August 8, 2013

Illinois River: The river is running at good levels. The walleye and sauger bite has really slowed down. Pulling three-way rigs allows you to cover a variety of water and will help key in on their locations. Work the flats created on the current bends. Also work the flooded areas that offer reduced current that

Lake Shelbyville: Bass have been good in shallows and coves. Walleyes are good over newly covered rock and rip-rap. Crappies are spotty. Muskies are being caught in deeper waters. Evergreen Lake: Crappie limits are still being caught on a regular basis using minnows in 20-25 feet of water suspended midway. Saugeye reports have been few

Crab Orchard Lake: Crappies are steady. Fish are being found at depths beginning at about eight feet. Minnows and jigs are both effective. Bluegill are being caught in good numbers on wax worms and crickets. Fish are still off the beds. Catfish anglers are reporting good success on cut bait, leeches and stink baits. Bass

Chain: The fishing has really picked up for all species. The best bite has been early morning.  The bass have moved up into the slop and are very active attacking scum frogs and other weedless baits. Work the pockets in the weed growth with heavy jigs and also don’t hesitate to back off and fish