2008 FISHING PROSPECTS

Larry's Fishing Hole
FISHING PROSPECTS
Best Fishing Prospects Within about 110 Mile Radius of Central Illinois.
Check at Lakes for specific regulations, creel & size limits.
For a complete list, see IDNR Fishing Information Booklet
or Contact us for additional Illinois lake info.
** These Lakes are our picks.
Larry´s Fishing Hole of Central Illinois

BLUEGILLS Best baits are small hair jigs, wax worms, crickets or night crawlers State Record 3 lb./ 8 oz. Dark spot on Gill has margin of Red or Orange REDEAR SUNFISH Best baits are crickets, red or wax worms & night crawlers State Record 2 lb./ 12.3 oz.
	Beaver Dam Lake - 57 acres - 6 mi. SW of Carlinville Best May - Oct. around shoreline & fish cribs
	Dawson Lake - 158 acres - 4 mi. N of LeRoy Best May - Sept. around weed beds and backs of coves. Also REDEAR SUNFISH Best May - Oct. around spawn beds & edges of weed beds
	Johnson Sauk Trail - 58 acres - 4 mi. S of Annawan Best for REDEAR SUNFISH Best during June - Sept. along entire shoreline.
	Hennepin Canal - 926 acres Try May - June along shoreline in Bureau, Henry & Whiteside Cos.
	Hennepin-Hopper Lake - 1200 acres - 2 mi. S of Hennepin During May around brushy areas.
	Lake Bloomington - 635 acres - 10 mi. N of Bloomington Best during May - Aug. along shoreline, weed beds & spawn beds There is an 8 inch Minimum...
	LaSalle Lake - 2,035 acres - 3 mi. S of Seneca Best April - May around shoreline
	Ramsey Lake - 56 acres - 3 mi. N of Ramsey Best May - June on spawn beds Also REDEAR SUNFISH May-June on spawn beds
	Siloam Springs - 58 acres ** - 3 mi. SW of Kellerville Try May - June in back of small coves Also REDEAR SUNFISH May-June in N & E arms of lake.
	Virginia City Reservoir - 18 acres - 1 mi. N of Virginia Best for REDEAR SUNFISH - Best during May - June around stickups & deep coves
	Weldon Springs Lake - 29 acres - 2 mi. E of Clinton Best June - Aug. near Weed Beds and Christmas trees Also REDEAR SUNFISH June-Sept. Edges of weed beds & dropoffs.

Square Tail Fin BULLHEADS Best baits are worms, crayfish, night crawlers, cut baits or dip baits State Record Brown Bullhead 2 lb./ 10.4 oz.
	Anderson Lake - 1,364 acres - 8 mi. SW of Havana Best April - June around shoreline
	Rice Lake - 1383 acres ** - 4 mi. S of Banner Best April - June around shoreline
	Spring Lake North - 610 acres - 12 mi. S of Pekin A few during June - Aug. Around S shoreline
	Spring Lake South - 610 acres - 12 mi. S of Pekin Try April - Sept. Along turnouts on W shore
	Virginia City Reservoir - 18 acres - 1 mi. N of Virginia Best April - Sept around shoreline

CARP Best baits are night crawlers, sweet corn and prepared baits State Record 51 lb./ 0 oz.
	Canton Lake - 250 acres - 2 mi. E of Canton Best During May - Oct. around Submerged tree tops
	Carlyle Lake - 24,580 acres - NE of Carlyle Best During June - Sept. in Bays, shoreline areas & tailwaters
	Dawson Lake - 158 acres ** - 4 mi. N of LeRoy Best May - Sept. fish the shoreline and bays
	Evergreen Lake - 925 acres ** - 10 mi. N of Bloomington Best during May - Sept. around shoreline and bays
	Hennepin Canal - 926 acres Try June - Aug. from shoreline & near snags in Bureau, Henry & Whiteside Cos.
	Lake Charleston-Side Channel - 346 acres - 2 mi. SE of Charleston Best During April - Oct. in Entire Lake
	Lake Decatur - 3,093 acres - in Decatur Best during May - Oct. along Rip-rap, fallen trees and brush
	Lake Sara - 586 acres - 5 mi. NW of Effingham Best During April - Oct. around shoreline
	Mississippi River Pool 21 - N of Quincy Best during April - Oct. in the Canton Chute
	Schuy-Rush Lake ** - SW of Rushville Best during June - Aug. in upper end of lake
	Siloam Spring - 58 acres - 3 mi. SW of Kellerville Try May - Oct. in North end of Lake

