Illinois
Popular in western states, float tube fishing is primed to take hold in the Midwest
Walk into almost any tackle shop out west – in California, Oregon, Colorado, or Utah – and you’ll find float tubes hanging on the wall.
Talk to anglers who chase bass or trout in those states, and many will have owned one at some point. In the western United States, float tubes are simply another tool – a practical, affordable way to reach fish that shore anglers can’t touch. Here in the Midwest, however, the story changes.
Jeremiah Haas: Expanding our love of animals to include hunting
Hunting has seen a decreasing trend in nearly all states across the country. States are
Steve Sarley: Jim Tostrud is an artist – on the water and on canvas
I know I have said this before, but I sure wish the state of Illinois
Popular in western states, float tube fishing is primed to take hold in the Midwest
Walk into almost any tackle shop out west – in California, Oregon, Colorado, or Utah – and you’ll find float tubes hanging on the wall.
Talk to anglers who chase bass or trout in those states, and many will have owned one at some point. In the western United States, float tubes are simply another tool – a practical, affordable way to reach fish that shore anglers can’t touch. Here in the Midwest, however, the story changes.
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IL Fishing News
Fishing Reports
Metro Area Fishing Report – August 9, 2026 – video
Michigan’s statewide fishing report on Aug. 7, 2026
New York Fishing Report – August 7, 2026
Lake Profiles
Devils Kitchen, a Southern Illinois gem, offers more than trophy bass
Lake Sara’s bass continue to exceed expectations for south-central Illinois anglers
Bass, channel cat stockings elevate Illinois’ Washington County Lake
Fishing News
Tim Lesmeister: How the ‘what3words’ app puts me in my place outdoors
Illinois Mixed Bag: Man accused of hunting in Nature Preserve
Ralph Loos: Illinois record largemouth turns 50, much to anglers’ chagrin
Opinion
Jeremiah Haas: Expanding our love of animals to include hunting
Steve Sarley: Jim Tostrud is an artist – on the water and on canvas
Illinois Letters to the Editor: What is behind the need to allow three rounds for deer rifles?
Ralph Loos: Illinois record largemouth turns 50, much to anglers’ chagrin
All About Hunting
Don’t let neglected gear sink your duck opener
A hen wood duck flushed from a patch of cattails nearby as I slowly paddled my kayak through the backwaters
Focus on a few fundamental truths for a better bowhunting season
I got a text from a friend who has been putting many hours in scouting for whitetails this year.
Jeremiah Haas: Expanding our love of animals to include hunting
Hunting has seen a decreasing trend in nearly all states across the country. States are offering grants to increase participation
Podcasts
All Illinois Articles
Gretchen Steele: Illinois’ summer heat is a burden, but also a ‘wildlife manager’
It was barely daylight, and I was already out on
Technology keeps improving in the firearm suppressor world
Suppressor is preferred by the firearms industry and knowledgeable shooters
Spunky Bottoms a wetland restoration success story on the Illinois River
Spunky Bottoms, an appropriately-named stretch of the Illinois River in
Illinois’ Outdoor Calendar
A look at upcoming outdoor-related events from across Illinois published
Illinois Cuffs & Collars: Properly register your watercraft
Illinois cuffs and collars are field reports from Conservation Police
Illinois deer permit sales spiked last year, but what about 2026?
Harvest gains were only moderate, but one thing about the
Illinois’ controlled pheasant hunting permit lotteries open for 2026 season
Illinois upland hunters can begin planning for another season in
Illinois trapshooting squad wins the SCTP National Championship
Illinois has once again proven it is among the nation’s
