Illinois Fishing???

[Jeremy D.]

I am planning a trip to Illinois to do some fishing sometime in June or July (I think its warm there then??)   Need some advice on the best places to go.  

[Tom H.]

Oh it's warm here during June and July . As far as where to go , that would depend on what part of the state your coming to .

[Uncle Leo]

June is not too bad but July can get pretty humid. As Tom said really need to know what part of the state you will be in. Illinios is not Rhode Island it takes a bit of time to get around this state. There are any number of great areas but a 5 hour drive may be in order depending on where your at. Could really save some time in knowing what area you will be in, also what kind of boat you have. Lake Michican has some great bass fishing. If you are in the Chicagoland area and have a small boat you need a south wind to get the lake to lay down. Otherwise you in for a rough ride.

[Jeremy D.]

Well the reason I am making the trip is to visit family.  My grandmother lives in Chicago, so I am def. gonne fish Chicago river/lake M(will find out more about that later).  I am coming from Alabama so humid means nothing to me!!  I was asking what are the best places in the state cause since I am pretty much driving through the whole state I can stop on the way get a hotel for a night and fish some places on the way there or way back.  I am also gonna be visiting another part of my family in Springfield.  So Chicago and Springfield is where I will be acouple days at each.

[Uncle Leo]

In Springfield you will want to fish Sangchris. Good largemouth bass I found them best in the bays. This lake also has produced the state record Striper which I beleive it still holds. In Chciago if you are south of the city Braidwood Lake which is a power plant cooling lake is a good bet. This lake was featured in Bassmasters magazine last month. Work the points for largemouth, they can be found all over the lake.

[tyrius.]

Sangchris has been mentioned and if you're going to be in Springfield then that one's a no brainer.  

If you're coming up 57 you can stop at Lake Shelbyville for some musky fishing if you're into bigger fish or catch huge numbers of white bass.  You can even fish the spillway from shore so this is a cheap option.  

While in Chicago, I'd go on a salmon trip on Lake MI.  I've got a good guy if you're interested.  I'm going with him on 7/26.

[Daniel My Brother]

Cedar Lake in Southern Illinois is my favorite. You can't fish it from shore, but you're more than welcome to fish it from the back of my boat.

Shoot me a PM if you're interested and let me know when you'll be passing through.

[Izzy3374]

Try Shabbaona Lake,  As well as Lake Shelbyville.  

[ventureboat]

If you're in Springfield anyway, I love Lake Springfield. Stay away from hot ditch in June/July. It has everything, laydowns, rocks, docks, structure, you name it.

[Izzy3374]

Jeremy wend me a PM if you will be near chicago.  I have a private lake were I work (about 20 min from downtown) and I can catch you as many LMB as you could ever want.  Most likely no trophies, but 2 lb bass all day long everyday.

Its all shoreline, no boats aloud.  But you dont need one.  Already this year.  I have caught well over 100 Largies. Biggest being 2 lbs 12 oz.  And it only gets better as the year goes along.  

There is also loads of walleye.  Hammer Handle Pike.  Big Channel and Blue Cats, and HUGE CARP.

Me and my buddy Swilly78 would be more than happy to have you join us.

It's in Northbrook IL.  Where does your grandmother live?  

Here is the Big One.

[ChiCityBasser]

Jeremy wend me a PM if you will be near chicago. I have a private lake were I work (about 20 min from downtown) and I can catch you as many LMB as you could ever want. Most likely no trophies, but 2 lb bass all day long everyday.

Its all shoreline, no boats aloud. But you dont need one. Already this year. I have caught well over 100 Largies. Biggest being 2 lbs 12 oz. And it only gets better as the year goes along.

There is also loads of walleye. Hammer Handle Pike. Big Channel and Blue Cats, and HUGE CARP.

Me and my buddy Swilly78 would be more than happy to have you join us.

It's in Northbrook IL. Where does your grandmother live?

Here is the Big One.

Nice looking fish  

[Izzy3374]

Thanks

[kLuo]

Hey,

I am new to this forum. I am currently attending Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Back home I have always fished for largemouth over the summer, but this summer I am staying in IL. Does anyone know of any good lakes/ponds I can go for largemouth? Lake Michigan is literally right next to our campus, but I would prefer smaller, local ponds/lakes. There are a ton of golf courses with ponds on them nearby but I do not know if there are fish in there or if I am allowed to fish there. Any help would be greatly appreciated.