About Illinois River Fishing
Recommended Bait
Some of the best bait for Carp is sweet corn or dough balls, especially when flavored with vanilla or strawberry.
Some of the best bait for Channel Catfish is chicken livers or stink bait, particularly when fished on the bottom.
Install the onWater app today and get the latest fishing spot info.
.webp)
Popular Fish in Illinois River
Enthusiastic anglers flock to the Illinois River for its abundant and diverse fish populations. Common catches include catfish, carp, bass, and crappie. Fishing in the Illinois River offers a unique experience as anglers can enjoy both river and backwater fishing, with opportunities to catch a variety of species. The river's natural beauty and tranquil environment make each fishing trip an adventure to remember. With the chance to hook some of the most sought-after fish in the Illinois River, it's no wonder that this body of water is a top destination for fishing enthusiasts in Illinois.
Largemouth Bass
This popular sport fish has a large mouth perfect for ambushing prey. They lurk in weedy cover and strike with surprising speed. Their distinctive black horizontal stripe along the body makes them easy to identify.
Carp
Often seen as a challenge due to their size and strength, Carp have a robust, golden-brown body, thriving in muddy riverbeds and lakes where they feed mostly on the bottom.
Bluegill
A brightly colored sunfish, Bluegill are popular for panfishing. They have a spotted body and a distinctive dark patch on their ear flap.
Channel Catfish
Known for its whisker-like barbels, the Channel Catfish is a bottom-feeder with a taste for murky, slow-moving waters, often caught at night.
Regulations
Illinois Stream Access Laws
The Courts have described the reach of the California public right of navigation as”teh right to navigate and to excersize the... See More
Illinois Freshwater Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions... See More
Illinois Fishing License Online
In California, anyone under the age of 16 or above is required to get a sport fishing license to take any fish: shell fish: repltile o... See More
Illinois Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local, rules and regulation... See More
