The Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Illinois
Largemouth bass are one of the most popular freshwater gamefish in Illinois, and for good reason. Illinois ranks as one of the top states when it comes to largemouth bass fishing opportunities. While many bodies of water in Illinois produce their share of big bass every now and then, the ones listed below are known for consistently kicking out numbers of sizeable bass, which is why they're listed as the best bass lakes in Illinois.
- Newton Lake continues to support a very healthy bass population in the 2-6 pound range, and bigger bass are caught on occasion. The powerplant lake located in Southeast Illinois has a 25hp limit, which helps keep fishing pressure down.
- Braidwood lake is a small lake with ample shoreline access. Located near Chicago, the popular lake routinely kicks out largemouth bass up to 10 pounds. Steep drop-offs, rock piles, man-made habitat, and woody cover make up the majority of habitat. This lake is hazardous for boating, and extreme caution is recommended.
- Lake Shelbyville is located in east-central Illinois and is known for its abundant largemouth bass population. The above-average sizes offer the very real opportunity to catch trophy bass up to 10 pounds. Several bass tournaments are held on this lake due to its consistent numbers and sizes of largemouth bass.
Illinois Fishing Licensing Information
Licenses By Phone: 1-888-673-7648