Sauger fishing at Illinois River

In spring, sauger run shallow here, mostly 4 to 18 ft. They move out to 8 to 25 ft in summer and finish the year down in 8 to 25 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Vermilion River confluence (LaSalle): a inflow / creek mouth around 12 ft that scores prime in spring. Best bite is early morning and the evening. Summer baits: a bottom bouncer + crawler or a 3-way rig with stickbait gets it done.

Walleye fishing at Illinois River

In spring, walleye run shallow here, mostly 4 to 15 ft. By summer they slide out to 8 to 25 ft, and by winter most fish are in 8 to 25 ft. Vermilion River confluence (LaSalle) is the standout, a inflow / creek mouth at roughly 12 ft, rated prime for spring walleye. In summer the feeding windows fall in the evening and early morning. Tie on a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) and you're in the game.

White Bass fishing at Illinois River

Start shallow in spring: white bass sit in 2 to 12 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 8 to 25 ft, and by winter most fish are in 8 to 25 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Vermilion River confluence (LaSalle): a inflow / creek mouth around 12 ft that scores prime in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening.

Channel Catfish fishing at Illinois River

Start shallow in spring: channel catfish sit in 3 to 12 ft that time of year. They move out to 8 to 25 ft in summer and finish the year down in 8 to 25 ft. The spot to know is Vermilion River confluence (LaSalle), a inflow / creek mouth in about 12 ft of water that rates prime for channel catfish in spring. Best bite is after dark and the evening.

Flathead Catfish fishing at Illinois River

Start shallow in spring: flathead catfish sit in 5 to 20 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 7 to 25 ft, and by winter most fish are in 8 to 25 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Tailout eddy (mile 0.6): a eddy pocket around 14 ft that scores prime in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in after dark and the evening.

Blue Catfish fishing at Illinois River

Start shallow in spring: blue catfish sit in 5 to 25 ft that time of year. Summer fish stay in 6 to 25 ft, and winter fish hold in 8 to 25 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Starved Rock tailrace: a creek channel around 22 ft that scores prime in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening.

How deep is Illinois River?

Illinois River is about 25 ft at its deepest point. The contours here are modeled from the water's real shape and maximum depth, so treat them as a rough guide.

What fish are in Illinois River?

Anglers target largemouth bass, walleye, white bass, sauger, channel catfish, white bass & hybrids, flathead catfish, blue catfish, freshwater drum, common carp on Illinois River.

Where is the best fishing spot on Illinois River?

Vermilion River confluence (LaSalle) is the top-rated area: a inflow / creek mouth in about 12 ft of water that rates prime for sauger in spring. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Illinois River?

For sauger, the summer bite is best in early morning and the evening. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.