Illinois: Rich Fishing Opportunities in the Prairie State

Published: Monday, June 13th, 2022| Updated on: Friday, March 10th, 2023

Overview

Illinois is often referred to as America’s microcosm as its population has proven to be a trend indicator for many social, cultural, and political situations in the entire country. A midwestern state is often seen and perceived as average, and there is nothing average or median about its fishing opportunities. Illinois has easy access to many waterbodies rich in fish — namely the Atlantic Ocean via the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Gulf of Mexico, and the rivers Mississippi, Wabash, and Ohio. With all these waterbodies surrounding and flowing through the state, it’s no wonder it’s a perennial favorite among anglers all over the country.

Illinois is a true angler's wonderland with over a million acres of fishing grounds. It can especially be fruitful for anglers keen to fish for various species of trout and salmon. The state is also home to more fish species such as bass, catfish, gar, bluegill, muskellunge, sauger, walleye, and many others.

With a bounty of fishing spots to choose from within the state, it’s easy to get confused as to where to begin. But anglers need not worry. There’s a productive fishing spot or two waiting for you to wet your line wherever you land.

Illinois Map of Places to Fish

About Fishing in Illinois

Illinois is a legendary fishing state with seemingly endless opportunities for lake fishing, river fishing, and nearshore fishing. Every corner of the state presents rich fishing spots, so it hardly matters which area you choose to focus on unless you’re targeting a specific species.

If you have to choose a single waterbody as an introduction to Illinois, there’s no better place to start than at Lake Michigan. It is, after all, Illinois’ biggest fishing water and one of the biggest lakes in the world. Because of its sheer size, anglers can enjoy a variety of different fishing experiences in the lake, from shore fishing to nearshore fishing. The lake is likewise excellent throughout the year. The cold winter months of January and February are the best times to fish for perch and other panfish. Spring calls forth coho salmon fishing, as well as bluegill and crappie in the lagoons. Early summer to early fall is the hottest period for fishing for a variety of species, including carp, smallmouth bass, sheepshead, bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. Come fall, and you’ll find coho salmon back in the fray with Chinook/king salmon, brown trout, steelhead, bluegill, and channel catfish.

The three rivers forming the boundaries of Illinois also influence the state’s productive fisheries. Mississippi River, for one, runs through the state for 580 miles, offering anglers a long stretch from which to fish. You can even divide the stretch into parts depending on the fish they hold. Anglers seeking largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish will find the upper part of the river a rewarding place to cast a line. Downwards, you’ll find more flathead catfish and blue catfish. Looking for walleye? Explore tributaries like the Rock River and Ohio River.

The state’s namesake river, the Illinois River, is another fantastic waterbody to fish. It stretches for 273 miles and is home to white bass, sauger, brown bullhead, and more. The lakes surrounding the river freeze over and offer excellent ice fishing. The best area to fish the river is via the Peoria district, otherwise known as River City, which offers many scenic wildlife areas with access to the river’s backwaters and bluffs. These include the Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area in Lacon, Canton’s Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area, and Emiquon Preserve in Lewiston.

The rest of the state offers plenty more scenic spots to fish. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area is the best spot to fish the Fox River with a view of Illinois's surrounding prairie grasslands and oaks. For a bounty of public fishing points, head to Effingham’s Lake Sara. Southwest Illinois has the Great Rivers & Routes district, where you can find the Beaver Dam State Park and Horseshoe Lake State Park, both excellent places to fish the lakes of the Mississippi River. Those in the Illinois South often head to Carlyle Lake to fish not just because of its productivity but also because of its amazing amenities. But if you’d like to get away from the crowds, step away from Carlyle and seek Newton Lake in Jasper County, where trophy bass thrive all year long.

Everything Else About Illinois Fishing

Illinois is a great destination for anglers fishing for table fare, recreation, or sport. While it may not be your choice for deep-sea fishing, it still offers exciting fishing opportunities. It is renowned for its monster bass, catfish, and muskellunge. The state record is 13lbs, while its muskellunge and catfish state records are 38-40lbs.

The state takes great pains to maintain and improve its productivity, given its history of overfishing and depletion. So if it is your first time fishing in the state, know that each waterbody may have its set of unique fishing regulations different from others, even within the same city or district. It’s best not to be complacent and review the fishing regulations for each spot you fish so you won’t inadvertently break them.

Guides in Illinois

Booking a fishing charter or guide is the best way to fish in an area legally and safely, whether you're an expert or a novice. Since the guides are familiar with the area, they will better understand the waterways on their regular route, the fish abundant in the area, and the various rules and regulations of specific waterbodies. For example, if you would like to experience fishing for salmon and trout in the thrilling waters of Lake Michigan, book Captain Jeff Zarobsky of Son Set Charter Fishing. The state has numerous harbors and marinas home to expert charters and guides that can guarantee you a safe and comfortable fishing experience without taking away the excitement.