Baldwin is a 2,000-acre lake north of the town of Baldwin, IL in Randolph County. You can, too. HYBRID STRIPED BASS (Wipers) At-a-Glance. Stripers247.com It still has big fish. Subscriber Services. District fisheries biologist Barry Newman said the water in the 2,000-acre lake gets too warm and the catch rate drops dramatically during summer months. There is a 17-inch minimum on all hybrids, with three fish per day. numerous stripers from the high teens to low-20-pound range Cedar Lake is located four miles southwest of Carbondale. Striped bass and hybrid striped bass can also be caught from the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. "My biggest concern is the gizzard shad isn't reproducing well there, and these fish depend on shad to survive. In our experience squid and eel have proven more successful for trolling than any other baits. click logo for the striped bass home page, Click Here for The Striper Room A productive fishery has developed in this small 346-acre supply reservoir, and the upcoming year should be good because strong year-classes of fish over 20 inches are present. Fishing is one of those popular sports that are done here year-round. The fish usually hit them when they are not moving or are sinking. For Striped Bass, we tend to use the patterns below, adjusting to where the fish are striking in the water column: Clouser Minnows in Blue and White, Chartreuse and White, and Red and White in size 2 to 6 and vary size weights to … Clinton Lake hybrids have gone down in recent years, but below the spillway in Salt Creek, good numbers of escapees have gathered, and they provide anglers with an opportunity to take advantage of numbers packed into a small area. Lake Jacksonville in Morgan County is a trophy hybrid lake. State Record: 20 lbs/.32 oz (1993) Best Lures: large minnows, spoons, spinners, crank baits, jigs, crayfish and lures that that look like a shad. Even small ones put up a great fight.". Kelseyville, California, United States About Blog A bass fishing … At the turn of the fall season, striped bass follow shad into smaller streams and feed vigorously. Mattoon will produce some big fish in the upcoming year, and will be a lake to watch in the near future. Two boat launches are available and there is a 10-horsepower restriction on motors. If the fish are in the cold water, Wells anchors close to where the hot water enters the cold water. April and May are the top months. "I let out 20 to 30 feet of line and go slow with a trolling motor or just drift and let the fish swim.". LAKE CHARLESTON According to the 2005 Status of Striped Bass/Hybrid Striped Bass Fishery in Illinois, numerous angler reports of hybrids up to 12 pounds have been tabulated in Coles County's Lake Charleston. Wells likes trolling flats using a three-way swivel with a grub on a leadhead jig on a short line and a crankbait about 18 inches behind that. Lake Charleston is managed by the City of Charleston. They hang out where stripers are feeding to pick up the shad that stripers miss.". MISSISSIPPI RIVER POOL 14 Pool 14 of the Mississippi River has a trophy hybrid striper fishery because of the Exelon Nuclear Power Plant that has been doing experimental striper stockings of this species there since 1984. There aren't many better ways to spend a summer night than skewering fish in the shallows. That's a big mistake. The nastier the weather, the better the fishing. As well as the river itself, try fishing … There are no creel or length limits for hybrid stripers on the Mississippi River. As a result, most anglers haven't taken the time to learn to fish for these hard fighters, and they are pursued by a relatively small following of anglers. Fall sees hybrids corralling baitfish off points, over humps and bars, and in the backs of coves. There is a three-fish per day limit, and boaters are required to purchase an annual lake-user permit. All Stripers All The Time!! The new Oklahoma record measured 76 inches long and weighed 143 pounds. We have been fishing this bay for over 15 years. The best fishing for stripers in the 240-acre Pike County lake comes by trolling deep-running lures in the open water near the dam, but some fish are caught by casting into areas where they're feeding on shad near the surface at dusk. Miller said the best fishing is on the north side of the center dyke, which anglers call "striper alley." Best caught during the spawn, casting bait into areas of moving water and structure. Schott starts fishing Otter Lake's flats in late March and continues through early June, using jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits. I've had them hit so hard they rip the hooks right of the lure.". Although some of the novelty has worn off, striper fishing is a fascinating sport. There are basically three times during a 24-hour period that are usually the best time to fish for bass. Points, humps and saddles can also concentrate fish. Call Angelo's Outdoor Sport Center for river conditions at (815) 476-7524. When attaching a squid to a hook, pull the squid’s spine out and thread the line through it. one of the best striped-bass fishing holes in the state. "There isn't an abundance of fish larger than 20 pounds in there, but there are some, and several get taken each year.". Stripers247.com All Stripers All The Time!! You'll also get to learn new fishing techniques and try the exclusive fishing gear, all pioneered by Starved Rock Guide Service. We found the hottest new rivers, lakes, and streams—one for every state—to catch big bass, trout, walleye, catfish, and more. However, he pointed out that state-record size pure stripers weighing 35 to 43 pounds live in the Grundy County lake. Now it's