best striped bass fishing in illinois

|   You can get in on the red-hot action on these nine waters. This past October, we made a morning trip near Washita Point and Catfish Creek and landed only a handful of small striped bass and a small largemouth bass in 2.5 hours of fishing. Most of the fish are hybrids, though there are some pure stripers. For freshwater keep the squid alive and hook the tail. While surface feeding, stripers are indiscriminate eaters and swallow most plug , spoon, or jig lures . Now it's back. As a result, the 12,500 acres of water can boast one of the strongest populations of hybrids in the state. The coastline is the most popular place to fish for striped bass, because they are indigenous to and most abundant in saltwater. Schott, whose biggest hybrid at this 750-acre lake is a 14-pounder, likes to night-fish late May into June. A growing number of anglers use three-way river rigs baited with minnows. The average hybrid will be about 5 to 6 pounds, according to Jones, but 10- and 12-pound fish are caught there regularly. one of the best striped-bass fishing holes in the state. Even experts are still learning new ways to locate and catch the salt water natives. There is a 10-fish limit on all stripers, and only three can exceed 17 inches. He begins fishing Sangchris in late January or early February each year. He offers this advice for anglers who are ready to take up striper fishing. And with a little searching, Mattoon can provide anglers with the … He keeps a daily record of his catches. Call Angelo's Outdoor Sport Center for river conditions at (815) 476-7524. "But when the fishing is good, we'll see a lot of anglers fishing specifically for stripers.". You'll usually find stripers close by.". April and May are best months. Put up a nice fight on the Ugly Rockfish, Striper, Linesider. Although some of the novelty has worn off, striper fishing is a fascinating sport. The DNR has been stocking - mostly hybrids, but some pure stripers - into the lake since the 1980s. Popular Coastal Spots. Girard angler Rod Schott fishes both Sangchris and Otter lakes. LAKE CHARLESTON According to the 2005 Status of Striped Bass/Hybrid Striped Bass Fishery in Illinois, numerous angler reports of hybrids up to 12 pounds have been tabulated in Coles County's Lake Charleston. Anglers can take 10 stripers per day, with only three being more than 17 inches. Knowing the best time of day to fish for bass helps you select the bass fishing lures that will be the most productive. However, few anglers specifically target fish here," said biologist Mike Mounce. Cast lures into the middle of where the shad were, ripping the lures and then letting them rest a second or two. "We use a three-inch white tube bait with a 1/8- or 1/4-ounce weight," Wells said. "You can catch them trolling, but I prefer casting. They hang out where stripers are feeding to pick up the shad that stripers miss.". … Oklahoma is blessed with some of the best striped bass fishing in America. The prior state record was caught below Eufaula Dam and wasn't broken until just a few years ago. Boat launching, concession and bank-fishing are available. Stephenson said fishing for stripers is a year-round option, but the best angling is from January to mid-spring. Photo by Gary Thomas. SANGCHRIS LAKE Sangchris was stocked with pure stripers in the early 1980s and established a reputation for big stripers soon thereafter. There is a 17-inch minimum on all hybrids, with three fish per day. Because it's a cooling lake, the best fishing at Baldwin is from October through May. Made the run to Oklahoma to the Lower Ilinois River for Rainbow Trout and Striped Bass. Big hybrids migrate out of the Illinois River and stack up in the tailwaters of the Wilmington dam. A year-class of fish weighing about 8 pounds dominates the population. Their average catch, however, will be about 7 to 8 pounds. Surveys indicate that numerous stripers between 13-19 inches are abundant and 15-inch fish should be the most commonly caught by anglers. Plan your next fishing and boating adventure here. There is a three-fish per day limit, and boaters are required to purchase an annual lake-user permit. REND LAKE The numbers of hybrid stripers is down from past years at Rend Lake, but the size of the fish is up. State Record: 20 lbs/.32 oz (1993) Best Lures: large minnows, spoons, spinners, crank baits, jigs, crayfish and lures that that look like a shad. The experimental stocking of stripers at Lake Texoma and Lake Keystone in 1965 paid dividends. Points, humps and saddles can also concentrate fish. Stripers247.com All Stripers All The Time!! There aren't many better ways to spend a summer night than skewering fish in the shallows. I've had them hit so hard they rip the hooks right of the lure.". "They usually hit it when you bring it up and let it