Trips

While Central Illinois is not a premier fishing destination like Northern Wisconsin, or the Canadian Shield, it does contain a few hidden gems that provide an excellent opportunity for an action-packed day of fishing, and even the chance to land a trophy.

Smallmouth Bass

The Mackinaw and Vermilion Rivers both contain an excellent smallmouth bass fishery.  Both rivers are small, and generally shallow, perfect for the kayak fisherman.  However, each river has its own distinct character.  The Mackinaw River is generally deeper and narrower, and contains a great deal of wood cover.  The Vermilion River is shallower and wider, with the primary cover being a very rocky bottom.

Although rare, I’ve caught smallies in the 20 inch class from both rivers, with fish in the 17 to 18 inch range being fairly abundant.  My son and I have experienced one hundred fish days on the Vermilion River, Although thirty to fifty fish days are more typical.

The Mackinaw River experienced a down turn in numbers of all species, beginning in the early 2000’s, but has really made a strong come back in the last several years.  It seems like every trip I take to the Mackinaw River I’m catching more and bigger fish. I’m really excited for the future of this fishery!

Kayaking a small river for feisty smallies is a blast.  In addition to the smallmouth bass, there are many incidental catches of largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, drum, longnose gar, and more.  The kayaking alone is a wonderful experience, with beautiful scenery and the chance to spot wildlife including; deer, coyotes, foxes, river otters, turkeys, hawks, kingfishers, blue herons, and bald eagles.

 
 

A great fight on a fly rod!

Musky

Muskies are known as the fish of 10,000 casts.  Even on the premier musky waters of the Canadian Shield, catching a trophy musky is a difficult task.  However, once you do tangle with one of these monsters, that occupy the very top of their food chain, chances are you’ll be hooked.

While we don’t have the sheer numbers of musky lakes of Northern Wisconsin, or the famous bodies of water of the Canadian Shield, we are blessed to have several very good musky lakes right here in Central Illinois.  My biggest musky is a fifty inch beast that was caught in Canada, but I have tangled with many muskies in the mid to upper forty inch range from our local waters.  I would love to share with you the knee shaking experience of having a 45 inch, or bigger, fish follow your lure right up to the boat.  There’s nothing like it!

 
 
 

Caught right here in Central Illinois!

Kayak Muskies

For a real adventure, that’s definitely not for the faint of heart, there’s the challenge of trying to catch a musky from a kayak.  The adrenaline rush of having a forty inch plus fish do a tail walk, at eye level, right next to your kayak, can hardly be equaled.

I DO NOT recommend this option for the inexperienced angler, or for those who have not experienced the sheer power of an angry musky on the end of their line before.