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| Illinois Catfish Fishing | |
| Catfish Fishing in Illinois There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked. Catfish Fishing Lakes In Illinois Most waters in Illinois have a population of one kind of catfish or another. Rivers often yield monster catfish while the more consistent stringers come from major lakes and reservoirs like Carlyle Lake, Cedar Lake, Crab Orchard Lake, Fox Lake, Heidecke Lake, Kinkaid Lake, Lake Clinton, Lake Michigan, Lake Shelbyville, Lake Springfield, Newton Lake, Rend Lake and Sangchris Lake. The state record blue catfish came from the Mississippi River, Baldwin Lake served up the state record channel catfish and the state record flathead came from Carlyle Lake. Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait. Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Blue Catfish
Catfish Bait
Catfish Organizations & Resources Catfish
Conservation Group If you have information, articles or photos relating to catfish which you would like to see published under Illinois catfish articles, please submit them for consideration. We will gladly give you credit for your contribution. If you have a fishing related business and would like to mention it within the context of the article, we will consider your request. For significant contributions we may offer complimentary display ads, please contact us if you are interested. If you offer fishing guide services, you can choose from two listing options to promote your guide services, by visiting our Advertising section. Locate catfish lakes in other states using the list to the left. IL Catfish Fishing - All About Fishing for Catfish in Illinois. |
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CHANNEL CATFISH |
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58 lbs - 0 oz |
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45 lbs - 4 oz |
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65 - 90 Degrees |
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Prefers slightly stained to murky water with mild current and sand or rock bottom. |
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FLATHEAD CATFISH |
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123 lbs - 0 oz |
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78 lbs - 0 oz |
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75 - 84 Degrees |
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Prefers streams or large bodies of slightly stained to murky water with moderate current and hard bottom. |
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BLUE CATFISH |
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124 lbs - 0 oz |
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85 lbs - 0 oz |
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68 - 80 Degrees |
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Found primarily in large river systems with deep current and swift channels. |
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