Illinois fishing for bass, walleye, crappie, catfish and more - plus equipment, boats, gear and vacation trip ideas for fishing in IL.

Illinois fishing can be divided into two general areas - Lake Michigan and the rest of the state. On these pages we'll concentrate on the major lakes throughout Illinois. There are also many streams and rivers which offer additional fishing opportunities.

Major fishing waters in Illinois cross referenced with the major species to be found there.

Illinois Fishing Lake Locations

Carlyle Lake is a 26,000-acre lake in the south-west part of the state, at Carlyle, IL.

Cedar Lake is a 1,700-acre lake in the southern part of the state, 1 mile east of Pomano, IL.

Crab Orchard Lake is a 6,900-acre lake in the southern part of the state, 3 miles east of Carbondale, IL.

Fox Lake is a chain of lakes comprising 7,100 acres in the north-east corner of the state, at Fox Lake, IL.

Heidecke Lake is a 2,000-acre lake in the north-east part of the state, 2 miles east of Morris, IL.

Kinkaid Lake is a 2,700-acre lake in the southern part of the state, 5 miles north-west of Murphysboro, IL.

Lake Clinton is a 4,900-acre lake in the east-central part of the state, 2 miles east of Clinton, IL.

Lake Lou Yeager is a 1,300-acre lake in the central part of the state, 2 miles north-east of Litchfield, IL.

Lake Of Egypt is a 2,300-acre lake in the southern part of the state, 3 miles north-east of Goreville, IL.

Lake Michigan is a 22,300 square mile body of water at the north-east corner of Illinois.

Lake Shelbyville is an 11,000-acre lake in the east-central part of the state, at Shelbyville, IL.

Lake Springfield is a 4,200-acre lake in the central part of the state, on the southern outskirts of Springfield, IL.

Lake Taylorville is a 1,300-acre lake in the central part of the state, 2 miles south-east of Taylorville, IL.

Newton Lake is a 1,700-acre lake in the south-east part of the state, 3 miles north of Ingraham, IL.

Rend Lake is a 19,000-acre lake in the southern part of the state, at Whittington, IL.

Sangchris Lake is a 2,200-acre lake in the central part of the state, 3 miles west of Edinburg, IL.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for regulations and details about fishing in Illinois.

Apply here for an Illinois Fishing License.

Enhance your fishing vacation by renting a cabin in Illinois. Another great way to see the state with opportunities for fishing, away from the crowds is by taking a motorhome into backwoods fishing areas.

If you have information on fishing in your area and would like to contribute articles and information we would like to hear from you. We will be happy to 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 happily consider your request. For significant contributions we may offer complimentary display ads, contact us if you are interested.

Visit the section dedicated to fishing activities for kids in IL. It is devoted to information about kids fishing with stories, fish photos and tips for where and how to take a kid fishing in Illinois. Please send us your recommendations and we will be happy to consider them for publication.

We are also looking for information on local guides who offer services within Illinois. You can find a listing of IL fishing guides here. If you are a fishing guide in Illinois or know of a good resource, please send us information for consideration.

All About Fishing wishes you the very best with your fishing endeavors in the great state of Illinois.

IL Fishing Information -
All About Illinois Fishing