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Striped Bass & Hybrid Striper Fishing In Illinois

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Guide To Fishing For Stripers & Hybrid Striped Bass

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Striper Fishing Video

Learn the basics for catching striped bass.

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers. Landlocked stripers then populate the lakes.


Fishing for Striped Bass in Illinois

Striped Bass

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow, over the deeper water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check Illinois fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes. Striped Bass, known for their strength and spirited fights, provide an exhilarating angling experience.


Fishing for Hybrid Stripers in Illinois

Hybris Striped Bass

Illinois offers several opportunities for hybrid striped bass fishing, which are popular with local anglers. Hybrid stripers are a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass, combining the best characteristics of both species. They are known for their strength, aggressive nature, and impressive fighting ability, making them a thrilling catch for anglers. These "wipers" tend to school around baitfish and follow river channel edges. Fish finders can help you locate schools of fish as well as schools of baitfish. Look for them on flats and long points that connect with channels. Trolling, or still fishing, with live or cut bait are also great options for catching hybrid stripers.


Striper fishing

The purpose of this page is to share basic information about striped bass and hybrid stripers fishing and identify popular striper waters in the state. Illinois offers exciting opportunities for striped bass fishing, particularly with the presence of hybrid striped bass in several major lakes across the state. Hybrid stripers, a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass, are known for their hard-fighting nature and impressive size.

One of the primary lakes in Illinois where anglers can target hybrid striped bass is Lake Shelbyville. This reservoir, located in central Illinois, is renowned for its hybrid striper population. Anglers can enjoy trolling, casting, or jigging for these feisty fish, which often gather in schools and provide exciting angling opportunities. Lake Shelbyville has produced impressive catches of hybrid striped bass, with many anglers targeting them specifically for their fighting ability and delicious meat.

Another popular lake for hybrid striped bass fishing in Illinois is Clinton Lake. Located in DeWitt County, Clinton Lake is home to a healthy population of hybrid stripers. Anglers can target these fish using a variety of techniques, including casting with lures, trolling, or drifting with live bait. The lake's structure, including submerged brush piles and drop-offs, provides ideal habitat for hybrid stripers, making it a prime location for anglers seeking these exciting game fish.

When it comes to state records, Illinois has seen some impressive catches of hybrid striped bass. The current state record for hybrid striped bass stands at around 21 pounds, caught in Lake Of Egypt. These records showcase the potential for anglers to land trophy-sized hybrid stripers in Illinois waters.

In addition to hybrid striped bass, Illinois also offers opportunities to target pure striped bass in certain lakes and rivers. Lake Michigan, particularly near its tributaries, provides chances for anglers to catch striped bass during their seasonal migrations. These fish can reach impressive sizes and offer thrilling battles when hooked.

Overall, striped bass and hybrid striped bass fishing in Illinois provide anglers with exciting opportunities to target these powerful game fish. Whether it's casting for hybrids in Lake Shelbyville or pursuing stripers in Lake Michigan, Illinois offers a range of options for anglers looking to experience the thrill of striped bass fishing. With its diverse fisheries and the potential for trophy-sized catches, Illinois is a fantastic destination for striped bass enthusiasts.

Striped Bass Fishing Lakes In Illinois

Anglers in Illinois have several options for landing a big striper, or hybrid striped bass. Try your luck at Cedar Lake, Clinton Lake, Coffeen Lake, Governor Bond Lake, Heidecke Lake, Lake Decatur, Lake Mattoon, Otter Lake or Sangchris Lake.

Fishing Boats For Rent In IL

Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Stripers

Inland world record: 64 lbs 8 oz

State Record: 31 lbs 7 oz

Striped Bass

Hybrid Striped Bass

U.S. record: 27 lbs 5 oz

State Record: 21 lbs 7.2 oz

Click the images and links above for species details.

Illinois State Record Stripers

The state record striped bass was caught from Sangchris Lake.

The state record hybrid striped bass came from Lake Of Egypt.

Fishing for Stripers in Illinois

Striper fishing lures

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check Illinois fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.

 

Striped bass fishing information, by state.

AL Striper & Striped Bass Fishing AR Striper & Striped Bass Fishing AZ Striper & Striped Bass Fishing CA Striper & Striped Bass Fishing CO Striper & Striped Bass Fishing CT Striper & Striped Bass Fishing DE Striper & Striped Bass Fishing FL Striper & Striped Bass Fishing GA Striper & Striped Bass Fishing IA Striper & Striped Bass Fishing
IL Striper & Striped Bass Fishing IN Striper & Striped Bass Fishing KS Striper & Striped Bass Fishing KY Striper & Striped Bass Fishing LA Striper & Striped Bass Fishing MD Striper & Striped Bass Fishing MO Striper & Striped Bass Fishing MS Striper & Striped Bass Fishing NC Striper & Striped Bass Fishing
NE Striper & Striped Bass Fishing NH Striper & Striped Bass Fishing NJ Striper & Striped Bass Fishing NM Striper & Striped Bass Fishing NV Striper & Striped Bass Fishing NY Striper & Striped Bass Fishing OH Striper & Striped Bass Fishing OK Striper & Striped Bass Fishing OR Striper & Striped Bass Fishing
PA Striper & Striped Bass Fishing RI Striper & Striped Bass Fishing SC Striper & Striped Bass Fishing TN Striper & Striped Bass Fishing TX Striper & Striped Bass Fishing UT Striper & Striped Bass Fishing VA Striper & Striped Bass Fishing WI Striper & Striped Bass Fishing WV Striper & Striped Bass Fishing
 

Learn the migration of stripers

The more you know about the seasonal migration of striped bass, the more likely you are to be looking in the right area next time you visit Illinois striper fishing lakes. Visit the striped bass fishing page for more in-depth information about striper movements.