So what’s it like in Illinois?

[slimecoat]

I am moving to north east Illinois from Florida in a couple months. The hunting looks absolutely outstanding compared to what we have in Florida. The fishing on the other hand doesn’t look to spectacular. I did a Google images search for “Illinois bluegill crappie”; the fish looked really small. I hope it’s not really like that. Are there eating size bluegill and crappie in the Rock River or the Mississippi? How many month of fishing do you have?
Thanks

[djcoop52]

Plan on traveling nothing but people and crowds in NE IL. I live outside joliet and good crappie fishing is about 3 hours south. There are some small lakes that aren,t bad from what I hear but motor restrictions keep me off of those lakes. Illinois has a lot of restrcitions for hunting and fishing we go north to Wi for major fishing trips. The Il river offers multi species fishing but water levels have been low til now wow what a change

[Pool13_Jeff]

Where at in Illinois? By NE, I think you mean the dreaded "C" word. If so, I'd head to Geneva, just over the border. Big crappies and monster bluegills, but a hard lake to learn, especially since it is so filtered as a result of the zeebs. I grew up on the Mississippi and the biggest crappie I've ever taken was 18". You can catch 12"-15" fish readily, when you learn the water.

[bowhunter012463]

slimecoat, there is alot a great fishing here in Illinois both in rivers and lakes and alot of great ppl to help you out if needed. Most of the smaller lake ppl don't talk about cause they don't want it over fish and I can't blame them abit. To find out about those lakes just talk to the ppl that have boat in the city your moving to or the chamber of commerse in that areas. If your up in this area in the weekend of May 17-19, come to Shelbyville/Findlay to Eagle Creek cause we're having a crappie camp and you'll get to meet some good ppl and fishermen and get a chance to learn alittle about Lake Shelbyville.

[timd3200]

Good fishing in Illinois. Just have to take time and learn. Lots of lakes in southern ILL that have great crappie. How many months of fishing. 12 if you don't mind fishing power plant lakes and braving the cold on some. I live in south central ILL and had some fantastic days catching crappie on local lakes saturday after thanksgiving, we braved the cold and sleet and still put 75 plus fish in the boat. Not all big but we caught fish. Rock river one of the best for flathead catfish. They are fun and great to eat also. Good luck

[slimecoat]

Thanks for the welcome

[RangerZ20]

So where are you moving to in NE Illinois? By the way to Illinois. Watch out for Wilbur

[slimecoat]

I’m not sure yet. For some reason everyone outside Chicago hates Chicago. It’s like the rest of the state and Chicago are two completely different cultures. It may be better for me to move to option B which is out in the country near Moline, I have family there. I plan on substitute teaching so I can go anywhere. I’m looking over the fishing and hunting digest and the rules are three times a detailed as they are in Florida.

[timd3200]

If I had a choice between Moline and Chicago I would take moline every time. You are right on the river and close to good fishing.

Chicago is Illinois black eye.

[RangerZ20]

I vote for Moline as well. Duck hunting and deer hunting is better. Less traffic Iowa has great phesant hunting. Big deer as well. Lower taxes can be found away from Chicago.

Wish you the best in your decision. Keep in mind Keokuk, IA is probably the best pool on the Mississippi River IMO.