September 18, 2014

Illinois River: The sauger bite is slow with fish being caught near the tailwaters of dams or on the flats vertical jigging jigs with minnows or pulling “three-way rigs.” The white bass are starting to hit well up on “flats” on the river. White jig and twister combos with a minnow are productive. Bladebaits will

Lake Bloomington: Hybrid stripers are fair, with best action early and just before dusk when fish are chasing shad on the surface and hitting jigs or Roadrunners. Bass best on jigs, chatterbaits and soft plastics off points with timber and along the weeds in the evenings. Catfish are fair on dipbaits and crawlers. Late evenings

Crab Orchard Lake: Crappie action has improved most recently. Most fish are being located in 8-10 feet of water over submerged cover, rip rap or bridge pillars. Minnows and jigs are equally effective. Catfish action is still fair. Catfish are being caught on leeches and cut bait. Bluegills are still holding close to the bank

Chain: The panfish bite is very consistent. Fish small jigs tipped with spikes or waxies under a slip float. Fish the weedbeds and set your depth to just above the weeds. The largemouths have moved into the channels and the heavy mats of weeds. Fishing a scum frog or other weedless bait has been producing