Catch ‘n Cook Fishing Trip – Lake Suggestions?

Hello All,

I started fishing about 2 years ago and (as an Illinoisan) have become accustomed to catching bass.

However, I would like to take my nephew and family somewhere in or near Illinois that we can catch a variety of fish that are good for eating. Crappie would be great, but anything more than just bass would be an improvement.

Budget is a concern, so I’d prefer a place where you can fish from shore, but open to boat rental if price is right.

I don’t have a whole lot of knowledge or experience on locations like this as I mostly just fish local catch and release spots. Any suggestions for locations or sharing your story of a past trip you took with your family is greatly appreciated.

God Bless

Nathan Martinez wrote:

Hello All,

I started fishing about 2 years ago and (as an Illinoisan) have become accustomed to catching bass.

However, I would like to take my nephew and family somewhere in or near Illinois that we can catch a variety of fish that are good for eating. Crappie would be great, but anything more than just bass would be an improvement.

Budget is a concern, so I’d prefer a place where you can fish from shore, but open to boat rental if price is right.

I don’t have a whole lot of knowledge or experience on locations like this as I mostly just fish local catch and release spots. Any suggestions for locations or sharing your story of a past trip you took with your family is greatly appreciated.

God Bless

If Lake Erie is “close enough” that would be my recommendation. You’ll catch all the walleye you could ever want.

We used to catch a ton of crappies in April and May from shore on Lake Shelbyville. We camped at Lone Point Recreation area and Wolf Creek State Park. I’m not sure I recall going there after May, so not sure how it is after that.

I know this is an old thread.

For a family experience for cheap, look into Reelfoot Lake Tennessee. They have campgrounds, boat rentals and great pan fish fishing. On a long weekend you can easily come home with a cooler full of fillets.

For the best walk in shore fishing I know of is in the Crab Orchard Refuge between Marion & Carbondale.

If you have someone in a wheelchair, go to the visitors pond. They have a great path out to a great dock and great bass fishing.

At the bluegill ponds on the South side of Crab Orchard Lake, you can catch so many slab bluegills that when you close your eye’s at night to go to sleep you’ll still see that bobber bouncing and going under.

The downside is you have to get a pass at the visitors center first.