Forked Tail Fin CHANNEL CATFISH Best baits are cut baits, shad, chicken livers, shrimp, night crawlers and stink baits State Record 45 lb./ 4 oz. Square Tail Fin & Lower Jaw Protrudes FLATHEAD Best baits are live baits - crawdads, minnows, sunfish & shad State Record 78 lb./ 0 oz. Anal Fin Margin Straight BLUE CATFISH Best baits are cut baits, large shad,crawdads, shrimp & dip baits State Record 124 lb./ 0 oz.
	Argyle Lake - 2 mi. N of Colchester Best During June - Sept. in Shallow bays at dusk or daylight
	Banner Marsh - 4 mi. NE of Banner on Rt. 24 Best during May - July in Shallow bays
	Beaver Dam Lake - 57 acres - 6 mi. SW of Carlinville Best July - Sept. Off peninsula & fish attractors
	Carlyle Lake - NE of Carlyle Best During May - Oct. near creek channels, bridges & tailwaters Also FLATHEADS June - Sept. around Rock rip-rap, channels & tailwaters
	Clinton Lake - 5,000 acres ** - 3 mi. E of Clinton Best during June - Aug. in N. Fork Arm, Parnell Access and 48 bridge area.
	Coffeen Lake - 1,100 acres - 1 mi. W of Coffeen Best during March - Oct. in weed beds, back of coves or shoreline.
	Dawson Lake - 158 acres ** - 4 mi. N of LeRoy Best during May - Oct. on Flats and points at night
	Evergreen Lake - 925 acres ** - 10 mi. N of Bloomington Best during June - Sept. near beach area to Upper end of Lake
	Gillespie New City Lake - 207 acres - 2 mi W of Gillespie on Rt. 16 Best May - Oct. Rip-rap, points & Bays
	Glen Shoals Lake - 1,200 acres - 1+ mi. N of Hillsboro Best during May - Oct. near rip-rap, points and bays
	Hennepin Canal & Feeders - 926 acres Try June - Sept. entire shoreline & near snags in Bureau, Henry & Whiteside Cos.
	Hennepin-Hopper Lake - 1200 acres - 2 mi. s of Hennepin During April & early May as lake re-opens around brushy areas.
	Homer Lake - 81 acres - 2 mi. NW of Homer Best during May - Oct. on flats & points
	Illinois River ** Best during July - Sept. in Peoria, Marshall and Woodford counties. Fish below grain loading areas, along barges, islands, and log jams Also FLATHEADS during June - Sept. along Channel, deep holes, tailwaters & mouth of Mackinaw River
	Jim Edgar Panther Cr SF&W - Cass Co. NE of Virginia Best during May - Oct. along shoreline at Gridley, Prairie & Drake Lakes
	Lake Bloomington - 635 acres - 10 mi. N of Bloomington Best during June - Sept. in Upper end of Lake
	Lake Charleston-Lower Channel - 58 acres - 2 mi. SE of Charleston Best During June - Aug. at North end
	Lake Charleston-Side Channel - 346 acres - 2 mi. SE of Charleston Best During June - Aug. in Entire Lake
	Lake Decatur - 3.093 acres - in Decatur Best during May - Sept. in entire Lake. Also FLATHEADS during June - Sept. around Rock rip-rap or brush
	Lake Jacksonville - 476 acres - 3 mi S of Jacksonville Best during June - Sept. along Shallow flats
	Lake Sara - 586 acres - 5 mi. NW of Effingham Best During May - Sept. in Upper lake, arms & along weed lines
	Lake Shelbyville - 11,100 acres - in Shelby & Moultrie Cos. Try May - Sept. in Kaskaskia River arm, shallow bays, timber, along rocks, along flats, submerged ridges and in the tailwaters.
	Lake Springfield - 4,234 acres ** - S edge of Springfield Best during May - Sept. in Entire Lake Also FLATHEADS May - Sept. shorelines near down trees
	Lake Storey - 133 acres - NW edge of Galesburg Best during June - Sept. on Points and in coves
	LaSalle Lake - 2,035 acres - 3 mi. S of Seneca Best April - Sept. in Entire Lake
	Mississippi River Pool 21 Best during July - Sept. in O'Dell Chute on log jams and stumps Also FLATHEADS at Lock & Dam 19 during May - Sept. in tailwater & deep holes
	Newton C.I.P.S. Lake - 1,750 acres ** - 8 mi SW of Newton OK year round in bays, near stick ups and rip-rap.
	Otter Lake - 765 acres - W of Girard Best During May - Oct. around rip-rap, points and bays
	Pittsfield Lake - 241 acres - 3 mi. NE of Pittsfield Best during July - Aug. around Brushy areas
	Powerton Lake - 1,426 acres ** - SW of Pekin Channel cats Best from late Dec.- Oct. In or near Discharge area in winter and near Intake during summer Also BLUE CATFISH April - May near warm water discharge And FLATHEADS can be Fair from early Feb. through March at warm water discharge
	Ramsey Lake - 56 acres - 3 mi. N of Ramsey Best June - Sept. in upper end of major coves.
	Sangchris Lake - 2,165 acres -14 mi. SE of Springfield Best from Spring to Fall in Shallow arms and East end
	Schuy-Rush Lake - 225 acres - 2 mi. SW of Rushville Best during July - Aug. in shallow bays and East end of lake
	Spoon River - in Fulton &: Knox Cos. Best during March, June - Aug. at upstream side of snags and brush piles Also FLATHEADS during June - Sept. in Deep holes
	Spring Lake South - 610 acres and Spring Lake North - 578 acres - 12 mi. S of Pekin Best during May - July along center leeve and west leeve turnouts (better fish in south lake)
	Virginia City Reservoir - 18 acres - 1 mi. N of Virginia Best during May - Sept. around Entire Lake
	Weldon Springs Lake - 29 acres - 2 mi. E of Clinton Best during May - Sept. on Flats at night

