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Fishing in Illinois

Click a region to explore top fishing spots, species, and local tips.

Illinois has over 2,900 lakes (the vast majority man-made) and more than 84,000 ponds. Lake Michigan provides world-class salmon and trout fishing along 63 miles of shoreline. From the Chain O'Lakes to Carlyle Lake, the Prairie State offers incredible fishing diversity.

Topographic map — click to view full size

Northern Illinois & Chicago

Lake Michigan, Chain O'Lakes, Fox River, Chicago River -- Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass

Northwestern Illinois

Rock River, Pecatonica River, Apple River, Shabbona Lake -- Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Catfish, Crappie

Central Illinois

Lake Springfield, Clinton Lake, Shelbyville Lake, Decatur Lake -- Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Walleye, Bluegill

Southern Illinois

Rend Lake, Carlyle Lake, Kinkaid Lake, Crab Orchard Lake -- Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Striped Bass, Crappie

Eastern Illinois

Lake Vermilion, Kickapoo Park, Wabash River, Embarras River -- Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Catfish, Walleye