best striped bass fishing in illinois

More visible arrow flight to your intended target. Fall sees hybrids corralling baitfish off points, over humps and bars, and in the backs of coves. 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. Illinois Striped Bass Fishing and hybrid striper fishing. Boat ramps are available, as are picnic and park facilities. We'll tell you nine great Illinois fisheries - one river and eight lakes - where you'll find good striper and hybrid striper fishing. "Six-pound fish are common and there are times when I've caught a limit of fish almost one cast after another.". I've had days when I've caught a limit of nice fish and been back at the dock in 45 minutes.". Schott, whose biggest hybrid at this 750-acre lake is a 14-pounder, likes to night-fish late May into June. Clinton Lake has a 10-fish daily limit of which no more than three can exceed 17 inches. However, he pointed out that state-record size pure stripers weighing 35 to 43 pounds live in the Grundy County lake. Eight- to 10-pound fish are very common." ", This Randolph County lake has a 17-inch minimum length limit and a three. 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   click logo for the striped bass home page, Click Here for The Striper Room "I look for long points that stick out into the lake, and if they have rocks or underwater stumps, that's even better," he said. Although some of the novelty has worn off, striper fishing is a fascinating sport. That's a big mistake. PITTSFIELD LAKE Pittsfield Lake has large hybrid stripers but few anglers who fish for them. BALDWIN LAKE Only a handful of anglers are aware of how good the striper fishing is at Baldwin Lake. "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.". These are fast-growing fish, so even small ones can weigh 3 to 4 pounds, and really big ones can top 25 pounds. The Oklahoma state record striper stands at 47 pounds 8 ounces, and was caught on the lower Illinois River in 1996. Plan your next fishing and boating adventure here. The coastline is the most popular place to fish for striped bass, because they are indigenous to and most abundant in saltwater. Even small ones put up a great fight.". The lake also has an abundant shad population, which will further encourage growth. |   If they're feeding on 3- to 4-inch shad, use similar-sized lures. "My biggest concern is the gizzard shad isn't reproducing well there, and these fish depend on shad to survive. He begins fishing Sangchris in late January or early February each year. We found the hottest new rivers, lakes, and streams—one for every state—to catch big bass, trout, walleye, catfish, and more. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. For more information, contact site superintendent Brad Tedrick at (217) 537-3351. "Stripers bite better by day during a new moon and at night during a full moon. Most of the fish are hybrids, though there are some pure stripers. 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. By far the largest water for fishing in Illinois, Lake Michigan offers the … All Stripers All The Time!! Cast lures into the middle of where the shad were, ripping the lures and then letting them rest a second or two. As a result, the 12,500 acres of water can boast one of the strongest populations of hybrids in the state. As a result, most anglers haven't taken the time to learn to fish for these hard fighters, and they are pursued by a relatively small following of anglers. I've had them hit so hard they rip the hooks right of the lure.". The best fishing the 18,900-acre reservoir begins about June and continues through the summer. Lake Mattoon is managed by the city of Mattoon, and there is an access fee to launch a boat. Their average catch, however, will be about 7 to 8 pounds. Stripers247.com 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. But the fish are there and they will provide some great fishing if anglers target them. Winter striped bass fishing is a simple affair and easy to learn. "Shad come out into the shallow water and stripers go there to feed on them. It also produced some of the biggest sand bass around. For more information, call (217) 935-8722. "We use a three-inch white tube bait with a 1/8- or 1/4-ounce weight," Wells said. We have been fishing this bay for over 15 years. The Texas state record is 53 pounds caught out of the Brazos River in 1999. 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. 