Illinois is an incredible place to explore if you love fishing for bass. With its abundance of lakes and rivers, the state offers outstanding opportunities to catch some of the best-tasting freshwater fish around – from largemouths to spotted bass and more! In this blog post, we’ll take a look at where you should go in Illinois to find the perfect spot to cast off your line. We’ll also discuss what gear you need as well as tips for finding success! Read on if you’re ready to catch some monster bass in one of America’s most beautiful states.
Best Bass Fishing Locations in Illinois: A Closer Look
Illinois offers some fantastic bass fishing opportunities for anglers. Here are some of the best bass fishing locations in the state, along with more details about each spot and a list of fish species commonly found there.
Lake Shelbyville
Lake Shelbyville is a large reservoir located in central Illinois, spanning over 11,000 acres. It was created in 1970 by damming the Kaskaskia River. The lake is known for its abundant aquatic vegetation and numerous submerged structures, making it an ideal habitat for bass and other fish species. With over 172 miles of shoreline, anglers have plenty of room to explore and find their favorite fishing spots. Notable fishing areas include Whitley Creek, Wolf Creek, and the West Okaw River.
Fish species commonly found in Lake Shelbyville:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Catfish
Rend Lake
Rend Lake is a massive 18,900-acre reservoir located in southern Illinois. It was created in 1962 by impounding the Big Muddy River. The lake has a diverse habitat, including shallow flats, deep channels, and submerged timber, providing excellent opportunities for bass anglers. Rend Lake is known for its high-quality bass fishing tournaments and is home to several marinas and fishing piers. Some of the top fishing spots on the lake include Sailboat Harbor, South Sandusky Cove, and Turner Lake.
Fish species commonly found in Rend Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Channel Catfish - Flathead Catfish
Lake Springfield
Lake Springfield is a 4,234-acre reservoir located in central Illinois near the city of Springfield. It was built in 1935 for a power plant’s cooling water supply and as a drinking water source for the city. The lake features a mix of rocky and weedy areas, providing perfect cover for bass. Anglers can access multiple boat ramps and fishing piers around the lake. Some popular fishing spots include Spaulding Dam, Lake Park, and Sugar Creek.
Fish species commonly found in Lake Springfield:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Channel Catfish
Clinton Lake
Clinton Lake is a 4,900-acre reservoir located in central Illinois. It was created in 1977 by damming the Salt Creek to provide cooling water for the Clinton Nuclear Generating Station. The lake has various depths and structures, including flooded timber, points, and underwater humps, making it a great location for bass fishing. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers excellent facilities for anglers, including boat ramps, fishing piers, and shoreline fishing access. Top fishing spots on the lake include Mascoutin Recreation Area, Salt Creek, and DeWitt Bridge.
Fish species commonly found in Clinton Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Channel Catfish - Walleye
Kinkaid Lake
Kinkaid Lake is a 2,750-acre reservoir located in southern Illinois. It was constructed in 1968 by impounding the Little Muddy River. The lake’s diverse habitat includes rocky points, drop-offs, and submerged timber, offering excellent opportunities for bass anglers. Kinkaid Lake is surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, providing a scenic backdrop for fishing. Anglers can find good bass fishing around Johnson Creek, Paul Ice Recreation Area, and LaRue Pine Hills.
Fish species commonly found in Kinkaid Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Spotted Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Channel Catfish - Muskie
Fox Chain O’Lakes
Fox Chain O’Lakes is a collection of 15 connected lakes in northeastern Illinois, spanning more than 7,100 acres. These lakes were formed by the retreat of the Wisconsin Glacier and are fed by the Fox River. The interconnected lakes provide a diverse range of fishing experiences with various depths, structures, and vegetation. Some popular lakes for bass fishing within the chain include Grass Lake, Pistakee Lake, and Channel Lake.
Fish species commonly found in Fox Chain O’Lakes:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Walleye - Northern Pike - Muskie - Crappie - Bluegill
Evergreen Lake
Evergreen Lake is a 925-acre reservoir located in central Illinois, near the town of Hudson. It was created in 1971 by damming Six Mile Creek for flood control and water supply. The lake has an average depth of 19 feet and features submerged timber, rocky points, and underwater humps, providing excellent habitat for bass. Popular fishing spots on Evergreen Lake include Deer Island, White Oak Park, and the Six Mile Creek area.
Fish species commonly found in Evergreen Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Walleye - Crappie - Bluegill - Channel Catfish
Newton Lake
Newton Lake is a 1,775-acre reservoir located in southeastern Illinois. It was constructed in 1977 to provide cooling water for a power plant. The lake is known for its warm water, which allows for a longer growing season and larger fish. Newton Lake features a mix of shallow flats, deep channels, and submerged timber, making it an ideal spot for bass fishing. Key fishing areas include the north end near the dam, the west side near the power plant, and the south end’s various coves.
Fish species commonly found in Newton Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Channel Catfish - White Bass
Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake is a 1,750-acre reservoir located in southern Illinois, within the Shawnee National Forest. The lake was created in 1974 by impounding Cedar Creek for flood control, water supply, and recreation purposes. Cedar Lake offers an array of fishing opportunities with its steep, rocky shorelines, submerged timber, and deep channels. Popular fishing spots on the lake include Pomona Landing, Cove Hollow, and Little Cedar Creek.
Fish species commonly found in Cedar Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Spotted Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Channel Catfish
Lake Jacksonville
Lake Jacksonville is a 476-acre reservoir located in west-central Illinois, near the city of Jacksonville. It was built in 1956 for water supply and recreation purposes. The lake features a combination of shallow flats, deep channels, and aquatic vegetation, providing excellent habitat for bass and other fish species. Anglers can access Lake Jacksonville through several boat ramps and shoreline fishing areas. Top fishing spots include the dam, the Mauvaisterre Creek channel, and the numerous coves and points around the lake.
Fish species commonly found in Lake Jacksonville:
- Largemouth Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Channel Catfish - White Bass
When it comes to great bass fishing, Illinois has it all. Whether you’re an avid fisherman or a weekend hobbyist, there are many spots throughout the state where you can find the perfect catch of largemouth and smallmouth bass. From beautiful lakes to bountiful rivers you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing fishing experience surrounded by nature.
Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations before packing your tackle box and heading out to one of these top spots in Illinois for bass fishing. So what are you waiting for? Put on your waders and find that freshwater paradise! If this article was just barely enough to satisfy your angler’s curiosity, fear not – we’ve got plenty more tips up our sleeve. Be sure to read our other articles for more information on the hottest bass fishing locations!