-- At FOX CHAIN - Channel Lake on Sunday there were reports of about 5 inch of Ice in far south end.
Bluegills were little SLOW and small and best during prime time bite
Crappie were SLOW-FAIR late in day - On Tuesday reports say there is now only about 3 - 4 inches of Ice and wet on top with shore starting to get slushy.
But Bluegills were FAIR lots of small ones.
* BE CAREFULL ! *

-- FOX RIVER On Nielson's Channels there was about little over 5 inches of Ice reported on Sunday and about 5 or little under on Tuesday so Conditions are changing..
- Bluegills were FAIR-GOOD with many suspended and lots of small over weekend on wax worms

- ILLINOIS RIVER
- - Near STARVED ROCK down to HENNEPIN-
- River is up some from melting in creeks and with this mild weather, there are some boats out as ramps are open.
- The guys at Time on the Water Outdoors in Spring Valley say there must be a lot of Sauger fishing going on as they sold out of minnows one day.
- Not much reported but some say it was little SLOW from dam to I-39 with a few fish south.

ANDERSON LAKE - Site Office 309-759-4484
- - THIS AREA IS OPEN TO BOAT FISHING in Main Lake again as of Feb. 1st

BANNER MARSH - 3 access points on Routes 24/9 3 mi. NE of Banner, with a 25HP limit. (309-647-9184)
* The Lakes are all OPEN to Fishing.

CHAUTAUQUA LAKE - Just southwest of Goofy Ridge. 309-535-2290 -
* The seasonal sanctuary period for Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge will end on February 1st to coincide with the conclusion of the central zone dark goose hunting season. The South Pool Boat Ramp will be Opened at that time. The crossdike and perimeter levees surrounding both pools will be open for public access as well. The North Pool Boat Ramp will remain CLOSED due to shallow water following the drawdown that occurred in 2011. The refuge is attempting to initiate and establish submerged aquatic plants within the North Pool in 2012. These plants produce seeds and tubers and also provide a substrate for aquatic invertebrates. The seeds, tubers and invertebrates are important food sources for migratory birds that traditionally use floodplain wetlands along the Illinois River Corridor.
* - Now through April 13th - The application process for the 2012 Youth Conservation Corps Program at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, Havana, IL has opened. Click HERE for details to apply for Summer Positions Available for Teens at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge.

DOUBLE T STATE FISH and WILDLIFE AREA (3 miles northwest of Canton) - From State Route 78 in Canton, turn West on Vine Street (County Hwy. 21) go 3 miles turn right following County Hwy. 21 for 1-mile to cross-road (Cypress Rd.) and turn left (west), Lakes are 1 to 1 1/2 miles.
* * THIS LAKE IS CLOSED TO FISHING for the season and will re-Open APRIL 1st, 2012 --

EMIQUON PRESERVE - Between Havana and Dickson Mounds Museum on IL Route 78
- - The Emiquon Preserve new boat ramp and parking area is open to the public.
- Fishing is permitted from sunrise to sunset (( with some time & day restrictions listed below)) But you must have a current year permit which are free
** During the Central zone waterfowl season, Fishing is ONLY Allowed in Afternoons on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
* New permits are required for boating and fishing each year and are free and available at Dickson Mounds Museum from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call The Nature Conservancy at (309) 547-2730.
- The Free 2012 permits are now available at Dickson Mounds Museum for Boating, Fishing and Ice Skating at Emiquon Preserve that is allowed Only on west side of Thompson Lake.
- -Some of the site rules are: - No minnows allowed; - No bank fishing will be allowed;
- No gas powered motors are permitted - Electric motors only and gas motors must be removed from boats ;
- Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and have a permit signed by a parent or legal guardian while on the Preserve.
- Boating and fishing are permitted between sunrise and sunset with additional restrictions applying on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during waterfowl hunting season when fishing is allowed only between 1 pm and sunset.
- *No boating or fishing access before 1:00 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during waterfowl hunting
-- Parking locations and access to the lake may change or be limited during the season as on-site construction of visitor facilities progresses.
- There are changes with waterfowl hunting open:
* Remember there is No boating or fishing access before 1:00 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during waterfowl hunting
- - Check This Complete RULES File

EVERGREEN LAKE - North of Bloomington to Exit #8 on I-39, and West just over 1-mile and turn left (south) at sign.
* This Lake has BOATING FEES and Evergreen Lake remains a 10 hp (or less) lake. You may use a larger motor ONLY to load and unload from your trailer. Larger motors MUST be propped out of the water once you are away from the courtesy docks. No Size Limit on Crappie Just the 15 Crappie Per Day Creel Limit
-- The 2012 Evergreen Lake Boat Stickers have arrived. Fees are still the same - $45.00 for NON McLean County residents and $35.00 for McLean County residents.
You can purchase them by:
- Phone with a credit card to (309) 434-6770
- Go On-line at http://www.mcleancountyil.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=260
- In-Person at the Park Visitor Center : Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30
- By Mail – Make sure to include name, address, Illinois Registration number from your boat and the correct fee.
- or - They will also be selling them at booth at the Fish & Feather Expo in Bloomington (January 27-29) AND at the Elmwood All Outdoors Show in Elmwood , Illinois (March 3 & 4)
* The Park wishes to say " Much Thanks, we appreciate your past patronage and look forward to serving you again!"
- Additional information can be obtained at the Park Visitor Center or by calling (309) 434-6770.

