Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Lake Shelbyville

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Lake Shelbyville

By: Jon Giacalone

At 11,000 acres, Lake Shelbyville is one of Illinois' premier fishing destinations, offering a variety of shore fishing access points and opportunities for camping. It's most recognized for its largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, muskie and walleye opportunities. Anglers should be aware of special length limits for walleye, largemouth bass, muskie and crappie. Consult visitor centers for the special creel restrictions, which are also posted at most public access sites. Boaters should watch for buoys placed near beaches, bridges, marinas and in some coves. The buoys indicate no boats, no wakes or other navigational information. In addition, green and red navigation buoys have been placed from the Highway 32 bridge to the "Bo" Wood Access to aid deep-draft sailboats.

Walleye and white bass make spring spawning runs up the Kaskaskia River, and have been documented 25 miles north to the Highway 36 bridge. It is believed a white bass run occurs up the West Okaw River, but the extent of the movement has not been studied.

Interestingly, biologists have stocked Shelbyville with walleye from many states to try to obtain genetic qualities suitable for this water. The effort has included river and lake strains from hatcheries in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, South Dakota, Kansas, Kentucky and New York. Fingerling and fry stocking typically occurs annually. A rearing pond was constructed and another is planned to raise walleye to a larger size before stocking.

The Classic Tale of Two Fish

The Classic Tale of Two Fish

Uncovering the boat, reorganizing and creating yet another system took a little longer than expected.  I finally just threw the rods in the boat, strapped them down and took off to Jim Edgar Panther Creek.  My goal today wasn't really to fish but was to get out to start the bigger motor and enjoy the fresh air.

Michael explaining how big his fish was and Heather didn't believe him

With a Jeep full of baby stuff, backing down the ramp added an extra challenge.  The boat hit the water and I was ready to test out the boat for the first time this year.  The boat started without incident and soon it was idling around the lake.  I felt comfortable with the way the boat sounded so naturally I was going to get some fishing in. Who wouldn't, right? 

I grabbed a rattle trap and started hitting the shoreline.  Nothing!  I decided to switch to a chatter bait with a swim bait as a trailer.  On the backside of a secondary point I casted about 10 feet from shore, when all of a sudden I felt something, a hit or a snag.

You've been there right?  That moment you lift up on your line and you think you snagged a pile of weeds. That's about when you realize you got one on.  That's how this fish was. Once I realized it was a fish, I noticed right away that this was a bigger fish.  I leaned over the side of the boat, grabbed this 'biggin bass' by the lips, pulled it up, thanked God and let out a big Whooaa!

I can only describe this fish easily as the biggest bass I've ever caught.  Ya, it was that big! I grabbed my rod thew my lure back in and caught another great fish, a nice 14 incher.  I released him and tried a few other spots with no success.

After, I put the boat on the trailer and got home I couldn't wait to tell Heather and my mother-in-law about these fish.  As I was telling them I knew they wouldn't believe me.  WHY?  No picture.  I forgot my cell phone in the car, of course! Remember this was only supposed to be a boat ride, I wasn't planning on catching the biggest bass of my life.

After bragging about it to my brother and anyone else that would listen, the thought of not having a picture does bring up a little disappointment.  The thing is I'll always have that memory and the feeling of catching the greatest fish of my life. 

Have you ever caught a great fish and go to tell the tale, only to have people asking for the photos?  Share your story with us!

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Shabbona Lake

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Shabbona Lake

By: Jon Giacalone

Shabbona Lake, located in DeKalb County, was created in 1975 when the Shabbona Dam was constructed across Indian Creek. The 1,550-acre Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area surrounds the lake. There is no entrance fee, and summer hours are 6:00AM to 10:00PM (May 1 - October 31), while winter hours are 8:00AM to sunset (November 1 - April 30). The Upper Fishing Area and Lower Refuge Area at the west end of the lake are designated no-wake areas, and the use of gas engines is prohibited. Gas motors over 10 horsepower are not permitted on Shabbona Lake. Bank fishing and boat access are prohibited in the Lower Refuge Area from October 1 to freeze-up. During periods of severe weather, condition warning flags are displayed at the access sites. For those looking to fish from shore, five earthen fishing piers have been built along the west shore. Each pier is surrounded by six to eight fish cribs placed in approximately 10 feet of water.

