Guide To The Best Places To Fish in Illinois

There are many great places to fish in The Prairie State. Rivers, ponds, small lakes, major lakes and even Lake Michigan provide fishing for anglers in the state of Illinois. Here we focus on the best major lakes to fish in the state.

Illinois's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots

These five lakes we selected as the best place to fish in Illinois, based on a history of delivering great fishing over time. Year over year, this list might change slightly, but rest assures these are a good place to go fishing. Learn more...

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Most Popular Fish Species In Illinois

There are four species of trout, three species of catfish, three species of bass, both species of crappie, walleye, and plenty of other species to fish for in the state. Learn more...

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Top Places To Fish For Trout In Illinois

Trout species options in the state include rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout. Rivers and streams, along with stocked ponds, also provide some of the best places to fish for trout in Illinois. Learn more...

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Best Lakes To Fish For Catfish In Illinois

Find good fishing for blue, flathead and channel catfish all over the state. River systems grow the big boys. Lakes fed by rivers make a haven for both quantity and quality. These three lakes have earned a reputation as good catfish fisheries over time. Learn more...

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Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Illinois

Big largemouths, feisty smallmouths or chunky spotted bass await anglers at most lakes across the state. These three lakes are perennial favorites, as are several others which may also deserve consideration as the best place to fish for bass in Illinois. Learn more...

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Top Places To Fish For Crappie In Illinois

Crappie populate all but a few fisheries statewide. State records for both black and white crappie are well over four pounds and there are plenty of flat slabs for a fish fry once you locate a school. Learn more...

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Best Walleye Fishing Lakes In Illinois

These fighters make excellent table fare, and are found in about half the major fisheries in the state. These three lakes are some of the best places to catch walleye, and have been for some time. Sauger and saugeye also swim in some of waters in IL. Learn more...

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Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in Illinois