Hi - I am planning on taking a trip to Lake Shelbyville, Illinois during spring break with my son. It would be our first trip on the new bass boat. The trip would be March 23rd through 25th. What are your thoughts regarding timing? Is it still to early for pre spawn Largemouth or do you think it should be really good timing for central Illinois? I know weather in the next couple weeks will help determine this, but just looking for your knowledge and past experience in this area. 

Would the southern area coves be the better location this time of year?

Lake shelbyville can be pretty tough early in the year. I'm thinking late march might still be a little cold for pre spawn patterns. Honestly, there's a lot of lakes in the area that are better for bass fishing than shelbyville in my opinion. Clinton and Sanchris come to mind. Now if you're crappie fishing, that's a different story..

If you can fish Clinton I suggest you head there. It will be more of a pre-spawn bite and just a lot easier to fish IMO. Plus April 1 the hot arm opens up.  These two came on march 18th last year from shore. Had boat issues and couldnt get the big motor to turn over and it was too windy to run only on the TM.

Thanks for the info guys! Any specific starting locations on Clinton that I should try first and is there any issues with bringing a boat there this time of year?

Any decent Hotels in the area?

On 3/4/2016 at 0:06 PM, Joey Bass said:

Thanks for the info guys! Any specific starting locations on Clinton that I should try first and is there any issues with bringing a boat there this time of year?

Any decent Hotels in the area?

As far as places to launch clinton marina or mascoutin boat ramp would be good. I like to fish rocks with cranks this time of year.  I'm not sure of any hotels.