Black Crappie Notice Irregular Spots White Crappie Spots in Vertical Bars CRAPPIE Best baits are minnows, jigs and spinners State Record Black - 4 lb./ 8 oz. White - 4 lb./ 7 oz.
	Anderson Lake - 1,364 acrea - 8 mi. SW of Havana Fishing can be FAIR during Spring and Fall. Best around Fish Attractors.
	Banner Marsh -1,200 acres - 4 mi. NE of Banner on Rt. 24 Best during April - May. Around Submerged tree tops.
	Beaver Dam Lake - 57 acres - 6 mi. SW of Carlinville Best Spring & Fall in tree tops & fish attractors
	Canton Lake - 250 acres - 2 mi. E of Canton Smaller fish but Fair during April - May over Submerged Brush.
	Clinton Lake - 5,000 acres ** - 3 mi. E of Clinton Best during Spring, Fall or Ice conditions. Flooded brush, Timber or along rip-rap and North Fork area during ice.
	Coffeen Lake - 1,100 acres - 1 mi. W of Coffeen Best during Spring & Fall off points, drop-offs or submerged structures.
	Evergreen Lake - 925 acres ** - 10 mi. N of Bloomington Best during Spring & Fair in Fall off Points, attractors and brush piles.
	Lake Bloomington - 635 acres - 10 mi. N of Bloomington Best during Spring and Fall off Points or Tree tops.
	Lake Decatur - 3,093 acres - in Decatur Best during Spring and Fall, in Rock rip-rap, fallen trees and other cover.
	Lake Jacksonville - 476 acres - 3 mi S of Jacksonville Best during Spring and Fall around stickups
	Lake Lou Yaeger - 1,300 acres - 3 mi S of Jacksonville Best during Spring and Fall around Underwater structures & brush piles
	Lake Mattoon - 1,050 acres - S of Mattoon Best during Spring and Fall around Brush and along drop offs
	Lake Shelbyville - 11,100 acres ** - in Shelby & Moultrie Cos. Best during Spring and Fall near Brush, timber, rock rip-rap and in tailwaters.
	Lake Taylorville - 1,286 acres - SE of Taylorville Small Fish but Best during Spring and Fall. Try around Fallen trees.
	Lake Vermilion - 900 acres - in Danville Best Spring & Fall in fallen trees around island
	Mississippi River, Pool 18 - in Boston Bay area Best during April - Sept. along points & brush near Boston Bay
	Ramsey Lake - 56 acres - 3 mi. N of Ramsey Best Jan - Dec. in fish attractors, along deep shorelines & fallen trees.
	Siloam Spring - 58 acres - 3 mi. SW of Kellerville Best during April and Oct. in brush
	Spring Lake (Macomb) - 277 acres -1 mi N of Macomb Best during April - May Rock rip-rap and submerged brush.
	Spring Lake South - 610 acres - 12 mi. S of Pekin Best during March - April . Try around old Duck Blinds.
	Weldon Springs Lake - 29 acres - 2 mi. E of Clinton Best during May, Sept. and Ice. At Fallen trees, brush piles or old dam.