A series of Illinois Top Fishing Destentation

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois Series 

Presented by Fishidy

Our time is valuable, even while we're on the lake we're probably thinking about eronds we need to run or some chore around the house that we've been putting off.  That's why Capitol Outdoors has teamed up with Fishidy to bring you a series of post on Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois.  

Illinois is full of fantastic fishing opportunities from our power plant lakes that are across the state, the Mississippi River, which is literally our western boarder, the Army Corp of Engineer lakes, and to the beautiful shore lines of Lake Michigan.  The abundance of species have anglers of all sorts in search of great adventure.  

OK. great you have a list of top fishing locations in Illinois but your time is still valuable and you want to make every moment count while you're on the water.  If your a tournament fisherman you know how important it is to do your homework.  Especially if you're fishing a new lake. That's were Fishidy comes in!

Fishidy was founded by hardcore anglers who love fishing, maps and technology. We came together with a common vision to create a one-of-a-kind fishing resource to give anglers of all kinds the chance to catch more fish through the use of interactive fishing maps, social connections and tons of proven, valuable information on thousands of waterways across the country.

That's right, no more old maps, you can research that lake all week before you head out.  Download the app on your smartphone and take it with you.  Now if you're worried about the secret spot being stolen there privacy settings to keep it secret.  :)

This is just one of the many lakes and rivers where you can find information to make you a better and more successful angler. 

From weekend warriors to professional anglers like Mike Iaconelli use Fishidy to give them the edge they need to land more fish in their boat.  Take five minutes and sign-up its free to join!

(SB 3264) Bill Would Require IDNR to Submit Report to General Assembly

Bill Would Require IDNR to Submit Report to General Assembly

On February 19, 2016 Senator Sam McCann (Republican of Carlinville, Illinois) and member of the Illinois Sportsmen's Caucus introduced SB 3264.  

SB3264 DEPT LAND-RECREATIONAL HUNTING

Amends the Illinois Hunting Heritage Protection Act. Provides that by October 1 of each year, the Director of Natural Resources shall submit to the General Assembly a written report describing the Department of Natural Resource's plan to maximize the opportunities for recreational hunting on Department-managed lands.

(SB 3265) Bill Would Allow IDNR to have Fish/Aquatic Life Prosecutions

Bill Would Allow IDNR to have Fish/Aquatic Life Prosecutions

On February 19, 2016 Senator Sam McCann (Republican of Carlinville, Illinois) and member of the Illinois Sportsmen's Caucus introduced SB 3265.  

SB3265 - FISH/AQUATIC LIFE-PROSECUTIONS

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that all State's Attorneys shall enforce the provisions of the Code, including administrative rules adopted under Section 1-125, in their respective counties and shall prosecute all persons charged with violating its provisions when so requested by the Department of Natural Resources.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Appropriation Bills Filed

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Appropriation Bills Filed

State Budget FY 2017

Pictures property of IDNR and IGOMB

On February 17, 2016 Governor Rauner laid out his proposed budget for FY 2017. Now that the Governor has proposed his budget, the legislators are able to introduce their budget bills.

On February 19, 2016 Republican Leaders Radogno (Lemont, Illinois) & Durkin (Burr Ridge, Illinois) filed SB3190 & HB6355.

SB3190 & HB6355 -$DNR FY17 OCE

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Department of Natural Resources for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016, as follows: General Revenue Fund $44,000,000; Other State Funds $193,827,275; Federal Funds $26,407,407; Total $264,234,682.

Of course the budget is going to be a topic with much heated debate.

2016 Spring Inland Trout Season Dates and Locations

2016 Spring Inland Trout Season Dates and Locations

The I Fish Illinois staff wants you to start thinking about Trout Fishing.  Yep, it's that time of year again to start thinking about fishing in general.  Inland Trout Fishing is a great way to introduce someone to fishing.  Never been?  Read our post about what we use to catch inland trout.  Make sure to check out Illinois Fishing Information booklet 2016 for rules and regulations.

LaSalle Lake Opens for the Season on March 15

You know that fishing season is on the horizon when you hear about the power plant lakes opening back up.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released the following press release regarding the opening day for LaSalle Lake. For more information check out IFISHILLINOIS and FISHIDY.

