Posted by MrBass from spider-th011.proxy.aol.com on July 18, 1999 at 19:53:46:
In Reply to: Bass in IL posted by Mike on July 17, 1999 at 16:43:40:
: Does anyone know of any great largemouth lakes in IL where my son and I
: can go and fish all day long and have a good shot at some nice sized bass?
: Preferably a lake that is lesser known among anglers
Mike,
Lesser known good bass waters is a oxymoron in IL..if the fishing is good you will have plenty of competion for the big one's..I would recommend heading south to fish the smaller lakes in the Shawnee National Forest. Most of these lakes have a 10 H.P. limit and this keeps the hordes of bass boats off of them and they are not targeted for bass tournaments. Also most of the locals fish these lakes for Crappies and Bluegills. My top 3 picks for southern Il trophy bass waters would be,#1- Cedar Lake located south of Carbondale. I have caught two bass there over 8 pounds and aprox 10 bass over 6 pounds.. #2 Dutchmans Lake. Located south east of Viena Il. I have caught a few over 6 lbs here and this lake gets almost no pressure..#3- Little Grassy Lake located between Marion and Carbondale IL..lot's of 6-10 pound bass here but it's a tough lake to fish because of the gin clear water..If you are looking for big bass in northern Il. go to Braidwood Lake in Braidwood IL..I have caught at least 20 bass over 5 lbs here..Just a note..every trophy bass that I have ever caught was photographed measured and released this is the only way a fishery get's trophy status is by anglers putting them back to grow bigger and giving others the same chance to set the hook on a hog...Please feel free to email me and I put you on some more big bass waters. I just hope you dont mount the first 5 pounder you luck into..Fiberglass replica's look better and you will be a better fisherman for letting the big ones live to fight another day.