Fall is approaching. Where should I go to catch some smallies? I live in the Kankakee area and the river for the most part right now is very shallow. I want to find some good lakes to fish. I've been out by Willow Slough near Indiana. Anyone ever fish there?

You've got the Kank, Des Plaines, Fox, Shabonna. Take an hour ride to the lakefront and fish the harbors. You'll be fighting for space now as the kings are moving into shore. Take a 5 hour ride and get up to Sturgeon Bay, WI.

I dont know of any lakes that hold smallies other than Lake Michigan. But i know the DuPage river has some of the best smalllmouth fishing in the state.

Shab does have them but havent caught many, dont target them though.

Mine

co-workers

Fish the fox and duPage rivers or take a short drive to Lake Geneva, WI. Other than that locally there aren't many smallie lakes in IL. We have to venture elsewhere to get our fix.

I agree with Steve,,,,,, Illinois leaves alot to be desired for smallies you get spoiled when you hit sturgeon bay, St Claire ,Erie, Dale Hollow, ky lake can't even imagine lake Champlain area

I follow another site for IL smallies as well. This guy hit the fox almost everyday and does pretty well on the bronze. Its a ridiculous fishing journal: www.fishthefox.com