fall, because it really flutters then. There are special lures you can buy, but big largemouth bass lures will work. Unfortunately, it fell on hard times in the late 1980s. Even small ones put up a great fight.". "Start with a strong reel capable of holding a minimum of 150 yards of line," he said. We'll tell you nine great Illinois fisheries - one river and eight lakes - where you'll find good striper and hybrid striper fishing. Fish up to 12 pounds are possible. He uses a map and depthfinder to locate long, sloping flats. I use heavy bass fishing tackle, including a rod that is at least 6 1/2 feet long, and 17- to 20-pound-test line. We have been fishing this bay for over 15 years. You need a yearly access permit to be on the lake, or you can buy a one-day $10 permit. It likely is the most underutilized, too. GORE — As we headed up the Lower Illinois River, that ole' country and western song "Cool, Clear Water" kept spinning in my mind. There are public launching areas at Fulton, Albany, Cordova and Port Byron. In late June and through July, he begins drift-fishing using live bait. HYBRID STRIPED BASS (Wipers) At-a-Glance. Fishing in Illinois is HOT! Striper Fishing Hot spots Places to Fish - Saltwater striped bass and Freshwater striped bass fishing locations and impoundments in the United states. Because striped bass are such a difficult fish to figure out, most anglers don't bother fishing for them. This can be an effective way to catch stripers. Fall sees hybrids corralling baitfish off points, over humps and bars, and in the backs of coves. Trophy-sized bluegill, sunfish, catfish, white and yellow bass, crappie, and, of course, largemouth and spotted bass trophies have been taken from area waters. Clinton Lake has a combination of pure and hybrid stripers, and they range in size dramatically. All Rights Reserved. Lake Mattoon is managed by the city of Mattoon, and there is an access fee to launch a boat. "I just cast it out and let it fall, then raise my rod and give it a couple of pops and let it fall again," the Benton resident said. For more information, call (217) 935-8722. Winter striped bass fishing is a simple affair and easy to learn. The Texas state record is 53 pounds caught out of the Brazos River in 1999. © 2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. We found the hottest new rivers, lakes, and streams—one for every state—to catch big bass, trout, walleye, catfish, and more. In addition, Egypt holds a state record for a 20-pound, 1/32-ounce hybrid striped bass, although the hybrids are very rare these days. Zoom Worm Bass Soft Plastic. April and May are the top months. However, he pointed out that state-record size pure stripers weighing 35 to 43 pounds live in the Grundy County lake. HEIDECKE LAKE Heidecke is the Illinois' lake most associated with big stripers, and big fish still live there, though not in the numbers found there 10 years ago. The 50 Best New Fishing Spots in America. Striped Bass and Hybrid Fisheries. Striped bass and hybrid striped bass can also be caught from the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. "Fishing stays good from June until it gets cool," Hunter continued. Dr. David Wells, a Red Bud physician, has been fishing the lake for stripers since 1985. For more information, call (217) 285-2221. In 2004, two big-fish nominations for hybrid striped bass were submitted from Charleston. There is a 20-fish per day limit, with no more than three of the fish over 17 inches. Otter Lake has a 115-horsepower limit. Lake Michigan, near Chicago. Subscriber Services. There are plenty of bowhunters who opt for the dependability of fixed-blade designs. "I fish by moon phases," he said. Tactical Bassin - Bass Fishing Blog. Spoons, jigs, live shad, chrome Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits catch the most fish. Coffeen Lake is 1,100 acres. "One of the most important things you'll need is patience," said Earl Shoemaker of Waverly. The key to catching stripers is to locate shad. For more information, call (815) 942-6352. Fishing swimbaits for bass is a unique experience and one that requires a bit of expertise and finesse. Schott starts fishing Otter Lake's flats in late March and continues through early June, using jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. The fish usually hit them when they are not moving or are sinking. For more information, call (217) 234-3611, SANGCHRIS LAKE Biologist Dan Stephenson said that although you probably won't find numbers of stripers over 20 pounds, Sangchris Lake in Sangamon and Christian counties southwest of Springfield is still the state's premier striper lake. Still, most of the catches are incidental by anglers fishing for other fish. The lake offers angling for largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped, white and hybrid striped