Fishing in Illinois

Illinois offers great fishing opportunities for all anglers with more than 1.6 million acres of surface water, including Lake Michigan. Find places where to go fishing in Illinois, fishing hot spots and more information.

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Top Fishing Spots in Illinois

Middle Fork River
Kickapoo State Recreation Area is one fishing destination that isn't to be missed. Campgrounds, trails, scuba diving and more make this an all-in-one family getaway.
Mud Lake West
Fish for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and more in three natural lakes.
Johnson Sauk Trail Lake
This Park has a 58-acre lake with excellent populations of largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish and bullhead.
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Common Catches in Illinois

Walleye
Walleye
The walleye is a wide-ranging, North American species that occurs virtually everywhere on the mainland.
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Salmon
The value of the Atlantic salmon both as a sport, commercial, and food fish cannot be exaggerated.
Muskellunge
Muskellunge
It was once believed that there were at least four species of muskellunge, but these varieties are now considered to be one species
White Bass
White Bass
They are an excellent light tackle fish that will take a bait or lure readily.
Brown Trout
Brown Trout
The brown trout is one of the world’s most widely distributed and highly esteemed freshwater fish.
Lake Trout
Lake Trout
The lake trout has considerable value both as a sport fish and a food fish.

Illinois Fishing Tips And Information

Tips & Tricks on How to Ice Fish

How to Ice Fish

This is a cold weather fishing method where anglers go fishing during the winter months.

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How to Fly Fish: A Beginner's Guide

How to Fly Fish

This unique entry among fishing methods is easy to learn. Learn how to start fly fishing.

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Lakes & Ponds for Freshwater Fishing

Fishing Lakes and Ponds

Learn the importance of structures for the best freshwater fishing in lakes and ponds.

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