LaSalle Lake Opens for the Season on March 15 

Governor Rauner's Proposed Illinois Department of Natural Resources FY17 Budget

Governor Rauner's Proposed Illinois Department of Natural Resources FY17 Budget

State Budget FY 2017
Pictures property of IDNR and IGOMB

Today (February 17, 2016) Governor Rauner gave his Budget Address for Fiscal Year 2017.  This budget includes all of Illinois expenditures including those he recommends for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

(SB 2788) Bill Would Allow Youth to Transfer Deer Tags to Adults

Bill Would Allow Youth to Transfer Deer Tags to Adults

Senator Neil Anderson (Republican, Moline, Illinois) introduced SB 2788 on February 17, 2016.  

SB 2788 WILDLIFE-DEER TAGS

Amends the Wildlife Code: Provides that anyone filling a deer tag who has a Youth Hunting License may transfer the tag to the accompanying adult hunter if the youth is present at the time the tag is filled by the adult. Removes the prohibition on transferring deer tags in compliance with the youth hunting provision.

Continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors as we monitor this and other bills for you.

(HB 6008) Proposed Bill Could Affect Hunters in Cook, Lake, Will, and DuPage

Proposed Bill Could Affect Hunters in Cook, Lake, Will, and DuPage

Representative Carol A. Sente (Democrat Vernon Hills, Illinois) introduced HB 6008 on February 11, 2015

HB6008 COUNTY CD&WILDLIFE-FIREARMS

Amends the Counties Code and the Wildlife Code. Provides that in the counties of Cook, Lake, Will, and DuPage, it is unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm for the purpose of taking any of the species protected by the Wildlife Code, or hunt with gun or dog, or intentionally or wantonly allow a dog to hunt, within 1,000 yards of an inhabited dwelling without first obtaining permission from the owner or tenant. Permits the discharge of firearms at a licensed shooting range regardless of the distance from inhabited residences. Preempts a home rule unit located in the counties of Cook, Lake, Will, and DuPage from regulating the discharge of firearms in a manner inconsistent with these provisions.

Continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors as we monitor this and other bills for you.

(HB6187) Another Firearm Bill Introduced for Deer Hunting

Another Firearm Bill Introduced for Deer Hunting

Representative Brandon Phelps (Democrat of Harrisburg, Illinois), Chairman of the Illinois Sportsmen's Caucus introduced HB6187. He filed this bill on February 11, 2016.

HB6187 WLF CD-DEER HUNTING-RIFLES

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that rifles with cartridges that fire a bullet of .357-inch diameter or larger, have a minimum case length of 1.16 inches, and have a maximum case length of 1.8 inches may be used to take deer. Effective immediately.

Continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors as we monitor this and other bills for you.

(HB5985) Bill Filed to Change School Policy in regards to Hunting Rifles

Bill Filed to Change School Policy in regards to Hunting Rifles

Representative Reginald Phillips (Republican Charleston, Illinois) introduced HB5985 on February 11, 2016.

HB5985 - SCH CD-EXPULSION-HUNTING RIFLE

Amends the School Code. With respect to the suspension or expulsion of pupils, provides that if a firearm generally used for hunting purposes is found to be in a student's vehicle and the student has not faced prior disciplinary action for bringing a weapon to school, then the school board may not expel the student (rather than requiring expulsion for a period of not less than one year). Provides that the school board may suspend the student for no more than 3 days instead. Provides that these provisions do not apply to a handgun as defined in the Firearm Concealed Carry Act or any firearm located outside of the student's vehicle on school property.

Continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors as we monitor this and other bills for you.

(HB 5978) Rifle Bill Proposed in Illinois for Deer Hunting

Rifle Bill Proposed in Illinois for Deer Hunting

Representative Brandon Phelps (Democrat of Harrisburg Illinois), Chairman of the Illinois Sportsmen's Caucus introduced HB5978.  He filed this bill on February 11, 2016.  

HB 5978 - WLF CD-DEER HUNT-RIFLES-AMMO

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a rifle may be used in deer hunting if it has a bottleneck centerfire cartridge of .30 caliber or larger with a case length not exceeding 1.4 inches, or a straight-walled centerfire cartridge of .30 caliber or larger, both of which must be available as a factory load with the published ballistic tables of the manufacturer showing a capability of at least 500 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. There is no case length limit for straight-walled cartridges on rifles. Provides that non-expanding, military-style full metal jacket bullets may not be used to harvest deer; only soft point or expanding bullets, including copper or copper-alloy rounds designed for hunting, are legal ammunition.

Continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors as we monitor this and other bills for you.