-- The lake is open until sunset with the launch opening at 6 am and bank fishing opens at 6:30 am.
- There is ramp repair or rebuild work going on with a temporary launch provided
BUT ! Warning during low lake levels there is not much water depth at the bottom of that ramp.
DNR warns: Put your boat in at your own risk!
-- Water temps in 60s so maybe fishing will pick up and the lake is up some to help with launching.
Seems like a good time to try shore fishing..
*Captain Bob from Kankakee River Valley Guide Service
is promoting a contest till July 31, 2013 for CPR catch, photo & release of fish or in this case CVR catch, video & release for shoreline anglers on Heidecke Lake, no boaters !
Winners will be contacted on August 1st for their FREE Full day guided fishing trip on Heidecke Lake.
Angler must give the measurement in inches and show the fish being released
wish cell phone or camera video. Text it or better yet, email the videos to krvguideservice@yahoo.com (include name and ph number to be contacted)
so each fish can be judged by its class, size for any fish species.
Any questions call Captain Bob Santangelo 708-261-6759 or email krvguideservice@yahoo.com
Check promotional video for contest guide lines
or visit kankakeerivervalleyguideservice.com
HENNEPIN-HOPPER LAKES - 2 miles South of Hennepin off IL Route 26, turn West on Road 810N and then next right.)
--For membership info, call (815) 481-0778 and talk to Site sup. Rick.
** Hennepin & Hopper Lakes will continue to be Closed to all public sport fishing in 2012,
while the Wetlands Initiative and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) launch a renewed effort to remove invasive common carp from the lakes. --
- For full Details READ this news page.
LAKE BLOOMINGTON - North of Bloomington to Exit #8 on I-39, and East for 3 1/2-miles.
---This Lake does have a BOATING FEE and a 40hp limit and the new Bluegill limit is 25 fish a day with no size restriction.
*- For Bait if you come to lake from the north, stop by Mike´s Minnow Bucket 2.7 miles west of I-39 from El Paso on US 24.
Hours are 7am - 6pm Mon - Fri and as early as needed on Sat, A Great supply of Good minnow, worms and more.
This is also where you can get Hoss´s Hawg Bait, call Mike at 309-303-2375 and he will be there for you..
- Bass are FAIR-SLOW on jigs, plastics or spinners around timber or weeds
- Bluegill are FAIR with some caught around docks..
- Crappie were FAIR-GOOD on jig and minnows or tubes with nibbles.
- Hybrids were FAIR-SLOW this week on jig/twister
- Walleye were SLOW.
- Deb (on left) and Susan
had a Great evening
with Guide Paul Center.
Two dozen big Bluegills,
a dozen nice Crappies,
and four nice stripers.
LAKE EUREKA -This Lake is only 30 acres,
and is a good place for the family and kids, a lake where the whole shore line can be fished, there is a boat ramp
and ONLY trolling motor use is allowed and if boat has a Motor on it, you must have a City Motor Permit
but still May Not start it for any reason.! (See Notice below)
*- For Bait if you come to lake from the East, stop by Mike´s Minnow Bucket 2.7 miles west of I-39 from El Paso on US 24.
Hours are 7am - 6pm Mon - Fri and as early as needed on Sat, A Great supply of Good minnow, worms and more.
This is also where you can get Hoss´s Hawg Bait, call Mike at 309-303-2375 and he will be there for you..
- Bass were FAIR on plastics and spinners along shore weed edge..
- Jake say that
Bluegills and Crappie are
moving into shallow water.
Crappie running small, but good numbers
even hitting top water as you can see.
LAKE SHELBYVILLE - Between Shelbyville and Sullivan - LAKE OFFICE (217) 774-2020.
* * The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville had this News Release in part, on high water conditions at the lake
which crested on Saturday, April 27, at 609.5 (normal summer pool is 599.7 )
The rising pool has impacted some sites around the lake. Boat launch facilities with courtesy docks will remain open in all major recreation areas with the exception of Whitley Creek.
All secondary boat ramps were closed including Coal Shaft Bridge, Sand Cove Road, Johnson’s Bluff and Bruce West.
During this higher water period boaters should use extra caution on the lake and be aware of lower bridge clearances, floating debris and submerged hazards.
The most up-to-date information on lake conditions will be available on the Lake Shelbyville Information Line at 217-774-2020 or contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at 217-774-3951.
- Here is report from Guide Steve Welch for May 13th - 19th: "
The water temps are running about 64 and everything is in the flooded willows because the spawn is on. I am catching 200 Crappie a day
mostly pitch black males and now male Bass and Walleye have moved into them as well. We even caught a Muskie in them this past week.
