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