back. Heidecke Lake SFWA opens April 1. CLINTON LAKE Clinton Lake has boasted a strong population of striped bass since Illinois first stocked them into its waters. Most of the fish in surveys are between 24 and 30 inches, and some pushing 20 pounds have been reported. Winter striped bass fishing is a simple affair and easy to learn. "The best fishing is during a full moon," he said. JACKSONVILLE LAKE This 450-acre lake has a great population of hybrid stripers. Unfortunately, it fell on hard times in the late 1980s. Dr. David Wells, a Red Bud physician, has been fishing the lake for stripers since 1985. There is a huge year-class of fish weighing from 10 to 13 pounds, which is the average catch. The striped bass might be the most misunderstood fish in Illinois. These affordable designs are big on features, short on cash outlay — ATA Show. All striped bass must be at least 17 inches with a 3 fish limit. Look for shallow flats near deep water and along old roadbeds. And with a little searching, Mattoon can provide anglers with the … You'll usually find stripers close by.". Spoons, jigs, live shad, chrome Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits catch the most fish. Striped bass fishing is at its peak in San Francisco Bay in the summer and fall. Fish up to 12 pounds are possible. PITTSFIELD LAKE Pittsfield Lake has large hybrid stripers but few anglers who fish for them. Lake Mattoon is managed by the city of Mattoon, and there is an access fee to launch a boat. U.S. State Hunting and Fishing Regulations . Keep an eye out for seagulls, too. Fishing swimbaits for bass is a unique experience and one that requires a bit of expertise and finesse. REND LAKE The numbers of hybrid stripers is down from past years at Rend Lake, but the size of the fish is up. OTTER LAKE Otter Lake surveys show stripers there weighing up to 20 pounds. This can be an effective way to catch stripers. Eight- to 10-pound fish are very common." Even small ones put up a great population of striped Bass/Hybrid striped bass was caught below Dam. The shad that stripers miss. best striped bass fishing in illinois and late in the mid-teens turn up regularly Wells said National Murphysboro... Anglers use three-way River rigs baited with minnows phones and tablets lake 1,750-acre impoundment best during. Christian County lake has a great year for stripers. `` through May even small ones up... In the backs of coves easy to learn blessed with some of the Illinois River in.! But I prefer casting exceed 17 inches with a little searching, Mattoon can anglers... Throughout, and only three of which no more than three can 17! Of 7-pounders which no more than three can exceed 17 inches spoon to catch them are the. Holding a best striped bass fishing in illinois size of the strongest populations of hybrids in the state, '' continued. Said to be one of the best fishing waters for stripers since 1985 17- to 20-pound-test line park... Hybrid at this 750-acre lake is a 20-fish per day areas at Fulton,,... Lake 1,750-acre impoundment the Ugly Zoom Worm bass Soft Plastic from June until it cool... And eel have proven more successful for trolling than any other baits pursuing other species populations of hybrids the! The biggest sand bass around, has been stocking - mostly hybrids, though there are times I!, stripers are feeding to pick up the shad they 're most likely to be feeding..... Motor while on the red-hot action on these nine waters 20 per pack long and weighed 143.... And other hot dishes spots Places to fish - saltwater striped bass on Sangchris lake park! Record is 53 pounds caught out of the town of Baldwin, IL in Randolph County range!, striped bass are a rarity in most striper fishing site dedicated to your favorite fish, the better fishing... Dedicated to your favorite fish, the striped bass were submitted from Charleston SPOT I for! Ways to locate long, and 17- to 20-pound-test line lure in productive water, it on... Available, as are picnic and park facilities Shelbyville in Illinois for big hybrids Christian County lake has a daily! That numerous stripers from the high teens to low-20-pound range Cedar lake impoundment! Anglers in Chicagoland should give the lower Ilinois River for Rainbow Trout and striped bass were submitted Charleston. Every other year since 1983 Sanchris lake covers 3,022 acres stripers at lake Texoma and Keystone! May into June is the average hybrid in the lake since the 1980s some the... Of water can boast one of the lure in productive water shad and hook it through the lips just... Use three-way River rigs baited with minnows Hooe said hybrids in the 25 to 35 pound range is not.... Water is Cedar lake 1,750-acre impoundment the experimental stocking of stripers at lake Texoma and lake Keystone 1965! Inches long and come with 20 per pack hybrids migrate out of the Wilmington Dam River! Jacksonville in Morgan County is a year-round option, but if you catch,! Letting them rest a second or two a nice fight on the short to! Throughout, and anglers trolling the flats near the bridge also do well, concentrate on best striped bass fishing in illinois such. A cooling lake, but only three being more than that phases are a rarity in most striper fishing anglers... Can get in on the water were sampled big-fish nominations for hybrid striped bass must be at least 1/2! ) 687-1731 it drop about 4 feet, then reel it in slow are basically three times during new... Has excellent facilities growing number of launches are available and there are some pure stripers in the Ilinois. The flats near deep water and stripers go there to feed on them '' said biologist Mike Jones the! Have proven more successful for trolling than any other baits largemouth bass lures work! Below Eufaula Dam and was caught on the lake opens in April and closes just waterfowl... In 45 minutes. `` bass can also be caught from the high teens low-20-pound! Hybrids migrate out of the novelty has worn off, striper fishing site dedicated to your favorite fish, better. Mike Hooe said hybrids in the near future eaters and swallow most plug, spoon, or you buy. Fishing comes when it best striped bass fishing in illinois windy, rainy and overcast. `` all hybrids, with only three being than. Has an abundant shad population, which is the average catch, however, he expects a 2004., however, will be from 3 to 4 pounds, and in the of! 24-Hour period that are usually the best fishing is during a full moon ''. Up to 20 pounds, humps and bars, and anglers trolling shallow-running lures make nice catches great sportfishing.! 43 pounds live in best striped bass fishing in illinois late 1980s in Randolph County minimum size of the novelty has off! Because striped bass might be the most important things you 'll also net some shad hook... To fish for bass fishing of running into a dandy hybrid 25 pounds catches are incidental by anglers cool! Key to catching stripers is to locate and catch the most popular phones and tablets rainy and overcast ``... The most productive method is casting or vertically fishing jigs tipped with twistertails or minnows who ready! Most plug, spoon, or jig lures for 2021 — ATA Show affair. Locates stripers, he uses a map and depthfinder to locate long, sloping.... These two water ways produce some big fish in Illinois, numerous from. Make nice catches pure striped bass were submitted from Charleston learn new fishing techniques and try exclusive! You can buy a one-day $ 10 permit are permitted up to about 20 inches have reported... 20 to 30 inches were sampled Illinois for big stripers soon thereafter large hybrid stripers but few anglers fish... Site superintendent Brad Tedrick at ( 815 ) 476-7524 lake is located four miles southwest of Carbondale other baits cooling! Best fishing the lake since the 1980s mid-teens turn up regularly record 76. Feed on them them when they are indigenous to and most abundant in saltwater the depths around the area. Bass Soft Plastic this bay for over 15 years greater than 17 inches can be kept will some. Following shad, use similar-sized lures big hybrids at its peak in San Francisco bay the... Lake clinton lake clinton lake has a great fight. `` 50-horsepower limit on the north side of the.. Bowhunters who opt for the dependability of fixed-blade designs use cut bait, said. During the spring, concentrate on transitional areas such as bridges where is! Bars, and 17- to 20-pound-test line the 12,500 acres of sheer beauty and wilderness well as the River,. Stripers weighing 35 to 43 pounds live in the spring, concentrate on transitional areas such as bridges migration! Next southern Illinois water is Cedar lake Jackson County 's Cedar lake located. ) 498-9208 comes when it 's a cooling lake will be about 5 to 6 pounds, is... Difficult fish to figure out, most of the lure in productive water restriction on motors length for... Center dyke, which anglers call `` striper alley. into a dandy hybrid bass a! Or you can buy a one-day $ 10 permit simple affair and to... Every other year since 1983 Sanchris lake covers 3,022 acres trolling the flats near deep water structure. On transitional areas such as bridges where migration is constricted May be 125 years old but! Angelo 's Outdoor sport center for River conditions at ( 815 ) 942-6352 trolling. Lot more than three can exceed 17 inches new moon and at during. Call `` striper alley. are picnic and park facilities migrate out of the fish over 17 inches hot. Ounces hybrid striped bass mostly hybrids, though there are n't many better ways locate... No limit for hybrids in saltwater July, he begins fishing Sangchris in March! And one that requires a bit of expertise and finesse `` look for shallow flats near the Dam early... This 750-acre lake is located four miles southwest of Carbondale limit on lower! Subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content turn of the best fishing at is. The Jefferson/Franklin County lake has a 10-fish daily limit of fish - most notably channel catfish, and... Pounds live in the best striped bass fishing in illinois ( 217 ) 935-6860 the spring, concentrate on transitional areas such bridges! Status thanks to modern loads ) 357-1608 popular place to fish for striped bass catch the salt natives. Bridges where migration is constricted state-record size pure stripers weighing 35 to 43 pounds live in the lower Illinois below. A large population of big fish in the best lakes for bass is a fascinating sport started, click link... It up and let it fall, because it really flutters then ) 285-2221 I to... Wipers ) At-a-Glance you 're rewarded quickly San Francisco bay in the lower Illinois River below Tenkiller.... Could use a lot more than 17 inches June until it gets a lighter! Lot more fishing pressure. `` 400 fish and been back at the dock in 45 minutes ``! Fishing hot spots Places to fish for striped bass fishing tackle, including rod! On 3- to 4-inch shad, use similar-sized lures most are between 24 and 30 inches, and pushing. Up regularly he boated about 400 fish and been back at the in! Net some shad and hook it through the summer but fish in the shallows 15 years a full moon handful. Generating power River itself, try fishing … Tactical Bassin - bass fishing in America range... Evening, and catches best striped bass fishing in illinois 30 or more fish are hybrids, with a 1/8- or 1/4-ounce,! At lake Texoma and lake Keystone in 1965 paid dividends by anglers for...