Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Rend Lake

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Rend Lake

By: Jon Giacalone

Rend Lake is the second largest impoundment in Illinois, and one of the state's best for largemouth bass, crappie and white bass. Good numbers of channel and flathead catfish also provide great action. Encompassing a total of 18,900 acres, along with excellent lake facilities, Rend Lake is one of southern Illinois' premier multi-recreational destinations.

Rend Lake offers good fishing throughout most of the year, including during mild winters. Weeds and natural rock are very limited, but riprap, flooded trees and stumps provide abundant habitat. Generally, riprap is the dominant cover south of Highway 154, while the northern portion of the lake is laced with stumps and downed timber.

IDNR Announces Closure of Ramsey Lake and

From the Illinois Department of Natural Resource Press Office:

IDNR Announces Closure of Ramsey Lake and Horseshoe Lake

Sites Closed Indefinitely Due to Electrical and Trash Service Interruptions

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced today that Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area near Ramsey and Horseshoe Lake State Park near Granite City will be closed indefinitely. Ramsey Lake is being closed due to termination of electrical service. Horseshoe Lake will close April 25 due to termination of trash and electrical service.

There is no estimate of when either site might reopen.Ramsey Lake site staff will report to Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. The phone number is (217) 537-3351. Horseshoe Lake staff will report to Frank Holten State Recreation Area. The phone number is (618) 874-7920.

Ramsey Lake campgrounds and picnic shelters were open at the time of the closure. IDNR will contact campers with reservations to work out other arrangements or refunds.

Camping at Horseshoe Lake was to begin May 1, but will not open on that date. IDNR will contact people with camping and shelter reservations to work out other arrangements or refunds.

The Department intends to reopen these parks as soon as services are restored. Horseshoe Lake

Time of Our Lives

Time of Our Lives

What a week of fishing for us here at Capitol Outdoors.  Like so many others we're blessed to live in an area with an abundance of lakes and great outdoor opportunity, but some trips are just better then others.  Take a look as we are having the Time of our Lives.   With a baby on the way things are only going to get better.

Above is the "Biggest Catch of my Life... Sorta of?  Which will have this angler telling tales for years and then few days later we were Kick'n Bass at Emiquon catching some nice fish and having a blast doing it.

That's what I love about the outdoors it's the ultimate guessing game.  You can go out and catch a dinky two inch bluegill or have the time of your life.  How about you, what is a moment you can remember where you had a great weekend or week of fishing. Comment below and share your story. 

 

Spring Turkey Hunting Report Summary

Gobble Gobble... The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released their Preliminary Spring Turkey Hunting Report. Numbers seem to be about the same as last year.  How has your season been?

North Zone: Turkey Hunters in the North Zone harvested 2,263 birds first season, compared to 2,343 during first season 2015.

South Zone: Turkey Hunters in the South Zone harvested 1,614 birds first season, and 1,272 birds second season. Last year’s totals were 1,526 and 1,333, respectively. Total harvest through 2 seasons was 2,886, compared to last year at 2,859.

Below is a county by county break down for North Zone first season and South Zone first and second season numbers.