLOSED TO GAS MOTORS as of Oct. 15th through JAN. 1st for resting area for migratory waterfowl. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO STILL RUN A TROLLING MOTOR IN THESE AREAS ONLY.-
- - Also, the ENTIRE lake and park, with the exception of the campground, is CLOSED to general use Nov. 15-18th and Nov. 29th-Dec. 2nd for the Deer Management Program.
--- - - - BOWFISHING IS PROHIBITED ON EVERGREEN LAKE NOW THROUGH JANUARY 20th, 2008.
HENNEPIN-HOPPER LAKES - 2 miles South of Hennepin off IL Route 26, turn West on Road 810N and then next right.)
-- This Area is CLOSED TO PUBLIC FISHING for season till Spring 2008--
LAKE BLOOMINGTON - North of Bloomington to Exit #8 on I-39, and East for 3 1/2-miles.
---This Lake does have a BOATING FEE, a 40hp limit and a 8" limit on Bluegills.
--- Lake level is Real Low (about 4+ feet down) and some Caution may be needed - Fewer Reports this week-...
Bass were FAIR on plastics, spinnerbaits or chatterbaits off points with timber or stumps and along weeds.
Bluegills are FAIR-SLOW on wax worms or part crawler in coves.
Catfish are SLOW on crawlers or dip baits near mouth of coves..
Crappie were FAIR+ near brush or downed trees and around docks on jigs and minnows.
LAKE DECATUR -
- Lake level is about 4 foot low and CAUTION NEEDED.
Catfish were FAIR on night crawlers near weed edges or brush along the receding shoreline.
WhiteBass are FAIR+ on roadrunners/twisters and white bladebaits where shad are busting the surface.
LAKE EUREKA -This Lake is only 30 acres in Eureka.
A good place for the family and kids, a lake where the whole shore line can be fished, there is a boat ramp and ONLY trolling motors are allowed ( NO MOTORS ALLOWED EVEN ON YOUR BOAT ! ) - - There was a City Ordinance of NO MINNOWS ALLOWED. Check with City for verification and watch for possible changes to Lake Rules this year...
Bass were FAIR-SLOW on plastics or spinners near shore timber.
Bluegills are FAIR-SLOW and small on waxies and red worms around shoreline.
Crappie are SLOW around ends of trees or brush and most are small..
Catfish were SLOW on crawlers or dip baits
LAKE SHELBYVILLE - Between Shelbyville and Sullivan -LAKE OFFICE (217) 774-2020.
-- The Lake is about 1 foot below summer pool and slightly stained with water temps in mid 60s.
Crappie were FAIR-GOOD on jigs and nibbles near brush or laydowns and around standing timber anywhere from 6-15 foot.
the WhiteBass are FAIR-GOOD on 2-jig rigs/twisters on wind blown shallow flats.
--Illinois D.N.R. fisheries biologists are looking into to increasing creel limits on crappies at Lake Shelbyville allowing anglers to keep more crappies, including a few under the current 10 inch length limit of 10 inches helping to reduce food competition among the crappies. If changed it would go into effect next year on April 1st. The current rules are 10 fish daily, with each one at least 10 inches or longer. This comes about due to complaints over the past few years from anglers stating they were not catching as many legal crappie at the lake as they had in past years.
- Watch for how this turns out..
Check updated fishing reports by Steve Welch - Crappie Specialties
-And For some additional Lake Reports from Satterfield WebSite
LAKE STOREY -North of US 34, 1 mile on US 150 at north edge of Galesburg.
This Lake is City owned and only allows trolling motors
- -The Lake is at Winter Draw Down Level...
----- THIS REPORT IS FROM OCT. 19th --
Bass are FAIR-SLOW on crankbaits and plastics.
Bluegills FAIR on wax worms or crawler parts out from shoreline.
Crappie are FAIR on minnows around brush and with bobber in 3-5 foot around shore brush..
Catfish were FAIR-SLOW on minnows, crawlers or dip baits.
Muskie are SLOW on spinnerbaits
Walleye were SLOW on minnows.
Check with Al from AL's SPORTING GOODS in Galesburg before going.
McMASTER LAKE at - SNAKEDEN HOLLOW - - NW of Peoria, just 1 1/2 miles East of Victoria South off IL Route 167, there is a 10HP limit.
-- This Area is CLOSED TO FISHING as of Oct. 1st. until it Re-Opens to Fishing Feb. 1st, 2008--
--Check with Randy at Victoria Tackle Shop (309-879-2664) for current info and all your Fishing or outdoor needs.
SHABBONA LAKE -
- - - Park hours are November thru January 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Hours in April are 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM and May thru October 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Hours November thru January are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
-- Water temps were about 56 on Oct. 25th
Bass were FAIR-SLOW crankbaits or spinnerbaits near shore cover.
Bluegills are FAIR in shoreline weed edges.
Catfish were FAIR-SLOW on cut baits and some on dipbaits.
Crappie were FAIR on minnows in the trees and toward the deeper cribs.
Muskie were SLOW-FAIR on bucktails.
--Shabbona’s Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental has some boat rental, for info call (815) 824-2581.
SPRING LAKE (South & North) - Just south of Pekin off Manito Blacktop, 5 miles northwest of Manito, and there is a 25HP limit. (309-968-7135)
-- NO NEW FISHING REPORTS FROM HERE --
--THIS AREA is CLOSED TO BOAT FISHING as of OCT. 20th in Waterfowl Area With EXCEPTIONS -
-AREAS THAT REMAIN OPEN ARE NORTH OF MAPLE ISLAND with ramp at north end and IN PIKE HOLE with carry in boats --
-And BANK FISHING ONLY Allowed AFTER 1pm at lakes - - Fishing will Re-Open to boats Dec. 26 after 1 p.m. in hunting areas. - -
WELDON SPRINGS- Two miles south and east of Clinton.--- (217-935-4729)
--Lake level is low with some dredging in harbor area .
