GREAT FISHING DESTINATIONS IN ILLINOIS STATE PARKS & FISH AND WILDLIFE AREAS AWAIT!
By MVP Outdoors, Special to the Pekin Times (03/100/08)
With Spring now right around the corner, discover the following Illinois destinations for great fishing and other outdoors opportunities. Whether anglers want walleye, bass or catfish, fishing locations throughout Illinois can deliver. Please call ahead to find out the specific regulations at each Illinois site.
NORTHERN
The Heidecke State Fish and Wildlife Area in Northern Illinois is known for its walleye, hybrid and striped bass and is surrounded by 1,800 acres of land.
815-942-6352
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r2/HEIDECKE.HTM
Kankakee means “beautiful river” in the Pottawatomi language, which perfectly describes Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais. Rent a canoe for the day and enjoy the waters. Areas of the Kankakee River are great for fly-fishing as well.
815-933-1383
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R2/KANKAKEE.HTM
Starved Rock State Park in Utica will provide many days of quality fishing. Rent a canoe or motorboat and fish near glacier-carved canyons for catfish, bullhead, white bass,sauger, walleye, carp and crappie. Explore the bluffs and canyons throughout 13 miles of well marked trails. Starved Rock has an on-site lodge and campground in addition, to many nearby hotels and B&Bs.
815-667-4726
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/I&M/EAST/STARVE/PARK.HTM
CENTRAL
At Lake Shelbyville Fish and Wildlife Management Area, experience fishing along the Kaskaskia and West Okaw Rivers near Sullivan. These rivers provide excellent stream fishing for walleye, white bass, crappie and channel catfish.
217-665-3112
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R3/SHELBY.HTM
Anglers enjoy Kickapoo State Park in Oakwood because it provides excellent fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie and red-ear sunfish. The spring and fall stockings of rainbow trout are also popular among anglers. In addition, discover the numerous hiking trails, as well as the nature trails. Pitch a tent and stay the night at the onsite campgrounds complete with amenities.
217/442-4915
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R3/KICKAPOO.HTM
WESTERN
The Ray Norbut Fish and Wildlife Area lies against the Illinois River and allows bank fishing along the Illinois river and Blue Creek. Anglers can catch bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie in these waters. Overnight accommodations can be made in nearby Quincy at one of the many hotels, B&Bs or campgrounds.
217-833-2811
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R4/ray.htm
The line will be bobbing at Sanganois Fish and Wildlife Area. Large numbers of carp, buffalo fish, catfish and bullhead are caught and sold here annually. During the summer and fall fishers can try their hand at the bass, crappie and bluegill. Weekend accommodations are available in Springfield at one of the many hotels and B&Bs.
309-546-2628
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R4/sangill.htm
SOUTHERN
A vast array of fish can be found at Horseshoe Lake in Miller City. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, sunfish, catfish, bullhead, carp and yellow bass. Spend the night camping at Horseshoe Lake or nearby at Goodbread’s Lost Acres.
618-776-5689
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R5/HORSHU.htm
Rend Lake is the second largest man-made lake in Illinois. Although this is a shallow reservoir, there is an abundant supply of crappie, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass and flathead catfish. Take advantage of the large lake and rent a pontoon boat for the day. Waterfront cabins and lodge accommodations are also available for overnight accommodations.
618.279.3110
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R5/RENDLAKE/REND.HTM
For more information on the Most Valued People, Places And Property The Outdoor World Has To Offer, visit MVP Outdoors on the web at www.MVPOutdoors.com
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