Here is your problem, find the right water color on these willows. Parts of the main lake are very dirty and some coves
are as well. Then you have coves on the south end that are gin clear. You find that perfect color and it is on.
I am fishing a slip bobber and a minnow set at about 15 inches for the Crappie and a blade bait or a jig and twistertail for the Walleye.
The crappie want willows that do not get a bunch of wind on them and get full afternoon sun. The Walleye want willows on points
especially gravel points. Combo trips after this week for Walleye and Crappie.
All in all the fishing is very good and a blast to get walleye from the willows.
"
* With the boating season starting soon, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like to remind boaters
of the Boat Rafting Policy in place at Lake Shelbyville that requires a permit for 2 or more (up to 5) boats to be tied together.
A permit and info can be obtained by visiting or calling the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at 217-774-3951 ext. 2
McMASTER LAKE at - SNAKEDEN HOLLOW - - NW of Peoria, just 1 1/2 miles East of Victoria South off IL Route 167, there is a 10HP limit.
309-879-2607
** The Depot Bait and Tackle Store in Victoria, 2 blocks south of U.S. 167 on Union St. has live bait & tackle
open from an hour before sunrise till an hour after sunset, 7 days a week!!
Stop in and tell Duane & Becky we said HI, or give them a call at 309-879-2401
- Bass were FAIR on jig/pig or plastics and soft jerkbaits and FAIR-GOOD at walk-ins..
- Crappie are FAIR on minnows at McMasters
* Duane from The Depot Bait and Tackle Store tells us the State has OPENED 2 New Lakes for Fishing in area that are 1/2 mile north of IL Routes 180 & 167..!
- Check with them at The Depot Bait and Tackle Store in Victoria for Bait & current reports and more info on these New Lakes.
REND LAKE -
-- Lake remains about 2 ffot above normal pool with water temps about 65.
- Bass were FAIR on dark jigs and plastics with some caught on minnows fished in brush or timber
- Catfish are FAIR-GOOD on cut baits, big minnows and dip baits
- Crappie are FAIR-GOOD on jigs and/or minnows in flooded areas with brush
- WhiteBass seem to be FAIR this past week
- - Here is this week's Fishing Report from US Army Corps
and they want to remind us all to Please fish safely! Always wear your life jacket in or around water!
- Check with Todd Gessner Outdoors Guide Service on Rend Lake at 618-513-0520 for future fishing trips
and make sure to look into a stay at the new Gun Creek Fin, Fur & Feathers Sportsmens Club now with a bait shop too..
SHABBONA LAKE -
- - This Lake has a 10-horsepower limit.
- - - Park hours April thru October 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Bass were FAIR-SLOW on soft jerkbaits, spinners or crankbaits in NMZ 5 - 8 foot water with a couple Smallmouth too.
- Crappie were FAIR on minnows and some feel they may be near a spawn.
- Had a report of a couple nice Muskie caught over weekend..?
- Lakeside is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
and they will hold a Crappie Contest Weekend - May 18th & 19th
SPRING LAKE (South & North) - Just south of Pekin off Manito Blacktop, 5 miles northwest of Manito,
and there is a 25HP limit. (309-968-7135)
- No New Reports and just have not heard much from here
WILDLIFE PRAIRIE STATE PARK LAKES-
Call 676-0998 for details.
- RULES and/or REGS For Fishing:
*New Park Hours*
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Saturday and Sunday
East Side at Park:
Anglers will enter and exit the park like all other visitors. A general admission fee is charged at the main gate
or yearly membership privileges are applicable.
- Fishing hours here end one hour before the park closes each day. Overnight visitors can catch fish throughout their stay.
- Lakes open to the public are Deep Lake, Caboose Lake, Beaver Lake, and both sections of Horseshoe Lake.
- Designated parking area is to be used by anglers for their vehicles and is located under the utility lines
on the southwest side of the bison pasture.
* New! West Side lake:
The 10-acre Taylor Lake, located on the west side of WPSP property,
is now open to the public for fishing on a year-round basis from sunrise to 10:00 pm..
- Day pass (April - Oct.) is $8 for adults 13 & Up; $6 children ages 4-12 and under 3 are free.
Members are free which is a part of your yearly membership privileges.
- Day pass or membership card must be clearly placed in windshield of car while fishing.
- Designated parking area is to be used by anglers for their vehicles and is located adjacent to Taylor Lake.
-- Fishing in all these lakes will be from shore, belly boats, or portable boats.
No boat ramps or road access will be available for trailer launching. ONLY electric motors are allowed.
-- Statewide sport fishing regulations will be in effect and enforced.
Valid Illinois fishing license is required for those age 16 years and older.