HEIDECKE LAKE -
* * Lake is CLOSED for the season --

HENNEPIN-HOPPER LAKES - 2 miles South of Hennepin off IL Route 26, turn West on Road 810N and then next right.)
--For membership, call (815) 481-0778 and talk to Site sup. Rick.
** This Area is CLOSED TO FISHING for Season --
The marsh and lakes have been rehabilitated and the lakes have been re-stocked. The IDNR and TWI will monitor the growth of the fish population in the coming year before deciding when to re-open the lakes to public fishing.
* Last fall the Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocked 43 young alligator gar up to 18 inches long, hoping they would survive and reproduce. Their spring sampling with large-mesh nets did not turn up any alligator gar. Gars that survive likely will reach reproductive age next year. If they reproduce, young alligator gar should appear in 2013, Fisheries biologist Wayne Herndon said. Herndon says they will thoroughly sample the lakes later this year with smaller-mesh nets and electro-fishing equipment to see if the gar and other species are holding on in the lake. Other uncommon fish at Hennepin-Hopper include redspotted sunfish, bowfin, spotted gar, starhead topminnow and pumpkinseed.

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 They can point you to some other fishing in area..!
** THIS AREA IS OPEN again TO FISHING as of Feb. 1st--

REND LAKE -
-- Lake level is up with water temps about 36
- Crappie remain FAIR-GOOD on tube jigs around timber, brush, stake beds, around bridges and ledges off main creek channels in about 13 - 19 foot water near bottom.

SHABBONA LAKE -
- - This Lake has a 10-horsepower limit.
- - - Park hours November through January 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-- There is still an area kept open by Geese.
Lake has some spots with 4 - 5 inches of Ice and some reports of near 7 over weekend, however, not sure how this weather will affect Ice as it was wet on top..?
- Crappie are FAIR on jigs around deep tree suspended at 12 and 15 feet.
- Bluegills were FAIR but small
- Couple Catfish reported too.
-- Reports say the Rockfest that was set for this weekend has been Cancelled.?

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)
** Both LAKES Have Re-OPENED TO BOAT FISHING as of Feb. 1st--
-- Be sure to stop in Larry's Restaurant & Family Bar while at the lake.. They have Great food and tackle along with current reports.

WILDLIFE PRAIRIE STATE PARK LAKES- Call 676-0998 for details.
- - The Park is CLOSED to FISHING for Season

- - - - SOME ILLINOIS POWER PLANT LAKES - - - -

BRAIDWOOD LAKE -
* * Lake is CLOSED for season --

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.
- Kevin tell us fishing has been up one day and down the next.. But he heard of some nice Flatheads caught at spillway..?
-- at DeWitt Bridge
- Channel cats areFAIR-GOOD on worms and cutbait between the channels.
- Crappie were FAIR on minnows and bright jigs early and spotty after 8am
-- at Rt 48 Bridge
- White Bass were GOOD on in-line spinners and white swimbaits.
- Catfish SLOW on worms.
- Crappie FAIR on jigs. I hope something gets me out of this funk soon. Heard there are lots of BIG flatheads stacked up at the spillway
REMEMBER an easterly area of Clinton Lake between the DeWitt (CH14) and the 48 bridges is CLOSED FROM OCT. 10th through MARCH 31st to protect fish and wildlife...

LaSALLE LAKE -
** This Lake is CLOSED for the season..

POWERTON LAKE - One mile south of Pekin off Route 29 along Manito Blacktop.
---- site Office 309-968-7135
* * LAKE is OPEN TO SHORE FISHING ONLY and Winter hours are 8 am to 4 pm
But THE LAKE IS CLOSED TO BOAT FISHING till FEB. 15th - -
- Catfish remain FAIR in the hot-water discharge area on cut shad and some on crawlers..
- Bluecats are also FAIR-GOOD with some Real Nice Fish (see below) on cut Asian Carp at or in the hot-water discharge area.
 
 
  - Joe and his buddy caught this
  Big Bluecat at Powerton last week
  and practiced of catch and release - Way To Go..!

 
 
  - Daniel caught this
  55 pound Bluecat at Powerton
  on Sunday along with a 15 & 30 pounder too..
  All on cut asian carp.

 
 
  - Jared caught his Blue on the 30th
  on cut silver carp in hot water discharge
  that measured 3ft 5in long with 26in girth

SANGCHRIS LAKE - South of Springfield off I-55 Exit 82 and go east on Route 104 about 10 miles, with a 25HP limit.
--- Sangchris Lake site office at 217/498-9208 from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
* There will be a change to Bass regs starting April 1st this year...
 
 
  - Dwight fished along the dam
  on Monday afternoon
  and caught 4 nice Bass
  including the 4 pound on left
  and this nice 5 pounds 12 oz Bass

- Crappie were FAIR-SLOW on jigs off deep ends of laydowns on breaks.
* * THE WEST and EAST ARMS of LAKE are OPEN again as of Feb. 1st... For more info, contact site office at 217/498-9208 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

- LINKS or Other Lake Reports outside Central Illinois. -

The complete Guide to the Carlyle Lake area.

- MARK TWAIN LAKE in Missouri
---Check Out The Fishing Reports from the Good people at South Fork Resort

- NORFORK LAKE in Arkansas
--- Check HERE for the recent Catch of the Day Photos from STR Outfitters..

If you are thinking of Fishing or Hunting this year
Check the Reports & specials from Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters