ANDERSON LAKE Site Office 309-759-4484
- Water level is up and dropping slowly
- Catfish are SLOW for the trot-liners

ARGYLE LAKE - In Argyle State Park SW of Macomb off US 136 309-776-3422
-- This lake has a 10hp motor limit.
- Bass were FAIR along cover at mouth of coves on plastics and crankbaits
- Bluegills were FAIR along shore
- Catfish were FAIR-GOOD on dip baits, liver and crawlers
- John tells us Crappie were FAIR-SLOW and suspended with most on trolled crankbaits near dam
- Saugeye were SLOW-FAIR and small on jig/crawlers or on trolled crankbaits.

BANNER MARSH -3 access points on Routes 24/9 SW of Banner 3 miles, with a 25HP limit. (309-647-9184)
- - With water dropping some, the roads are open and so are the ramps
- Fishing has been limited but there were anglers out today.. saying fishing has been FAIR-SLOW

CHAUTAUQUA LAKE - Just southwest of Goofy Ridge. 309-535-2290 -
---There is a no wake 10 mph boat speed limit (which may not be posted at lake).
* * Chautauqua refuge is on a new course and here is some new info..
Some have thought they heard it is closing down to fishing.. Not totally The plan is to drain the north pool to encourage plants that provide food for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. It might not be much good for fishing, but it’s not going to be closed..? The south pool will also remain open to anglers. All former limits have been lifted, meaning there are no longer length or creel limits for crappie and anglers can keep bass longer than 12 inches. And the levee has been overtopped too often to keep out carp and other rough river fish so they are in there.
The general purpose of Chautauqua since its establishment has been as “a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds.”
We will have to wait and see if fishing will be managed for this area in future..?

DAWSON LAKE - East of Bloomington Exit #149 on I-74, North through LeRoy 4-miles on CH21 then East at Moraine View State Park sign.
---Bow Fishing is allowed for carp from a boat on Dawson Lake, but not within 100 feet of any developed recreation areas.
-- As of April 1st, 2009 the new Crappie limit will be 15 fish a day with no size restriction.
- Bass were FAIR-SLOW on plastics, spinners and crankbaits
- Bluegills are FAIR on wax worms
- Catfish were GOOD and in shallow areas in norht end on shrimp, liver, dip baits and glo crawlers from Old Man River Bait and Tackle
- Crappie were SLOW
- Walleye/Saugeye were FAIR on crawlers or minnows rigs near dam
- - Stop by - Old Man River Bait and Tackle in LeRoy across from Casey's - and tell Wain we sent you..
-- Wain asked that we all support our Local Bait and Tackle stores

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.
-- JUST A REMINDER - - THIS IS A NO-WAKE STATE LAKE - -
And it is Posted as such at the main boat launch area --
This is to allow those anglers with big motors to use the lake at idle speed. This is a test situation at this time and If there are those who continue to abuse this rule, the State will make this a Trolling Motor Only lake..?
The No-Wake Rule is being watched along with the size limits on Bass of 1 fish daily 21 inch or over
and a 42 inch Muskie limit..
PLEASE Follow these rules so not to spoil this lake that can be enjoyed by many..!

EMIQUON PRESERVE - Between Havana and Dickson Mounds Museum on IL Route 78
- - This area is now Open to fishing from sunrise to sunset but you must have a free permit before launching, available at Dickson Mounds Museum from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call The Nature Conservancy at (309) 547-2730.
-- Lot of weed growth
- Bass remain FAIR on plastics, bright spinnerbaits or weedless topwater baits around all the weedbeds.
- -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 while on the Preserve.
- -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.
- - Lake is near capacity with water temps in Upper 70's
- Bass were FAIR with many small fish caught along weeds and wood on plastics or topwater late.
- Bluegills are FAIR on wax worms and crickets.
- Catfish are FAIR-GOOD on dip baits, crawlers and liver.
- Crappie remain FAIR in deeper water on minnows or tube jigs
- Muskie remain SLOW
- Saugeye remain FAIR-GOOD on crawlers and jigs/gulp plastics in 9 - 14 foot water
- Nothing new to report on Bowfishing
-- You can get our 2009 Best Times Fishing Calendar with Coupons now at Bait Shop..from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 7 Days per week.
- - - The 2009 Annual Evergreen Lake Fishing Contest is underway Check - HERE - for details

HEIDECKE LAKE -
- Bass were SLOW on crankbaits and plastics
- Catfish were FAIR-SLOW on crawlers, shad or dip baits
- Hybrid Stripers were SLOW with mostly small fish
- Walleye were SLOW-FAIR on trolled crankbaits
- Muskie are SLOW-FAIR on fast trolled baits

HENNEPIN-HOPPER LAKES - 2 miles South of Hennepin off IL Route 26, turn West on Road 810N and then next right.)
-- This Area is Open to Public on Fridays & Saturdays --
--For membership, call (815) 481-0778.
- Guide Jay Angel tells us with the dog days of summer that means is that the good fishing at the Hopper has just begun.
- Bass are FAIR-GOOD on spinnerbaits, soft plastics and jig and pigs in the trees and the canals.
- Pike are FAIR on largebucktail style spinners in the trees
 
 
  - Here is a
  nice Pike Jay caught
  over weekend

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 on April 1st, 2009 the 8" size limit on Bluegills was lifted and the new Bluegill limit goes to 25 fish a day with no size restriction.
-- Lake temps near 80
- Bass were FAIR on plastics, jigs and crankbaits around timber cover.
- Bluegills were FAIR on wax worms or some on crickets
- Catfish were FAIR on dip baits, shrimp and liver
- Crappie remain somewhat FAIR on tinsel jigs and medium shiners in 15 - 19 foot water with most 8 - 11 inches
- Kenny tells us Hybrid Striper were FAIR on jigs or roadrunners with twisters
- Walleye were SLOW this week
--For a guide trip to Lake Bloomington or Evergreen Lake, contact Paul Center at 309-454-8942
* * * On May 5th a 45 inches, 21 pound lake sturgeon was caught by Chad Enright of El Paso fishing below the dam at Lake Bloomington. It was confirmed a lake sturgeon and since state law requires all endangered fish to be freed, Enright measured and photographed then released the fish.

LAKE DECATUR -
- Bass are SLOW
- Bluegills are FAIR-SLOW on wax worms and crickets.
- Crappie are SLOW
- Catfish were FAIR on shrimp, leeches and dip baits
- WhiteBass are SLOW-FAIR on bladebaits

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 motors are allowed ( NO MOTORS ALLOWED EVEN ON YOUR BOAT ! )

- - There is a City Ordinance
of NO MINNOWS ALLOWED.
Check this new sign photo
of May, 2009 sent from George..

- George tells us the Bass were FAIR past week on plastics ( Senkos) with fish 1 1/2 - 3 pounds

LAKE JACKSONVILLE -
- Bass were FAIR on plastics and scum frogs along weed edges with some on topwater early and late
- Bluegills are FAIR on crickets
- Crappie were SLOW
- Catfish are FAIR-GOOD on shad and dip baits areound marina

LAKE SHELBYVILLE - Between Shelbyville and Sullivan -LAKE OFFICE (217) 774-2020.
-- Lake was about 14 foot above pool and slowly coming down with water temps in upper 70s
- Bass were FAIR on plastics, jigs and crankbaits on main lake and secondary points along weeds or timber
- Crappie were SLOW-FAIR and scattered in standing timber in coves on minnows .
- Walleye are FAIR-SLOW along breaks off flats or points on crawler and leeche rigs.
- WhiteBass are FAIR-FAIR and scattered in the flooded willows around points 3, 5 & 6 real early or late

LAKE STOREY -North of US 34, 1 mile on US 150 at north edge of Galesburg.
- -This Lake is City owned and only allows trolling motors
- Jack tells us Bass were somewhat SLOW last week on plastic jerkbaits or worms and crankbaits but has improved
- Bluegills were FAIR on crickets and wax worms
- Catfish were FAIR-SLOW on crawlers, liver or dip bait
- Crappie were SLOW-FAIR
- Muskie were SLOW but were active over weekend
- Walleye were SLOW-FAIR on crawlers rigs but mostly small fish
Check with Al from AL's SPORTING GOODS in Galesburg before going.

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
- Bass are FAIR on plastics and weedless topwater at walk-in lakes
- Bluegills were FAIR on wax worms and crickets at walk-ins and Redears were FAIR on crawlers out in deeper water at walk-ins
- Catfish were FAIR on crawlers at McMasters
- Crappie were FAIR-SLOW on minnow and scattered out at 10-14 foot at McMasters
- Muskie were SLOW at McMasters
- Walleye were SLOW at McMasters

Macomb SPRING LAKE - North of Macomb
- - The Lake has a 10 hp limit.
-- Thanks to Jaime for his reports, we are able to add this lake..
- Bass are SLOW-FAIR
- Crappie are FAIR
- Bluegill GOOD
- Hybrid Stripers (or as some people call them, Wipers) SLOW-FAIR
- Muskie are stocked but have No Report

REND LAKE -
-- Lake is above pool and stained
- Bass are FAIR on plastics and crank baits in 6-12 feet of water around bridges and points.
- Bluegill are FAIR in shallow water on red worms or crickets.
- Catfish are FAIR-GOOD along riprap and at sub dams if the water is moving on shad gut, shrimp or crawlers.
- Crappie are FAIR-SLOW and have moved back deep and scattered in 4-12 feet of water over brush and stake beds on minnows or some on bright jigs under bridges.
- Flatheads were active and moving shallow.
- You can reach Guide Todd Gessner on Rend Lake at 618-513-0520

SHABBONA LAKE -
- - This Lake has a 10-horsepower limit.
- - - Park hours during May to October 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Bass were FAIR and have moved into deeper weed beds on plastics (Senkos) and some on frogs early or late
- Bluegills were FAIR
- Catfish were FAIR-GOOD on crawlers, liver and cut baits
- Crappie FAIR-SLOW and have moved to deep water around cribs north of the old road bed or trees off the handicap pier
- Muskie are SLOW but some active in the weeds
- Walleye are FAIR-SLOW on leeches under bobber near deep trees and rock piles.
- - You can contact Jay Angel for a guide trip at (815)739-7030 or by email at dekalbfish@yahoo.com

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)
-- The State spraying for weedsw seems to have helped...
- Bass were FAIR on plastic lizards and senkos, buzz baits, frogs along weed edges on both ends
- Bluegills were FAIR-GOOD but many small along roadway at south end on waxworms
- Catfish were FAIR-GOOD on crawlers, shrimp and dip baits along roadway in evenings
- Crappie are SLOW
- Muskies were SLOW

WILDLIFE PRAIRIE STATE PARK LAKES-
OPEN TO PUBLIC With a $5.50 fee in March or $6.50 fee April - Oct. to enter Park (or purchase a membership - $40 or family for $50). Call 676-0998 for details.
- - The Park and FISHING is Open but you must be off the lakes 1-hour before closing time.
--- Park is open with hours listed below and fishing ends 1-hour before closing times..
-- Park hours for 2009 are March 10:00am - 4:30pm; April 1st - May 22nd 9:00am - 4:30pm; May 23rd - Sept 7th 9:00am - 6:30pm; Sept 8th - Oct 31st 9:00am - 4:30pm; Nov 1st - Dec 13th 10:00am - 4:30pm
- Bass were somewhat SLOW on plastics and topwater
- Bluegill are FAIR on wax worms or red worms
- Crappie were SLOW-FAIR on minnows and mini mites
- Catfish are FAIR-GOOD on crawlers and dip baits
- Muskie - No Reports

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

BALDWIN LAKE - Just north of Baldwin off Route 154.--- site Office 618-785-2555
---Winter Hours 8 am - 4 pm through Feb. 15th and then 6 am - 7 pm
- Bass are FAIR on crankbaits
- Bluegills are FAIR on wax worms
- Catfish were FAIR-GOOD on cut baits and dip baits
- Crappie are SLOW

BRAIDWOOD LAKE -
--Hours are 6:00am till 7:30pm
- - Hot Water temps even on north end into 90s

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.
- - Reports were limited from here due to hot weather last week
- Bass were SLOW-FAIR on plastics and crankbaits on main lake wood, rocks, weeds and points early and late.
- Catfish were FAIR-SLOW on liver, dip baits and leeches around bridge.
- Crappie were SLOW on jig and minnows around deeper brush.
- A Flathead of 43 pounds was reported at Clinton Bait and Tackle
- Walleye were SLOW
- WhiteBass are FAIR-SLOW on bladebaits and spinners.
- Hybrid Stripers were SLOW-FAIR on trolled jigs/plastic shad or crankbaits and some on spoons along west side
--For your baits and latest reports, check at Clinton Bait and Tackle in Clinton near the Y of Routes 10 & 54, call 217-935-3851 --

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.
-- As of April 1st, 2009 the new limit goes into effect of one Bass over 15 inches and two under 15 inches.
- Lake up and temps hot water temps
- Bass were FAIR on crankbaits and plastics along weeds early or late
- Bluegills were FAIR wax worms
- Catfish were FAIR on dip baits or crawlers
- Crappie are SLOW
- Stripers are SLOW

LAKE of EGYPT - About 8 miles south of Marion east of Route 37.
- Bass were FAIR on dark plastics carolina rigged or dark spinnerbaits late on points, around deep weed edges and on topwater late
- Bluegills were SLOW-FAIR
- Catfish were SLOW
- Crappie are SLOW and deep about 16 - 19 feet

LAKE SPRINGFIELD - At Springfield off I-55 Exit 94 and go the east.
--- Lake level is just a few inches above pool
- Bass were FAIR on plastics and crankbaits near shallow
- Bluegills were FAIR on waxworms and crickets
- Catfish were FAIR-GOOD on cut bait and dip baits and fairly shallow this week
- Crappie were SLOW-FAIR on minnows in 10 - 13 foot water.
- WhiteBass were FAIR on bladebaits this week

LaSALLE LAKE -
- - End of last week there were reports of mainly a shad kill
-- And the cool side finally cooled into the 80s
- Blue Catfish were FAIR-SLOW on drifted baits
 
 
  - Here is Chris Simmons
  With a 25 pound Bluecat
  caught while fishing with
  Catmatt Jones of CatfishAcademy.com
  on LaSalle Lake

NEWTON LAKE - 16 -17 miles southeast of Effingham off Route 33.
- - Lake is up and stained
- Bass were FAIR on main lake ledges and points on plastic worms mostly and crankbaits or topwater early or late
- Catfish were FAIR-GOOD on dip baits and shad
- Crappie are SLOW
- WhiteBass were SLOW

POWERTON LAKE - One mile south of Pekin off Route 29 along Manito Blacktop.
---- site Office 309-968-7135
- - The Lake is OPEN - SUMMER HOURS 6am-8pm
-- Be Aware - There are No Boat Docks -
* * Powerton Lake Will Be CLOSED for Levee Maintenance on July 20 - 22nd and Re-opens on July 23rd at 6 am.* *
- Bluegill were SLOW along rocks.
- Channel Catfish are FAIR-GOOD on shrimp, cut baits and dip baits near intake
- Bluecatfish were FAIR in the back of the lake in deeper holes or ditches on live baits.
- Smallmouth were SLOW-FAIR with a few on crankbaits and spinners near point at intake
- Hybrid Stripers were SLOW.
- - As a reminder - the daily limit for White Bass or Hybrid Stripers is 10 and only three over 17 inches.
*** Just wondering if others are catching any Bluegills or the Redear that are in this lake..? ***

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.
- Bass were FAIR around timber or weeds on crankbaits and plastics.
- Bluegills are FAIR on wax worms along weeds
- Catfish were FAIR-GOOD on dip baits
- Crappie were SLOW
- Couple reports of good Flathead fishng in evenings