Terminal Tackle
Gamakatsu Circle Hooks
Circle hooks designed to set in the corner of a fish's mouth, for fresh and saltwater bait fishing.
Check Price Maker's PageCatfish
Blue Catfish Fishing in Illinois
The largest North American catfish, common in big Southern and Midwestern rivers and reservoirs. Trophy blues often come in winter on cut shad.
- Waters
- 1
- State
- Illinois
- Water
- Freshwater
- Methods
- Spin & Bait
Prime Months in Illinois: No Agency Season Found
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spawning in Illinois: Mar to Aug, per Illinois DNR (when the fish spawn, not a fishing season)
What to Use for Blue Catfish
Fishing In
Blue Catfish
No agency season found
No fly setup listed for blue catfish; see Spin / Cast.
Spin / Cast
7.5 to 8 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 5000 to 6500 levelwind reel, 30 to 50 lb line, 7/0 to 8/0 circle hooks.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodUgly Stik Catfish Casting Rod · 8 ft medium heavy, 15 to 30 lb, 2 pieceCheck Price
- ReelAbu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Catfish Round Reel · 6500 (mono 320/12, 225/17; braid 310/30, 220/50)Check Price
- LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 30 lbCheck Price
Tie On in November
- Bait for November · Chunk or filletCut ShadFresh is best.
- Bait for November · 1 to 3 inLive MinnowsLive shiners.
- Bait for November · Whole, liveLive Shad and Herring
Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.
Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Also Worth Packing
Terminal Tackle
Egg Sinkers and Swivels
Egg sinkers, swivels, and beads for slip-sinker and Carolina rigs.
Check PriceSome links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need an Illinois fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
Where to Catch Blue Catfish
1 of 1 waters