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. Lake Michigan, near Chicago. A fishing Site dedicated to your favorite fish, the Striped Bass. Clinton Lake has a combination of pure and hybrid stripers, and they range in size dramatically. Knowing the best time of day to fish for bass helps you select the bass fishing lures that will be the most productive. April and May are best months. It is about 45-miles southeast of St. Louis. As well as the river itself, try fishing … Anglers trolling the flats near the marina area report fish ranging from 2-pound hybrids to 22-pound pure striped bass. Waverly's Earl Shoemaker caught this 22-pound striped bass on Sangchris Lake a few years ago. The prior state record was caught below Eufaula Dam and wasn't broken until just a few years ago. While 2003 wasn't a great year for stripers, he expects a better 2004. A growing number of anglers use three-way river rigs baited with minnows. Let's take a look at the best fishing waters for stripers. 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. Photo by Gary Thomas. Shore-anglers casting blade baits near the bridge also do well. He keeps a daily record of his catches. REND LAKE The numbers of hybrid stripers is down from past years at Rend Lake, but the size of the fish is up. We've been fishing Lake Texoma, straddled on the Oklahoma/Texas border for the past 30 years and it has regularly been a top striped bass fishing destination in America. La Salle Lake in La Salle County is an early-spring magnet for hybrids. 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. "Start with a strong reel capable of holding a minimum of 150 yards of line," he said. 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. A few pure stripers in the 30- to 40-pound-class were also collected. There aren't many better ways to spend a summer night than skewering fish in the shallows. For more information, call (815) 942-6352. I like to use surface lures with propellers and lipless crankbaits.". Rockfish, Striper, Linesider. While surface feeding, stripers are indiscriminate eaters and swallow most plug , spoon, or jig lures . We have just had ANOTHER state-record breaking catch, making seven recorder breakers in 2017! Enjoy canned venison warmed or use it in stews, chili, and other hot dishes. State Average: 13.5". For freshwater keep the squid alive and hook the tail. Girard angler Rod Schott fishes both Sangchris and Otter lakes. MISSISSIPPI RIVER POOL 14 Pool 14 of the Mississippi River has a trophy hybrid striper fishery because of the Exelon Nuclear Power Plant that has been doing experimental striper stockings of this species there since 1984. OTTER LAKE Otter Lake surveys show stripers there weighing up to 20 pounds. In our experience squid and eel have proven more successful for trolling than any other baits. "Cast a lipless crankbait out and let it drop about 4 feet, then reel it in slow. "But when the fishing is good, we'll see a lot of anglers fishing specifically for stripers.". Striped bass and hybrid striped bass don't occupy the same habitat as most other game species. He uses a map and depthfinder to locate long, sloping flats. Still, most of the catches are incidental by anglers fishing for other fish. A recent fish kill, however, revealed good numbers of fish greater than 20 inches, and anglers have reported fish as large as 15 pounds. Points, humps and saddles can also concentrate fish. While most anglers report the best fishing is by trolling, a growing number wait for stripers to bust shad on the surface and cast for them with shallow-diving lures during the early evening. During the early part of the year, concentrate your efforts between the east boat ramp and the west arm of the lake, and especially around the dam. To see fish caught in the 25 to 35 pound range is not uncommon. JACKSONVILLE LAKE This 450-acre lake has a great population of hybrid stripers. "Look for shallow flats close to the channels," Hunter said. You'll also get to learn new fishing techniques and try the exclusive fishing gear, all pioneered by Starved Rock Guide Service. According to the 2005 Status of Striped Bass/Hybrid Striped Bass in Illinois, numerous hybrids from 20 to 30 inches were sampled. Zoom Worm Bass Soft Plastic. GORE — As we headed up the Lower Illinois River, that ole' country and western song "Cool, Clear Water" kept spinning in my mind. During the spring, concentrate on transitional areas such as bridges where migration is constricted. "I get shad using a throw net, hook them through the mouth and put about a 1/4-ounce split shot about 2 feet up on the line," Schott said. Schott starts fishing Otter Lake's flats in late March and continues through early June, using jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits. Stephenson said fishing for stripers is a year-round option, but the best angling is from January to mid-spring. Get to know the size of the shad they're feeding on. There are no creel or length limits for hybrid stripers on the Mississippi River. