FISHING IN ILLINOIS
Illinois fishing spots range from bustling urban areas to quiet country lakes. You can take your kids to Navy Pier to catch perch or drive 40 miles outside of Chicago to the Monee Reservoir.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN ILLINOIS
JIM EDGAR PANTHER CREEK PARK
JOHNSON SAUK TRAIL STATE PARK
MUD LAKE WEST
GET AN ILLINOIS FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN ILLINOIS
WALLEYE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Walleye have needle-like teeth, bite well when the waters are cold, and make excellent table fare.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 and 7 feet long medium-action graphite rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8 or 10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jigs, Plastic Baits, Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
BROWN TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The brown trout is one of the world’s most widely distributed and highly esteemed freshwater fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7 foot 1-3kg or heavier carbon fibre, graphite, or nano rod |
| Reel | 1000 or 2500 size reel |
| Line | 4-pound-test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Small Hooks (No. 12), Jigs, Crankbaits, Spoons, Minnows (use a sinker as well) |
ATLANTIC SALMON
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The value of the Atlantic salmon both as a sport, commercial, and food fish cannot be exaggerated.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9 foot, 8-9 weight fly single-handed rod |
| Reel | Fly reel capable of holding 150 yards of 20lb backing |
| Line | Leaders are typically 9 feet in length |
| Lure | Larger Flies, Darker Flies, Flies with Crystal Flash |
MUSKELLUNGE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
It was once believed that there were at least four species of muskellunge, but these varieties are now considered to be one species
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 8-foot, extra-heavy-power rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 80-pound-test braid fishing line |
| Lure | Small Jigs, Spoons, Spinnerbait, Jerkbait |
LAKE TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The lake trout has considerable value both as a sport fish and a food fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9 foot medium-action spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-6 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Small weightless lures and spinners, Night Crawlers, Minnows, Salmon |
WHITE BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
They are an excellent light tackle fish that will take a bait or lure readily.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7 foot Ultra-light graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-6 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Grub (hooked onto a 1/8 ounce jig head), Tail Spinner, Road Runners, Shad, Live Minnows |
ICE FISHING
Ice fishing provides anglers an opportunity to go fishing during the winter months.
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
