Illinois
A greater appreciation for gar — Illinois’ misunderstood ‘dinosaur fish’
On quiet summer mornings along southern Illinois backwaters, a slow roll near the surface of the water often appears before the fish does. A long shadow gliding between lotus stems. Then a quick gulp of air, and the ripple disappears into reflections of cottonwoods leaning toward the river.
Here’s how to maximize your success utilizing mock scrapes for whitetails
It’s no secret that trail cameras have changed the way we hunt whitetails. Combine them
Jeremiah Haas: Reflecting on 250 years of the outdoors in the U.S.
America was founded on a set of principles in that our rights come from God,
A greater appreciation for gar — Illinois’ misunderstood ‘dinosaur fish’
On quiet summer mornings along southern Illinois backwaters, a slow roll near the surface of the water often appears before the fish does. A long shadow gliding between lotus stems. Then a quick gulp of air, and the ripple disappears into reflections of cottonwoods leaning toward the river.
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IL Fishing News
Fishing Reports
Michigan’s statewide fishing report on June 26, 2026
Pennsylvania’s statewide fishing report on June 25, 2026
Ohio’s statewide fishing report on June 25, 2026
Lake Profiles
Channel cat boxes an effort to boost Lake Mattoon in central Illinois
Largemouth still running strong at Des Plaines Lake in northeast Illinois
Redear potential strong on Mautino lakes in northwest Illinois
Fishing News
Gretchen Steele: The best of both sides of the river at Missouri’s Montauk State Park
Professor from Southern Illinois University debunks legend surrounding redband trout
New digital library opens doors for Illinois outdoorsmen
Opinion
Illinois Letters to the Editor: Simple solutions for rifle bill confusion in state
Ralph Loos: Rare catch of 50-inch muskie in Illinois reminds us that they’re out there
Commentary: The Roadless Rule is under attack
Steve Sarley: Illinois Gov. Pritzker quiet on fishing licenses; Copi hunt continues
All About Hunting
Eric Morken: Gear that stood out from the 2025 hunting season
I bowhunt whitetails in multiple states from late August through December. There’s pheasant hunting with my black Lab, Gus, from
Here’s how to maximize your success utilizing mock scrapes for whitetails
It’s no secret that trail cameras have changed the way we hunt whitetails. Combine them with mock scrapes so a
Jeremiah Haas: Reflecting on 250 years of the outdoors in the U.S.
America was founded on a set of principles in that our rights come from God, not from the government, and
Podcasts
All Illinois Articles
Steve Sarley: Options for Illinois anglers wanting to try fishing from a rental boat
Many fishermen dream of owning their own boat and launching
Heidecke Lake reopened to boat anglers in Grundy County, Ill.
Illinois DNR announced June 18 that water levels at Heidecke
Accessible fishing pier, kayak launch completed at Chicago’s William W. Powers State Recreation Area
Officials this month marked the completion of a major public
Illinois Mixed Bag: State pheasant fund application period to open
The Illinois DNR is accepting applications for the State Pheasant
Nature Smart: Red-necked grebes
Each spring I lead photo workshops to capture images of
Backyard and Beyond: Kits, fawns, and nests
Scott Thiede has been keeping an eye on the fox
Brent Manning Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of former Illinois DNR director
One of the most respected and productive Illinois DNR directors
More than a dozen sites in Illinois will host waterfowlers for public blind drawings this July
After a handful of years with adjusted or relocated sessions,