- Bluegills and Crappie are SLOW-FAIR on wax worms
- - - - SOME ILLINOIS POWER PLANT LAKES - - - -
BRAIDWOOD LAKE -
- Hours are 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m. at this time.?
- Couple reports that say Bass were FAIR as well as Catfish were FAIR-GOOD over weekend
* Reminder: Anchoring outside the restricted area on the north end, then casting in is illegal.
CLINTON LAKE - Three miles east of Clinton off Route 10 or 54 Ph 217/935-8722.
A PORTION OF LAKE FROM ABOUT IP POINT UP TO 54 BRIDGE IS CLOSED
--A NO-WAKE speed limit is in effect from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise at Clinton Lake.
Signs will be posted at the lake for reminders and a Violation will lead to a $75 ticket.
New Regs for 2013: – No bow-fishing allowed in spillway which is considered a
developed recreational area.
* Joe of Ol´ Joe´s Bait and Tackle is OPEN
from 5am - 5pm 7 days a week for ALL your fishing needs and full line license service
located on Rt. 54 in DeWitt at the Main street leading towards Mascoutin campgrounds and/or ramp.
He also has a large supply of Used Rods & Reels for sale. We enjoy stopping there for bait and his awesome jig skirts
- we can highly recommend you stop by or call Joe´ at 217-935-6244.
** Also, this is the place to get your FIZARDS .! AND he has a 24 hour bait machine up and running with some tackle and other machines coming soon..
- He tells us " Crappie are in shallow on the banks almost entire lake in a spawn!
Minnows and jigs and do not be surprised if you catch a Catfish while Crappie fishing as they are in spawn mode also!
Taking everything from shad, shrimp, night crawlers, liver, Coles Cheese as well as other cheeses.
Unbelievable amounts of Catfish being caught ON A BOBBER CLOSE TO THE BANKS.
Lots of White Bass also being caught on jigs spinners in colors white and silver.
Good Striper action at the spillway.
Walleye guys are closed mouth again this year, BUT I KNOW THEY ARE BEING CAUGHT with Night Crawler rigs #1
Thanks and hope to see you all soon.." Ol' Joe
- Here is Ol´ Joe´s Clinton Lake Catfish tournament schedule for the year all to launch at Weldon Ramp with
fishing times 5pm - 11:30pm for 6 live fish to the scale with big fish included...
Remaining Dates: June 1, July 3, August 3, and September 14. Hope to see you all soon..." Ol' Joe
* * Attention Clinton Lake Anglers:
* Houseboat Cove is no longer restricted as a spawning refuge.
* And you may have heard that the Clinton Lake Marina has areas CLOSED TO FISHING ?? There were or are some signs stating No Bank Fishing at or on marina side,
However, there may be some question as to fishing from a boat, and we have heard that fishing is allowed in cove across from the marina - but No fishing around docks, slips, ramp or other marina property.?
COFFEEN LAKE - Southeast of Hillsboro off Rt 127 or south of Coffeen off Rt 185,
site office 217-537-3351.
-- There is a 25hp motor limit.
- The lake is up some and stained
- Bass were FAIR on plastics and spinnerbaits
- Catfish are somewhat FAIR on crawlers and some on dip baits
- Crappie were FAIR on jigs and/or minnows
LAKE SPRINGFIELD - At Springfield off I-55 Exit 94 and go the east.
- Bass were FAIR on jigs, plastics and jerkbaits
- Catfish were FAIR on cut baits and few on dip baits.
- Crappie had slowed some late last week but recently were FAIR on jigs and/or minnows
- WhiteBass are FAIR on bladebaits and jigs/twisters .
-- Check with Trevor at Big Reds Bait and Tackle for current reports
at 2193 Stevenson Drive in Springfield just a mile west from the lake dam.
You can call them at (217) 679-1800
We hear there is road scheduled for East Lake Drive that goes over the Lake Springfield dam
that will Be Closed June &July.!
LaSALLE LAKE -
* Lake Hours for April are Daily 6 am to sunset.
- Few reports of Bass and some OK Bluegills
- Catfishing was FAIR-GOOD recently.
NEWTON LAKE - 16 -17 miles southeast of Effingham off Route 33.
-- This Report by the Newton Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area:
- Bass were FAIR on plastics and crankbaits
- Catfish are FAIRLY GOOD on crawlers and big minnows
- Crappie were SLOW.
- WhiteBass are FAIR on jigs and spinners
POWERTON LAKE - One mile south of Pekin off Route 29 along Manito Blacktop.
---- site Office 309-968-7135
* Powerton Lake remains CLOSED till further notice
for major levee repairs due to weather and flooding delays ..!
Hoss's Hawg Bait