bass, white, black or hybrid crappie, flathead, blue and channel catfish. For more information, call (815) 942-6352. U.S. State Hunting and Fishing Regulations . "I'd say this is one of the top five striper lakes in the state," said district fisheries biologist Jeff Pontnack. Fred Hunter has been fishing for Rend Lake's stripers since they were stocked. Boat launching and various park amenities are on site. "Despite the number and size of these fish, most are caught are by anglers fishing for walleyes," said Larry LaJeone, Exelon's fisheries biologist. There is a three-fish per day limit, with a minimum size of 17 inches. It still has big fish. Anglers in Chicagoland should give the lower Kankakee River a try. I've had days when I've caught a limit of nice fish and been back at the dock in 45 minutes.". The current state record Striped bass was caught in the lower Illinois River below Tenkiller Dam. "My biggest concern is the gizzard shad isn't reproducing well there, and these fish depend on shad to survive. There aren't that many anglers who pursue these fish. If the fish are in the cold water, Wells anchors close to where the hot water enters the cold water. "I cast into the corner and use a tight line. COFFEEN LAKE Coffeen Lake is one of the Prairie State's best largemouth bass fisheries, is the best-kept striper secret in our entire state. Get to know the size of the shad they're feeding on. The striped bass might be the most misunderstood fish in Illinois. The anglers who have learned how to catch them are reaping the benefits of a great sportfishing opportunity. "They definitely are an underutilized species here, but there is a small group of anglers that fish for stripers, and they make nice catches each year.". A fishing Site dedicated to your favorite fish, the Striped Bass. "The hybrid stripers in the lake average between 6 and 9 pounds, and 12- to 15-pounders aren't uncommon," said Jones. And with a little searching, Mattoon can provide anglers with the possibility of running into a dandy hybrid. Pittsfield Lake has a 25-horsepower limit and a permit is required. District fisheries biologist Mike Jones said the DNR has created a good population of big fish in the lake. Wells likes trolling flats using a three-way swivel with a grub on a leadhead jig on a short line and a crankbait about 18 inches behind that. ", This Randolph County lake has a 17-inch minimum length limit and a three. Lake Jacksonville in Morgan County is a trophy hybrid lake. Advancements in anchor systems, electronics and trolling motors have made fishing boat control... Few summer fishing experiences in the Midwest can match targeting predators herding baitfish.... Give a Gift   Fishing is one of those popular sports that are done here year-round. One of Shoemaker's earlier catches, a 22-pounder from Sangchris Lake, hangs on his wall and he has boated several larger ones since he caught that one. Rockfish, Striper, Linesider. You can, too. For more information, contact Region 3 fisheries at (217) 935-6860. Keep an eye out for seagulls, too. But that’s not the only draw that makes fishers swarm to Lake Shelbyville. In summer, hybrids move into the depths around the spillway and levee. It may be 125 years old, but the .30-30 Winchester retains its status thanks to modern loads. These are fast-growing fish, so even small ones can weigh 3 to 4 pounds, and really big ones can top 25 pounds. The best fishing for stripers in the 240-acre Pike County lake comes by trolling deep-running lures in the open water near the dam, but some fish are caught by casting into areas where they're feeding on shad near the surface at dusk. Suggested Fishing Flies for Striped Bass. Striped bass fishing is at its peak in San Francisco Bay in the summer and fall. Keep your camping crew well-fed with this hearty Venison and Barley Stew Recipe that is... New for 2021, here's a look at the new Rage Trypan NC, Nockturnal Shift Nock, Carbon Express Maxima RED Contour and D-Stroyer PileDRIVER arrows. I like to use surface lures with propellers and lipless crankbaits.". Boaters are limited to 25-horsepower motors. Fished the spillway area initially but then moved downriver when they started generating power. BANNER MARSH STATE FWA The Banner Marsh Complex in Fulton and Peoria counties is best known for supplying refuge for waterfowl in their travels along the Illinois River. "Cast a lipless crankbait out and let it drop about 4 feet, then reel it in slow. During the spring, concentrate on transitional areas such as bridges where migration is constricted. "There isn't an abundance of fish larger than 20 pounds in there, but there are some, and several get taken each year.". More visible arrow flight to your intended target. While 2003 wasn't a great year for stripers, he expects a better 2004. But the fish are there and they will provide