Fishing Fun: 7 Illinois State Parks to Reel in the Big One

From quiet forest lakes to wide-open riverbanks, Illinois offers anglers a wealth of fishing opportunities. Whether you’re chasing largemouth bass, catfish, crappie or northern pike, the state’s parks provide scenic backdrops and well-stocked waters. Here are seven of the best Illinois state parks where you can grab a rod and reel, cast a line and reel in a great day outdoors.

1. Chain O’Lakes State Park 

With access to nine connecting lakes (such as Pistakee or Fox Lake) and the Fox River, Chain O’Lakes State Park is a freshwater paradise. Anglers can fish for bass, walleye, bluegill, muskie and channel catfish. Several boat launches and a marina make it easy to explore all the channels and coves of this Spring Grove park, whether you’re trailering from your driveway or a private boat slip for rent.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Walleye, bluegill, bass, muskie, channel catfish
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

2. Starved Rock State Park 

One of Illinois’ most famous parks, Starved Rock in Utica offers incredible fishing along the Illinois River. You’ll find sauger, catfish and white bass near the dam area. The dramatic sandstone cliffs and waterfalls make every cast scenic. Try jigging near the dam in spring, which is prime sauger season. Check out boat slips near me to discover convenient spots to store your boat while in the area.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Sauger, catfish, white bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

3. Rend Lake State Recreation Area 

Rend Lake, in Whittington, is one of Illinois’ top fishing destinations. It’s well known for its monster crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish populations. The 18,900-acre lake features multiple boat ramps, fish cleaning stations and plenty of shoreline for bank anglers. Late spring is peak crappie season. Use minnows along submerged brush and coves to reel ‘em in.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

4. Carlyle Lake State Park

As the largest manmade lake in Illinois, Carlyle Lake is a hotspot for serious anglers. It’s home to largemouth and white bass, bluegill, crappie and flathead catfish. The Carlyle park frequently hosts fishing tournaments and offers marinas, ramps and camping facilities for multi-day trips. Fish the dam area in early summer for schools of aggressive white bass.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Bluegill, crappie, flathead catfish, white bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

5. Kankakee River State Park 

Flowing for 11 miles through Kankakee River State Park, the Kankakee River offers clear waters and strong populations of smallmouth bass, walleye and northern pike. Shore access is plentiful, and canoe fishing is popular along the winding current. Cast near riffles and rock ledges for the best smallmouth action at this Bourbonnais state park.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, canoe

6. Shabbona Lake State Park 

Shabbona Lake State Park, located in Shabbona, is a 318-acre angler’s gem stocked with trophy-sized largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass and muskie. With two fishing piers, a marina and abundant submerged structures, it’s ideal for both boaters and shore fishermen to viist from a private boat dock rental. Try spinnerbaits or crankbaits along weed edges at dawn or dusk.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, muskie
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

7. Lake Shelbyville State Park 

Are you searching for a family-friendly fishing spot to reel ‘em in from a private boat lift for rent? Lake Shelbyville State Park, in Shelbyville, is one of the best all-around fishing destinations in Illinois. It offers excellent populations of crappie, largemouth bass and walleye. The park also features camping, swimming and picnic areas. It’s the perfect spot for turning a fishing trip into a weekend getaway.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Crappie, walleye, largemouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore