How is the Illinois River fishing?

How is the Illinois River fishing?

Usually beginning in March or even earlier, one of the best ways to catch these tasty fish is to use a minnow on a floating jig with enough weight to keep it on the bottom. Anglers can expect to find good numbers of walleye in the upper pools below the dams at Dresden and Marseilles.

Is it a good time to fish in Illinois?

Most of the lakes throughout Illinois still offer good daytime bass-fishing action, but August is a great time to be on the water after dark. When the water temperature rises, recreational lake traffic increases, and the bass fishing gets tougher during the day.

Why is the IL river not fished anymore?

For the first time since the 1970s, there is no longer a “Do Not Eat” advisory for fish in the Illinois River due to declining polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) concentrations. The Illinois FCMP is a joint effort of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and IDPH.

Can you eat fish from Illinois River?

For the first time in nearly half a century the Illinois Department of Public Health doesn’t have a “do not eat” warning for folks consuming fish from the 270-mile long Illinois River, reports the Chicago Tribune.

Is fishing good in the Illinois River?

trally through the northern half of the state, the Illinois River is in an excellent position to provide quality fishing to a great number of Illinois citizens. Hopefully this guide will help these fishermen make use of the abundant resource the river provides. land dams on the upper 45 miles of faster flowing river.

How do you know if it’s a good day for fishing?

Best Fishing Times

  • One hour before and one hour after high tides, and one hour before and one hour after low tides.
  • During the “morning rise” (after sunup for a spell) and the “evening rise” (just before sundown and the hour or so after).
  • During the rise and set of the Moon.
  • When the barometer is steady or on the rise.

Are Illinois River fish safe to eat?

While there is no known immediate health hazard from eating contaminated fish from any Illinois water body, there are concerns about the effects of long-term, low-level exposure to chlordane, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and methylmercury in fish. …

Where is the deepest part of Illinois River?

Peoria County
Illinois River is located in Peoria County, Illinois. It is approximately 80 feet deep at its deepest point.

What kind of fish are in the Illinois River?

Sport species commonly occurring in the river include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, drum, crap- pie species, bullhead species, bluegill and miscellaneous sunfish species.

What is the limit for catfish on Illinois River?

Largemouth Bass Channel Catfish Carp
Peoria Pool All Sizes 1 meal/week Contaminants – PCBs and Mercury Peoria Pool Less than 12″ 1 meal/week – or – 12″ to 16″ 1 meal/mouth 16″ to 18″ 6 meals/year – or – Larger than 18″ Do Not Eat Contaminant – PCBs Peoria Pool All Sizes 1 meal/month Contaminant – PCBs

Where are the best places to fish in Illinois?

The Kankakee River has long been one of Illinois’s well-known fishing places for fly-fishermen, waders and other river fishing enthusiasts. One of NE Illinois’ good places to fish, the 59-mile Kankakee has shallow areas perfect for wading and fly fishing, as well as deep areas that are great for fishing from a boat.

What fish are in Illinois?

Among the different types of fish in Illinois, the most common shiners found are the redfin, pallid, striped, spotfin, Golden and the red shiner. These are small growing fishes that grew up to 4 inches long.

What are fishing reports?

Fishing reports are provided for the major fisheries throughout the state. These reports are prepared by the biologist most familiar with each area. Reports are provided throughout the busy summer season on more or less a weekly basis.