Fishing Report 2025

[CptnWilly]

Hit a local lake in central Illinois with a buddy last weekend. We were targeting bass and used a mix of spinnerbaits and some soft plastics. The weather was pretty nice, although the water was a bit murky from all the rain lately. We started off strong, with a couple of decent bass right by the shore, but it quickly slowed down. Lost a few good strikes that had me cursing under my breath. My buddy managed to land a nice 3-pounder, but I got skunked in the end. Just couldn't find my groove that day. Always a good time out there, though! How's everyone else doing? Any luck in your neck of the woods?

 

[PrairieShot9]

Sounds like a good trip even without a full cooler. The rain has really messed with the bite around here too.

 

[smitty_bs]

I like fishing in old gravel pits. Water is clear and the bass get big. Also have caught catfish in them as well, which are quite tasty. That being said, every summer I do some fishing across the WI border on Lake Delavan. Caught quite a few LM bass, some smallies, walleye, perch, northern pike and of course blue gill.

 

[solbuilds]

Try switching to live minnows or jerkbaits when the bite slows down, especially in murky water. Central Illinois lakes like Shelbyville are great for bass this time of year. Fish near drop-offs or weed edges at dawn for better action.