Illinois Fishing

Wayne Herndon grew up fishing with his father on the Illinois River. As a district fisheries biologist for the last 43 years, he has familiarized himself with the state’s waters and the fish that populate them.

SEE ALSO: Illinois Fish Hatcheries Keep Waters Stocked for Fishermen

Here are his recommendations for some of the best fishing across the state:

  • Spring Lake: Covers nearly 1,000 acres in Tazewell County; great muskie, pike and bass fishing.
  • Lake McMaster: A 142-acre lake north of Galesburg in Knox County; known for its muskie population.
  • Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area: 5,524 acres adjacent to the Illinois River, 25 miles southwest of Peoria; a popular spot for bass fishing.
  • Kincaid Lake: A 2,750-acre lake in Jackson County; boasts bass, walleye, muskie, crappie and channel catfish.
  • Shabbonah Lake: A 304-acre lake in DeKalb County; fish for bluegill, bass, muskie, walleye, channel catfish and crappie.

Visit ifishillinois.org to get more information on more lakes for fishing in Illinois, plus weekly fishing reports, fishing with children, urban fishing programs, hatcheries and how and where to buy a fishing license.

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