Locals Win Cabela's Master Walleye Circuit on Illinois River

Locals Win Cabela's Master Walleye Circuit on Illinois River

When you hear of walleye fishing your first thought is probably Wisconsin or Minnesota, not Illinois.  However, walleye fishing on the Illinois River near Spring Valley and Starved Rock has always been a hot spot.  This fishery has been so productive that the Cabela's Master Walleyes Circuit has decided to launch their 2016 season yet again in Spring Valley, Illinois.

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.