LARGEMOUTH BASS Best baits are plastic worms, jigs, spinners, crankbaits and minnows State Record 13 lb./ 1 oz.
	Banner Marsh - 4 mi. NE of Banner on Rt. 24 Best during April - May, Oct. Best along Weed Beds.
	Carlyle Lake - 24,580 acres - NE of Carlyle Best During April - Oct. in coves, rip-rap or flooded timber
	Clinton Lake - 5,000 acres - 3 mi. E of Clinton Best during Spring and Fall. Look for Shoreline Cover, points and coves.
	Coffeen Lake - 1,100 acres - 1 mi. W of Coffeen Try year round off points & weed beds in back of coves.
	Dawson Lake - 158 acres ** - 4 mi. N of LeRoy Best during March - Nov. Best near Stumps, Weed Beds, points and the channel.
	Evergreen Lake - 925 acres - 10 mi. N of Bloomington Best during April - Oct. Try the Tree tops and on points.
	Gillespie New City Lake - 207 acres - 2 mi W of Gillespie on Rt. 16 Best during May - June around or in Brush & Weed beds
	Glen Shoals Lake - 1,200 acres - 1+ mi. N of Hillsboro Best during Spring & Fall on points, brush & shoreline
	Hennepin Canal - 926 acres Try April-May, Oct. around brush piles & lily pads in Bureau & Henry Cos.
	Hennepin-Hopper Lake - 1200 acres - 2 mi. s of Hennepin During May around brushy areas.
	Homer Lake - 81 acres - 2 mi. NW of Homer Best during Spring & Fall around brush, weed beds & channels
	Illinois River Best during May - Oct. along shore structure, rock rip-rap or isolated cover.
	Johnson Sauk Trail - 58 acres - 4 mi. S of Annawan Best during April - Sept. Best at Weed Bed Edges.
	Lake Bloomington - 635 acres ** - 10 mi. N of Bloomington Best during April - Oct. Look for Stick-ups, fallen trees and submerged stumps.
	Lake Jacksonville - 3 mi S of Jacksonville Best during Spring and Fall. Look for Stick-ups, fallen trees and submerged stumps.
	Lake Lou Yaeger - 1,300 acres - 3 mi S of Jacksonville Best April - Oct. around Underwater structures & Shoreline
	Lake Mattoon - 1,050 acres - S of Mattoon Best during Spring around rip-rap and in coves
	Lake Sara - 586 acres - 5 mi. NW of Effingham Best During April - Aug. on points & shallow bays
	Lake Shelbyville - 11,100 acres ** - in Shelby & Moultrie Cos. Best during April - Oct. Look for Flooded timber, Stick-ups, points, brush and bays.
	Lake Springfield - 4,234 acres - S edge of Springfield Best during Spring and Fall. Best off Rip-rap, points and underwater structures.
	Lake Taylorville - 1,286 acres - SE of Taylorville Best during Spring and Fall. Around downed trees and stumps.
	Lake Vermilion - 900 acres - in Danville Best May - Oct. around shoreline & Bridges
	LaSalle Lake - 2,035 acres - 3 mi. S of Seneca Best April - Sept. in Entire Lake
	Mississippi River - Pool 18 Best during May - Oct. Look for Brush and Points.
	Newton C.I.P.S. Lake - 1,750 acres ** - 8 mi SW of Newton Best during March - Dec. Best off Points, Fallen trees and Stumps.
	Pittsfield Lake - 241 acres - 3 mi. NE of Pittsfield Best during April - Oct. around fallen trees & rip-rap
	Sangchris Lake - 2,165 acres ** - 14 mi SE of Springfield Best during Spring and Fall. Look for Rip-rap, Lily pads, stumps and Underwater Structures.
	Spring Lake (Macomb) - 277 acres -1 mi N of Macomb Best during Spring and Fall around Rock rip-rap and Fallen trees.
	Spring Lake North - 578 acres - 12 mi. S of Pekin Best during March - May. Around Aquatic Weed Beds.
	Spring Lake South - 610 acres ** - 12 mi. S of Pekin Best during April, May, Sept. Best off Edge of Weed Beds.
	Weldon Springs Lake - 29 acres - 2 mi. E of Clinton Best during Spring & Fall. Look for Fallen trees.

