The 7 Best Fishing Lakes in Illinois

Discover the best fishing lakes in Illinois! Learn about the top fishing spots, what species of fish can be found in each lake, and what amenities are available for fishermen. Get ready for a great day of fishing in Illinois!

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is a large lake located in northern Illinois that is part of the Great Lakes region in the United States. It is the third largest lake in the country and serves as a major shipping route for large boats and vessels.

Types of Fish: Salmon, trout, bass, panfish
Types of Fishing: Fly fishing, trolling, baitcasting, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at many of the surrounding harbors
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, many local services in the area
Closest Hotels: Hotels are located near marinas and harbors in the area
Nearest Fishing Store: Around 5 miles away in nearby St. Joseph
Basic Fishing Regulations: All fishing regulations must be followed, which can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat rental, marinas, camping sites
Nearest Gas Station: Around 6 miles away in nearby St. Joseph

Lake Shelbyville

Lake Shelbyville is located in east-central Illinois, near the town of Shelbyville. It is 11,000 acres in size and is surrounded by 15,000 acres of land.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, trolling, ice fishing, fly fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at the lake shore or selected marinas in the area
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there are many local services in the area
Closest Hotels: Hotels are located within a few miles of the shoreline
Nearest Fishing Store: Around 5 miles away in nearby Mattoon
Basic Fishing Regulations: All fishing regulations must be followed, which can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat rentals, marinas, camping, trails
Nearest Gas Station: Around 6 miles away in nearby Mattoon

Lake of Egypt

Lake of Egypt is located in southern Illinois, near the town of Marion. It is a 3,300 acre man-made lake with a surrounding 8,000 acres of land.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, trout, catfish, panfish
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, trolling, ice fishing, fly fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at select marinas in the area
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there are many local services in the area
Closest Hotels: Hotels are located within a few miles of the shoreline
Nearest Fishing Store: Around 10 miles away in nearby Carbondale
Basic Fishing Regulations: All fishing regulations must be followed, which can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat rentals, marinas, camping sites, trails
Nearest Gas Station: Around 7 miles away in nearby Marion

Lake Springfield

Lake Springfield is located in central Illinois, near the city of Springfield. It is a 4,222 acre man-made lake with a surrounding 8,000 acres of land.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, trolling, ice fishing, fly fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at the lake shore or select marinas in the area
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there are many local services in the area
Closest Hotels: Hotels are located within a few miles of the shoreline
Nearest Fishing Store: Around 8 miles away in nearby Springfield
Basic Fishing Regulations: All fishing regulations must be followed, which can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat rentals, marinas, camping sites, trails
Nearest Gas Station: Around 7 miles away in nearby Springfield

Lake Kankakee

Lake Kankakee is located in northeastern Illinois, near the town of Kankakee. It is a 214 acre man-made lake with a surrounding 5,400 acre wildlife preserve.

Types of Fish: Salmon, walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, trolling, ice fishing, fly fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at select marinas in the area
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there are many local services in the area
Closest Hotels: Hotels are located within a few miles of the shoreline
Nearest Fishing Store: Around 7 miles away in nearby Kankakee
Basic Fishing Regulations: All fishing regulations must be followed, which can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat rentals, marinas, camping sites, trails
Nearest Gas Station: Around 7 miles away in nearby Kankakee

Lake Decatur

Lake Decatur is located in central Illinois, near the city of Decatur. It is a 2,800 acre man-made lake with a surrounding 645 acre park.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, walleye
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, trolling, ice fishing, fly fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at the lake shore or select marinas in the area
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there are many local services in the area
Closest Hotels: Hotels are located within a few miles of the shoreline
Nearest Fishing Store: Around 5 miles away in nearby Decatur
Basic Fishing Regulations: All fishing regulations must be followed, which can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat rentals, marinas, camping sites, trails
Nearest Gas Station: Around 5 miles away in nearby Decatur

Lake Shabbona

Lake Shabbona is located in north-central Illinois, near the town of Shabbona. It is a 638 acre man-made lake with a surrounding 1,400 acres of land.

Types of Fish: Trout, largemouth bass, walleye, panfish
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, trolling, ice fishing, fly fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at the lake shore or selected marinas in the area
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there are many local services in the area
Closest Hotels: Hotels are located within a few miles of the shoreline
Nearest Fishing Store: Around 5 miles away in nearby Sandwich
Basic Fishing Regulations: All fishing regulations must be followed, which can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat rentals, marinas, camping sites, trails
Nearest Gas Station: Around 6 miles away in nearby Sandwich

Lake Carlyle

Lake Carlyle is located in south-central Illinois, near the town of Carlyle. It is an 8,100 acre man-made lake with a surrounding 12,000 acres of land.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, walleye, catfish, trout
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, trolling, ice fishing, fly fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at select marinas in the area
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there are many local services in the area
Closest Hotels: Hotels are located within a few miles of the shoreline
Nearest Fishing Store: Around 8 miles away in nearby Breese
Basic Fishing Regulations: All fishing regulations must be followed, which can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat rentals, marinas, camping sites, trails
Nearest Gas Station: Around 5 miles away in nearby Carlyle

Lake Bloomington

Lake Bloomington is located in central Illinois, near the city of Bloomington. It is a 1,200 acre man-made lake with a surrounding 2,800 acre park.

Types of Fish: Trout, catfish, smallmouth bass, panfish
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, trolling, ice fishing, fly fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at the lake shore or select marinas in the area
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there are many local services in the area
Closest Hotels: Hotels are located within a few miles of the shoreline
Nearest Fishing Store: Around 8 miles away in nearby Bloomington
Basic Fishing Regulations: All fishing regulations must be followed, which can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat rentals, marinas, camping sites, trails
Nearest Gas Station: Around 5 miles away in nearby Bloomington

Lake Jacksonville

Lake Jacksonville is located in west-central Illinois, near the town of Jacksonville. It is a 1,400 acre man-made lake with a surrounding 5,200 acre wildlife preserve.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, trolling, ice fishing, fly fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at select marinas in the area
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there are many local services in the area
Closest Hotels: Hotels are located within a few miles of the shoreline
Nearest Fishing Store: Around 5 miles away in nearby Jacksonville
Basic Fishing Regulations: All fishing regulations must be followed, which can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat rentals, marinas, camping sites, trails
Nearest Gas Station: Around 5 miles away in nearby Jacksonville

Find Good Fishing Spots in Illinois and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re looking for great fishing locations in Illinois, then look no further! Use the Google map below to explore other lakes and fishing spots. Discover hidden gems and find the ideal spot for a day of fishing. With the help of this map, you’ll be sure to discover the perfect fishing spot in Illinois. So don’t delay, start exploring and find the perfect place to cast your line!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Illinois

The weather in Illinois is typically mild, with temperatures ranging from hot in the summer months to cold in the winter months. This makes it a great place for sport fishing throughout the year, with temperatures rarely becoming too extreme for fishing. In the summer months, you can expect temperatures ranging from the high 70s to the low 90s, while in the winter months temperatures can range from the mid-20s to the mid-30s.