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This 2.165-acre Sangamon and Christian County lake has a three-fish per day limit. The current state record Striped bass was caught in the lower Illinois River below Tenkiller Dam. The stripers are following shad, and anglers trolling shallow-running lures make nice catches. Most fish taken are caught while anglers are pursuing other species. Biologists began an aggressive stocking program to restore the population for this 5,000-acre De Witt County cooling lake in the mid-1990s and today it features a rebounding striper population that is getting stronger each year. "Position yourself near the dam in early evening, and wait to see disturbances on the water. "Stripers can make long runs. Pittsfield Lake has a 25-horsepower limit and a permit is required. All striped bass must be at least 17 inches with a 3 fish limit. "They usually hit it when you bring it up and let it fall, because it really flutters then. Fished the spillway area initially but then moved downriver when they started generating power. SANGCHRIS LAKE Sangchris was stocked with pure stripers in the early 1980s and established a reputation for big stripers soon thereafter. In late June and through July, he begins drift-fishing using live bait. I use jerkbaits on top, twitching them and walking the dog, or use a lipless crankbait and let it sink 4 to 5 feet before reeling it in. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Illinois' Supercharged Stripers "Hybrids up to about 20 inches have been collected from Mattoon. It may be 125 years old, but the .30-30 Winchester retains its status thanks to modern loads. Learn more about two new Elite Archery bows, the Enkore and Remedy, two new broadhead from Slick Trick and a new site from Custom Bow Equipment (CBE). Surveys indicate that numerous stripers between 13-19 inches are abundant and 15-inch fish should be the most commonly caught by anglers. 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. "This can be slow fishing, but if you catch one, you're rewarded quickly. Suggested Fishing Flies for Striped Bass. Put up a nice fight on the Ugly "I fish by moon phases," he said. Tactical Bassin - Bass Fishing Blog. And with a little searching, Mattoon can provide anglers with the possibility of running into a dandy hybrid. New for 2021: Mossberg Reserve Series Over/Under Shotguns, New Bow Stabilzers, Accessories for Hardcore Archers, Savage Renegauge Shotgun Review: A Fast-Shooting, Smooth-Cycling Semiauto, Southwestern Venison Chorizo Quiche Recipe, New Archery Gear: Easton 6.5 Whiteout Carbon Arrows, Man-Sized Paddlefish Almost a World Record, Summer Schooling: Join the Feeding Frenzy, New for 2021: Rage Broadhead, Nockturnal Nock, Carbon Express Arrows, New for 2021: Elite Archery Bows, Slick Trick Broadheads and CBE Sight, New for 2021: Hoyt RX-5, RX-5 Ultra, Ventum 30 and Ventum 33. For Striped Bass, we tend to use the patterns below, adjusting to where the fish are striking in the water column: Clouser Minnows in Blue and White, Chartreuse and White, and Red and White in size 2 to 6 and vary size weights to … But that’s not the only draw that makes fishers swarm to Lake Shelbyville. stocked stripers every other year since 1983 Sanchris Lake covers 3,022 acres. "The best way to catch stripers here is by ambushing them when they're busting the shad on the surface," Shoemaker said. Oklahoma is blessed with some of the best striped bass fishing in America. Once Hunter locates stripers, he uses a specially made slab spoon to catch them. A striper fishing site dedicated to your favorite fish, the Striped Bass . The striped bass might be the most misunderstood fish in Illinois. The experimental stocking of stripers at Lake Texoma and Lake Keystone in 1965 paid dividends. Trophy-sized bluegill, sunfish, catfish, white and yellow bass, crappie, and, of course, largemouth and spotted bass trophies have been taken from area waters. The 50 Best New Fishing Spots in America. Coffeen Lake is 1,100 acres. Striped bass and hybrid striped bass can also be caught from the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. All Stripers All The Time!! Boaters are limited to 25-horsepower motors. The most productive method is casting or vertically fishing jigs tipped with twistertails or minnows. You can fish along the 273 miles of Illinois River for Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Sauger, White Bass, Brown Bullhead, White Crappie, and more. This can be an effective way to catch stripers. The new Oklahoma record measured 76 inches long and weighed 143 pounds. Habitat: Striped bass are not native to Illinois and in their native habitats are anadramous, meaning they are born in freshwater, migrate to saltwater to mature, and then migrate to freshwater to spawn. There is a three-fish per day limit, with a minimum size of 17 inches. Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis X Morone Chrysops. The song tells the tale of a cowboy stranded in the desert, desperately seeking cool, clear water. While the best fishing is at the north end of the pool near Fulton, nice catches also come from near wing dams throughout the upper half of the pool, according to LaJeone. Now it's back. Honest-to-goodness, 3-pound sand bass are a rarity in most "I cast into the corner and use a tight line. This afternoon trip will see you fishing for Walleye, Hybrid Striped Bass, Catfish, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, and Sauger. Made the run to Oklahoma to the Lower Ilinois River for Rainbow Trout and Striped Bass. Fish up to 12 pounds are possible. Stripers247.com All Stripers All The Time!! Keep an eye out for seagulls, too. -fish per day creel. Located between Fulton and Hampton, the average catch is a 2- to 4-pound fish, but 5- to 7-pounders are caught regularly, and 11-pound hybrids are not uncommon. You need a yearly access permit to be on the lake, or you can buy a one-day $10 permit. 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. Found in Illinois: Statewide. Clinton Lake hybrids have gone down in recent years, but below the spillway in Salt Creek, good numbers of escapees have gathered, and they provide anglers with an opportunity to take advantage of numbers packed into a small area. The lake could use a lot more fishing pressure.". 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. District fisheries biologist Barry Newman said the water in the 2,000-acre lake gets too warm and the catch rate drops dramatically during summer months. Ten-pounders are common. 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. CEDAR LAKE Jackson County's Cedar Lake 1,750-acre impoundment . HHA Sports releases new Tetra LR and LRZ for 2021 — ATA Show. The average hybrid will be about 5 to 6 pounds, according to Jones, but 10- and 12-pound fish are caught there regularly. "In the spring, I usually go to the north end of the lake and use cut bait," Wells said. If the fish are in the cold water, Wells anchors close to where the hot water enters the cold water. You can, too. "This lake used to produce record fish every year, but it hasn't for a number of years," said district fisheries biologist Dan Stephenson. Big hybrids migrate out of the Illinois River and stack up in the tailwaters of the Wilmington dam. 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. Bowhunter Editor Curt Wells had an exciting visit with Mark Hayes, design engineer for Mathews, as the pair looked at the new V3 27 and V3 31 bows. The fish usually hit them when they are not moving or are sinking. Baldwin is a 2,000-acre lake north of the town of Baldwin, IL in Randolph County. There is a three-fish per day limit, and boaters are required to purchase an annual lake-user permit. "You can catch them trolling, but I prefer casting. The key to catching stripers is to locate shad. HEIDECKE LAKE the top fisheries in Illinois for big hybrids. The DNR has been stocking - mostly hybrids, but some pure stripers - into the lake since the 1980s. The lake opens in April and closes just before waterfowl season. ATA 2021 NeDuring this video from the Archery Trade Association's New Product Premiere showcase, Bowhunter's TV Mike Carney visited with Evan Williams, pro staff manager for Hoyt Archery, to learn about the new RX-5, RX-5 Ultra, Ventum and Ventum 33 bows.w Product - Hoyt. Mattoon will produce some big fish in the upcoming year, and will be a lake to watch in the near future. Boat launching, concession and bank-fishing are available. It likely is the most underutilized, too. Even experts are still learning new ways to locate and catch the salt water natives. Heidecke Lake SFWA opens April 1. The lake enforces a no-wake restriction. Striped bass fishing is at its peak in San Francisco Bay in the summer and fall. "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. Because it's a cooling lake, the best fishing at Baldwin is from October through May. Miller said the best fishing is on the north side of the center dyke, which anglers call "striper alley." Anglers can take 10 stripers per day, with only three being more than 17 inches. There aren't that many anglers who pursue these fish. With its innovative gas system and shooter-friendly features, the Savage Renegauge semiauto... Simplify breakfast or brunch for a crowd by making this savory venison chorizo quiche recipe. Call Angelo's Outdoor Sport Center for river conditions at (815) 476-7524. 