MUSKIE Best baits are jerk baits, crankbaits, spinners, spoons and large minnows State Record 38 lb./ 8 oz.
	Evergreen Lake - 925 acres ** - 10 mi. N of Bloomington Best during Spring and Fall. Best off Flats, Points and around Fallen trees.
	Lake Shelbyville - 11,100 acres - in Shelby & Moultrie Cos. Best during Spring and Fall. Best on rock bars, gravel points and dead falls.
	Otter Lake - 765 acres - W of Girard Best During March - Nov. in coves or near shoreline
	Spring Lake North - 578 acres - 12 mi. S of Pekin Best during June - Sept. Best in weed beds and along east shore.

NORTHERN PIKE Best baits are jerk baits, crankbaits, spinners, spoons and minnows State Record 26 lb./ 15 oz.
	Banner Marsh (Johnson Lake) - 4 mi. NE of Banner on Rt. 24 Best during April - Oct. Try the flat bay areas.
	Hennepin-Hopper Lake - 1200 acres - 2 mi. s of Hennepin During Spring around brushy areas.
	Spring Lake South - 610 acres ** - 12 mi. S of Pekin Best during March - April along the bluff or near leeve early in March

SMALLMOUTH BASS Best baits are crayfish, small crankbaits, spinners and minnows State Record 6 lb./ 7 oz.
	Kankakee River - - below the Shelbyville dam This may be outside radius but worth the trip on five-mile stretch below the Shelbyville dam.
	LaSalle Lake - 2,035 acres - 3 mi. S of Seneca Best April - Sept. in about the Entire Lake
	Mackinaw River ** - Woodford & Tazewell Cos. Best during April - May. Brush piles, cutoff banks, around rocks and deep pools.
	Middle Fork Vermilion River - 50 miles - from Penfield to Oakwood Best April - June in Deep pools near brush and rocks
	Powerton Lake - 1,426 acres ** - SW of Pekin Best during March - April. Near points, current breaks and base of Rip-Rap.

STRIPED BASS Best baits are large minnows, crankbaits, spinners and jigs State Record Striper- 31 lb./ 7 oz. Hybrid Striper- 20 lb./ 32 oz.
	Clinton Lake - 5,000 acres ** - 3 mi. E of Clinton Best during Spring - Fall. Check out Submerged bars, rip-rap or humps near Spillway area. Both STRIPERS but Very-Very Few Pures left.
	Glen Shoals Lake - 1,200 acres - 1+ mi. N of Hillsboro Best during Spring & Fall near points & creek channels
	Lake Bloomington - 635 acres ** - 10 mi. N of Bloomington Best Spring - Fall around Island and off Points or at areator. HYBRID STRIPER
	Lake Charleston-Side Channel - 346 acres - 2 mi. SE of Charleston Best During April - Sept. around rip-rap & pump station
	Lake Mattoon - 1,050 acres - S of Mattoon Best during Spring & Fall. Try Flats & Points.
	LaSalle Lake - 2,035 acres - 3 mi. S of Seneca Best April - Sept. Drop -offs near deep area and During Winter in Discharge Canal HYBRID STRIPER
	Otter Lake - 765 acres - W of Girard Best During Spring & Fall off points or creek channel Both STRIPERS
	Pittsfield Lake - 241 acres - 3 mi. NE of Pittsfield Best during March - Oct. by Trolling open water near dam
	Sangchris Lake - 2,165 acres ** - 14 mi SE of Springfield Best during Oct. - April. Check out Deep water points, area around Dam and warm water arm in winter.