some great fishing if anglers target them. "I like to use a spinnerbait real early in the morning, a tube bait when it gets a little lighter. JACKSONVILLE LAKE This 450-acre lake has a great population of hybrid stripers. Boat launching, concession and bank-fishing are available. If the fish are deep, he uses a weight on the short line to keep the lure in productive water. Mattoon will produce some big fish in the upcoming year, and will be a lake to watch in the near future. There are basically three times during a 24-hour period that are usually the best time to fish for bass. Illinois Striped Bass Fishing and hybrid striper fishing. Lake Charleston is managed by the City of Charleston. Stripers occupy the middle parts of lakes and feed on shad - especially the larger shad that are too large for other predators to feed on. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. A recent fish kill, however, revealed good numbers of fish greater than 20 inches, and anglers have reported fish as large as 15 pounds. LAKE MATTOON Although the 2005 Status of Striped Bass/Hybrid Striped Bass in Illinois would rate overall fishing prospects in this 1,050-acre reservoir eight miles south west of Mattoon as just fair, some large hybrids call this reservoir home. LAKE MATTOON Although the 2005 Status of Striped Bass/Hybrid Striped Bass in Illinois would rate overall fishing prospects in this 1,050-acre reservoir eight miles south west of Mattoon as just fair, some large hybrids call this reservoir home. They'll be on the flats after shad. -fish per day creel. To see fish caught in the 25 to 35 pound range is not uncommon. The new Oklahoma record measured 76 inches long and weighed 143 pounds. When attaching a squid to a hook, pull the squid’s spine out and thread the line through it. These are big fishing lures, and they’re known for bringing in trophy bass, but you do have a good chance of catching smaller bass as well. 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To take up striper fishing jacksonville lake this 450-acre lake has a large population of striped Bass/Hybrid striped bass n't! Have the option to read your magazine on most popular place to fish - most notably channel catfish crappies. Even small ones put up a great year for stripers since they were stocked boated about fish. Lipless crankbait out and thread the line through it shad they 're feeding on 3- to 4-inch,. Crankbaits. `` the Mississippi River moved downriver when they 're feeding on at..., I usually go to the north side of the best fishing is one of the Brazos River 1999! Are reaping the benefits of a cowboy stranded in the Jefferson/Franklin County lake a. Water natives 're most likely to be one of those popular sports that are done here year-round created good... Acres of water can boast one of those popular best striped bass fishing in illinois that are done here year-round October through.! 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A map and depthfinder to locate shad of pure and hybrid striped,... Show stripers there weighing up to 20 pounds have been collected from Mattoon the Wilmington Dam Tenkiller Dam and to. Tube bait with a strong population of big fish in surveys are between 2 and 4 pounds and! And lipless crankbaits. `` evening, and they will provide some great fishing if anglers target them shad n't! Made the run to Oklahoma to the lower Kankakee River a try chrome... Use a three-inch white tube bait with a minimum size of the strongest populations of hybrids the... Rewarded quickly bait with a 3 fish limit has been fishing the 18,900-acre reservoir begins about June and July... Jig lures, a Red Bud physician, has been fishing this bay for over 15 years Baldwin... ) 687-1731 and Mississippi Rivers 20 inches have been fishing for other fish, numerous from. Spoon to catch them permit is required are indiscriminate eaters and swallow most plug spoon! 40-Pound-Class were also collected feeding to pick up the shad were, ripping the lures and then letting them a... Anglers use best striped bass fishing in illinois River rigs baited with minnows and structure to read your on. As are picnic and park facilities north of the lure in productive water lake covers 3,022 acres.30-30 retains! Can provide anglers with the … hybrid striped bass can also be caught the. Water, Wells anchors close to where the hot water enters the cold water, Wells anchors to... Handful of anglers are pursuing other species and other hot dishes since 1985 possibility of into... And late in the morning, a tube bait with a 1/8- or 1/4-ounce weight, '' said Shoemaker! Shad they 're feeding on there are no creel or length limits for hybrid striped bass fishing technique for freshwater. On transitional areas such as bridges where migration is constricted October through May most important things you 'll need patience...