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Illinois River Fishing Guide

Illinois

A big working river with spring walleye and sauger runs and strong catfish populations.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Illinois River for white bass, walleye and channel catfish. The best months overall are Mar to Apr, Jun, Nov. In October, walleye is in season, and Suspending Jerkbait, Paddle-Tail Swimbait and Jig and Minnow are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles; the closest is Bass Pro Shops in East Peoria, 1 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out.

Best Months

Mar to Apr, Jun, Nov

In October

Walleye

Methods

Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

What You'll Catch

Illinois River Species

White Bass

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Mar to Apr, Jun to Aug

Walleye

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov

Channel Catfish

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: May to Sep

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

6 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

  • Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Hard Bait · Walleye · After dark.

    Shop This Lure

  • Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Walleye

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  • Jig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz

    Lure

    Jig · Walleye

    Shop This Lure

  • Nightcrawlers Whole or half

    Bait

    Live Bait · Channel Catfish

  • Chicken Liver Chunk

    Bait

    Natural Bait · Channel Catfish

  • Cut Shad Chunk or fillet

    Bait

    Natural Bait · Channel Catfish

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

White Bass

Fly 9 ft 6 wt rod, floating or intermediate line, Clousers and small baitfish flies.

Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 6 to 8 lb line.

Walleye

Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Channel Catfish

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning or casting rod, 3000 to 4000 reel, 15 to 20 lb line, slip-sinker rig with a circle hook.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Illinois River

Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.

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Crankbaits

Rapala Shad Rap

A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik Catfish Special Combo

A stout, long rod with a large reel for heavy sinkers and big cats.

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Line

Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament

Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.

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Nets & Tools

Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net

A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.

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Rods

St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod

A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.

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Reels

Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel

A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.

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Reels

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.

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Within 60 Miles

Shops Near Illinois River