Guide To The Best Fishing Spots For Catfish In Illinois

All about fishing for flathead, blue and channel catfish in IL.

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. Catfish are found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Illinois. Giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Catfish Waters 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 Anderson Lake, Carlyle Lake, Cedar Lake, Crab Orchard Lake, Fox Chain O' Lakes, Governor Bond Lake, Heidecke Lake, Kinkaid Lake, Lake Carroll, Lake Decatur, Lake Lou Yeager, Lake Mattoon, Lake Shelbyville, Lake Springfield, Lake Taylorville, Newton Lake, Otter Lake, Rend Lake and Sangchris Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

What's the best bait for catfish in Illinois?

Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event.

The state record channel catfish was caught from Baldwin Lake.

The state record flathead catfish came from Carlyle Lake.

The state record blue catfish came out of the Mississippi River.

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.

Catfish Fishing Video

Additional catfishing information resources.

Catfish Conservation Group

U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments

Planet Catfish

Information for states with catfish.