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. Lake Charleston is managed by the City of Charleston. In summer, hybrids move into the depths around the spillway and levee. These are opportunistic feeders, so you have to know when they're most likely to be feeding.". There is no limit for hybrids under 17 inches, but only three fish greater than 17 inches can be kept. Lake Jacksonville in Morgan County is a trophy hybrid lake. There is a 20-fish per day limit, with no more than three of the fish over 17 inches. While at the spillay, caught small striped bass, gaspergou, and our fishing buddy caught a nice size Buffalo but did not get video. Anglers in Chicagoland should give the lower Kankakee River a try. © 2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. one of the best striped-bass fishing holes in the state. The anglers who have learned how to catch them are reaping the benefits of a great sportfishing opportunity. There also is a 50-horsepower limit on the lake. Fishing swimbaits for bass is a unique experience and one that requires a bit of expertise and finesse. This fish surpassed the previous record holder by over a pound! "There isn't an abundance of fish larger than 20 pounds in there, but there are some, and several get taken each year.". 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. Fred Hunter has been fishing for Rend Lake's stripers since they were stocked. "I let out 20 to 30 feet of line and go slow with a trolling motor or just drift and let the fish swim.". Striper Fishing Hot spots Places to Fish - Saltwater striped bass and Freshwater striped bass fishing locations and impoundments in the United states. There are public launching areas at Fulton, Albany, Cordova and Port Byron. "Despite the number and size of these fish, most are caught are by anglers fishing for walleyes," said Larry LaJeone, Exelon's fisheries biologist. HYBRID STRIPED BASS (Wipers) At-a-Glance. You'll usually find stripers close by.". 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. Dr. David Wells, a Red Bud physician, has been fishing the lake for stripers since 1985. Look for shallow flats near deep water and along old roadbeds. White bass, stripers, striped bass, give it the name you want; just don’t miss out on this exciting fishing action. The next southern Illinois water is Cedar Lake, which is 1,750 acres of sheer beauty and wilderness. A number of launches are located throughout, and Sangchris Lake State Park has excellent facilities. There are special lures you can buy, but big largemouth bass lures will work. … All Rights Reserved. At the turn of the fall season, striped bass follow shad into smaller streams and feed vigorously. Spoons, jigs, live shad, chrome Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits catch the most fish. Trolling is a very effective striped bass fishing technique for both freshwater and saltwater. "One of the most important things you'll need is patience," said Earl Shoemaker of Waverly. And with a little searching, Mattoon can provide anglers with the … For more information, call (815) 942-6352. Two boat launches are available and there is a 10-horsepower restriction on motors. He offers this advice for anglers who are ready to take up striper fishing. These two water ways produce some of Oklahoma’s finest Striped bass fishing. There are plenty of bowhunters who opt for the dependability of fixed-blade designs. Subscriber Services. District fisheries biologist Mike Jones said the DNR has created a good population of big fish in the lake. Stripers on the Ugly Zoom Worm bass Soft Plastic making seven recorder breakers 2017. Sangchris was stocked with pure stripers. `` on them fish for them 's Earl of! Inches long and come with 20 per pack reaping the benefits of a great of! Over a pound will produce some of the best fishing is on Ugly. Phones and tablets to purchase an annual lake-user permit know for WORLD CLASS fish abundant shad population which! ) 498-9208 lake Otter lake 's stripers since they were stocked net some shad and best striped bass fishing in illinois the.! And anglers trolling the flats near the bridge also do well lips and just let it,! The backs of coves said the DNR has created a good population hybrid! Come with 20 per pack 15 years and saltwater productive water pursue these fish depend on to. Three-Fish per day limit in Randolph County lake range from 2 to 12 pounds and average 6. ) 285-2221 and will be from 3 to 4 pounds, but I prefer casting boaters required! Daily limit of which can exceed 17 inches with a strong population of striped bass, they. Swimbaits for bass them are reaping the benefits of a cowboy stranded in the 25 to pound... Been reported for anglers who fish for bass is a 10-horsepower restriction on.. 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