Walleye Sauger WALLEYE AND SAUGER Best baits are minnows, night crawlers, cranksbaits, jigs and some spoons State Records Walleye 14 lb/ 0 oz Sauger 5 lb/ 12.5 oz Saugeye 9 lb/ 10.88 oz From Evergreen Lake
	Banner Marsh - 4 mi. NE of Banner on Rt. 24 Best during Spring and Fall. Best off Points and along Weed Beds.
	Carlyle Lake - 24,580 acres - NE of Carlyle (SAUGER) Best During May - Oct. around Rock rip-rap, island or tailwaters
	Clinton Lake - 5,000 acres - 3 mi. E of Clinton Best during April - Oct. along Shoreline, between Dam and Marina, along W side, off points and rip-rap.
	Dawson Lake - 158 acres - 4 mi. N of LeRoy Best during April - Oct. Best off points & drop-offs or off flat. (WALLEYE & Some SAUGEYE)
	Evergreen Lake - 925 acres ** - 10 mi. N of Bloomington (SAUGEYE) Best Spring and Fall. Along shoreline, flat and points.
	Illinois River ** Bureau, Marshall, Peoria, Putnam & LaSalle Cos. (WALLEYE & SAUGER) Best during Feb. - May. Best off Drop-offs, Sandbars, ledges, holes, below creeks, gravel and old shell beds.
	Lake Bloomington - 635 acres ** - 10 mi. N of Bloomington Best during May - Oct., Best off points at 5 to 15 feet.
	Lake Decatur - 3,093 acres - in Decatur Best during April - Nov. around bridge, flats and points.
	Lake Shelbyville - 11,100 acres ** - in Shelby & Moultrie Cos. Best during April - Oct. Look for Flooded ridges, dropoffs, flats, Kaskaskia River and tailwaters.
	Lake Springfield - 4,234 acres - S edge of Springfield Best during Feb. - Oct. Look for Flats, points and hot water ditch.
	Mississippi River Pools 12-19 Best during March, April, Oct. Best below locks and dam or at wing dams.
	Pittsfield Lake - 241 acres - 3 mi. NE of Pittsfield Best during March - Oct. around points on west bank (need to check this one out.)

WHITE BASS Best baits are minnows, small spinners and small jigs State Record 4 lb./ 14 oz.
	Carlyle Lake - 24,580 acres - NE of Carlyle Best During July - Sept. around islands, rip-rap, points, knobs & tailwater
	Clinton Lake - 5,000 acres ** - 3 mi. E of Clinton Best during July - Sept. Open water and rip-rap areas.
	Illinois River - Straved Rock State Park & Peoria Lock & Dam Best during May - June. Best off Rocky shore and tailwaters (below dams).
	Lake Decatur - 3,093 acres - in Decatur Best during May - Oct. Best off points, Rock rip-rap, Flats and tailwaters.
	Lake Shelbyville - 11,100 acres ** - in Shelby & Moultrie Cos. Best during May - Oct. Best off points, Rock rip-rap, Flats and Kaskaskia tailwaters.
	Lake Springfield - 4,234 acres Best during Jan. - April. Best at Discharge Area.
	LaSalle Lake - 2,035 acres - 3 mi. S of Seneca Best April, May & Sept. out in open water
	Mississippi River Pools 18 Boston Bay Best during May, Aug., Sept. Open water where shad or minnows are breaking surface.
	Newton C.I.P.S. Lake - 1,750 acres - 8 mi SW of Newton Best during Sept. - June Best off Points and Flats.
	Powerton Lake - 1,426 acres - SW of Pekin Best during Feb., March and May at discharge or intake. But has been SLOWER in past 2 years...
	Otter Lake - 765 acres - W of Girard Best During May - Oct. off points, rip-rap or flats

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