-No New Report
WILDLIFE PRAIRIE STATE PARK LAKES-
OPEN TO PUBLIC With a $5.50 fee to enter Park (or purchase a membership -$30). Call 676-0998 for details.
-- May - Sept. FISHING HOURS are 9am - 5:30pm and on Oct. 1st Fishing Hours will be 9am-3:30pm through December 9th when Park Will CLOSE
Bass are SLOW-FAIR on spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
Bluegill were SLOW-FAIR on wax worms and red worms
Crappie are FAIR-SLOW on minnows
Catfish are SLOW on dip baits, liver or nightcrawlers.
Muskie SLOW on spinnerbaits
- - - -SOME ILLINOIS POWER PLANT LAKES - - - -
BALDWIN LAKE - Just north of Baldwin off Route 154.--- site Office 618-785-2555
-- No New Reports --
CLINTON LAKE - Three miles east of Clinton off Route 10 or 54 Ph 217/935-8722.
A PORTION OF LAKE FROM ABOUT IP POINT UP TO 54 BRIDGE IS CLOSED
--A NO-WAKE speed limit is in effect from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise at Clinton Lake. Signs will be posted at the lake for reminders and a Violation will lead to a $75 ticket.
--Water temps average in mid 70s while Lake level is low - Use Caution -.
Bass were FAIR-GOOD on plastics and spinnerbaits shallow in coves.
Bluegills were FAIR-GOOD on wax worms, red worms and part crawlers along shoreline.
Crappie were FAIR-GOOD on jigs, minnows and nibbles near brush or timber at about 3-6 foot.
Catfish were GOOD-FAIR on shrimp, cut bait, dip baits and big minnows in most of lake.
Walleye were FAIR-SLOW on jig/minnows and spinner rigs along breaks in late morning hours.
WhiteBass were FAIR-GOOD near DeWitt bridge to Marina on spoons or minnows.
Hybrid Stripers were FAIR on medium minnows, spinners and twister tails near the beach to the west side area.
REMEMBER an easterly area of Clinton Lake between the DeWitt and the 48 bridge is CLOSED FROM Mid OCT. through MARCH 31st 2008 to protect fish and wildlife...
COFFEEN LAKE - Southeast of Hillsboro off Route 127 or south of Coffeen off Route 185, site headquarters 217-537-3351..-- There is a 25hp motor limit.
Bass are FAIR-GOOD on jigs or spinners.
Bluegills and Crappie are SLOW
Catfish are GOOD-FAIR on dipbaits and crawlers
No Report on Stripers
LAKE of EGYPT - About 8 miles south of Marion east of Route 37.
-- NO REORTS FROM HERE -
LAKE SPRINGFIELD - At Springfield off I-55 Exit 94 and go the east.
--- Boat licenses for Lake Springfield are sold 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Thursday through Monday at City Water, Light and Power’s boat licensing station at the Lindsay Bridge Boat Ramp during season. (Licenses also are available at the Lake Springfield Marina and the Boat Dock)
----Lake level is about 4 foot below pool, slightly stained.
Bass were FAIR around timber or rock on plastics, spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
Bluegills are FAIR-SLOW on wax worms or crawler parts along shore.
Crappie SLOW-FAIR and scattered around brush.
Catfish are FAIR on drifted shad or shad gut along breaks or along channels.
WhiteBass are FAIR on jigs/twisters or bladebaits off flats and bridges towards warm end of lake.
POWERTON LAKE - One mile south of Pekin off Route 29 along Manito Blacktop.
---- site Office 309-968-7135
- - OPEN TO BOAT & SHORE FISHING ---SUMMER HOURS 6am-8pm till Oct. 1st when Hours will be 8am - 4pm
- VERY FEW REPORTS FROM HERE -
Catfish are FAIR on Hoss´s Hawg Bait dip baits and shrimp.
Bluecats were FAIR on cut bait, live bait and crawlers.
Bluegills were FAIR on wax worms and part crawlers.
Smallmouth were FAIR on hair jig with plastics or twisters and small crankbaits..
- - THIS LAKE IS CLOSED TO BOAT FISHING as of Oct. 20th for season and RE-OPEN To Boats on Feb. 15, 2008- -
and CLOSES TO SHORE FISHING Starting ON OCT. 27th and REOPENS TO SHORE FISHING ONLY ON DEC. 26th AND NO BOAT FISHING till FEB. 15th - -
SANGCHRIS LAKE - South of Springfield off I-55 Exit 82 and go east on Route 104 about 10 miles, with a 25HP limit.
--- Sangchris Lake site office at 217/498-9208.
Bass are FAIR on plastics, chatterbaits or crankbaits around timber or along remaining weed edges.
Bluegills are FAIR-SLOW along shore cover on wax worms or part crawler.
Catfish are FAIR on cut baits or dip baits along breaks or holes at coves in warm arm.
Crappie are FAIR on jig and minnows around brush..
- THE WEST and EAST ARMS OF LAKE and the DAM AREA ARE CLOSED DURING WATERFOWL SEASON to boat traffic from Oct. 17 through Jan. 31, 2008 (during this time fishing boat traffic is permitted in the center hot arm only) and the entire lake will be CLOSED Nov. 15-18 and Nov. 29th -Dec. 2 due to firearm deer hunting on adjacent properties. The exception will be for hunting programs with restricted usage during this time period. For more info, contact site office at 217/498-9208 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.