What type of lake are you on?
Different lakes mean different techniques and also different fish. I've put together a list of different lakes in Southern Illinois and Kentucky with different strategies you could use that may help you land more fish on your next trip.
Rend Lake
Rend Lake is located on 18,900-acres south of
Mt.Vernon. If your from Southern Illinois you know how tuff a lake that Rend can
be when fishing for bass. There has been many of times that I've seen 1 fish win
tournaments here. Fishing the rocks along 141 with a red or black worm may be a
start. Also throwing a deep diver crank bait by the dam is a good choice. There
is a lot of structure in this lake. When the lake is high its a good idea to
through a jig along the brush. Limits on large mouth are 6 fish and must be 14
inches. Stripers are another fun fish to go after. If you put in at Jackie
Branch and head out north in the main lake you may be lucky enough to come into
a school of them when they are feeding. This can be a reel good time. They feed
by the hundreds and will usually bite a spinner bait, crank bait, or a rattle
trap. There is no limit on stripers. Rend is also known for it's crappie
fishing. When crappie fishing Rend, it's always good to have a red and white or
green jig on you. Minnows are also a good bait to use. Fish the creek beds or
brush and your sure to find some nice crappie. Rend Lake has a new crappie creel limit that allows 25 fish per man but only five can be 10 inches or larger.
Fishing can be stressful on this lake but can be very rewarding.
Stephen A. Forbes Lake
The
Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area is located 15 miles northeast of Salem
in Marion County. This 585-acre lake has been stocked with largemouth bass,
bluegill, redear, crappie, channel catfish, hybrid-striped bass, tiger muskie,
and walleye sauger hybrid. Largemouth bass are stocked annually. This, combined
with a 14-inch size limit, has created excellent bass fishery. Fishing along the
dam and roadway with a rattle-trap or jig is an excellent choice here. Also if
you fish the island north of the damn with a crank bait or a Carolina rig worm,
your sure to land some large mouth. Crappie fishing is also rewarding here.
Fishing with minnows along the stumps and in necks are a for sure thing. I
really recommend this lake, you are sure to have a good time.
Sunfield Lake
Sunfield Lake is located 4 miles north of Duquoin. This
little lake has big potential. Its best kept secret is it's redear. These
sunfish can range any where up too 2 pounds and will fight like a large mouth.
Fishing in the lily pads with crickets have been the best for me. Using a longer
pool with a bobber you can get in those hard to reach places and find some nice
size redear. Crappie fishing along the brush and lily pads with jigs is a good
idea. Bass fishing is hard on this lake. You may find a few keepers if you have
the right technique for that day. Fishing a worm or lizard may help you out.
Fishing the redear on this lake is the main attraction and there is no limit on
them. This lake is a must for you!!
Kentucky Dam
If its catfish you enjoy than this is the place for you!
Located in Gilbertsville, these waters hold huge catfish weighing up to 50
pounds or more. Catching shad by the pier is you best bet to go by. Cutting them
up and using shad guts can catch numerous amounts of catfish. If you run your
boat up by the boils and drift fish by bouncing you weight off the bottom, you
will feel the fish and set the hook. There is no limit and can make for a great
day of fishing. Depending on the current you may need a 6 to 9 oz. weight to
get to the bottom. You can decide this for yourself.
I hope that these tips may be of some help for you. Any of these lakes can hold some nice fish. Hopefully you will have some luck on your side on your next trip!!!
