How to Fish Illinois River: Best Patterns & Techniques

Illinois River

Published: Nov 1, 2018

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Illinois River

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively to prepare for spawning, with a focus on larger meals like crawfish Movement patterns show fish following the sun to warmer water, especially during afternoon hours	Secondary points leading into spawning bays near dock areas Rock transitions where gravel meets deeper water Protected dock areas receiving afternoon sun	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around docks and cover Lipless Crankbaits parallel to transition areas Bladed Jigs around shallow rock and emerging vegetation	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools in staging areas Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively to prepare for spawning, particularly during warmer periods of the day	Main lake points with transition from deep to shallow water, especially those with vertical structure Secondary points leading into potential spawning bays Areas near dock pilings that offer both depth and structure	Blade Baits worked slowly along depth transitions Ned Rigs dragged along points and near structure Drop Shot with subtle presentations near vertical structure	Shad schools congregating near points Small minnows in transitional areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	52-65	Pre-spawn carp are actively feeding and beginning to move from winter holding areas to warmer, shallower flats in preparation for spawning Fish are becoming more active during daylight hours, particularly during afternoon warming trends	River channel edges where they transition to shallow flats, providing staging areas Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation where water warms fastest Mud flats adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Live Bait Rigs with corn, worms, or dough baits fished near bottom Texas Rigs (Worming) with scented soft plastics dragged slowly along transitions Bobbers with suspended baits for shallow water presentations	Bottom-dwelling insects and larvae emerging in warming waters New vegetation growth Small invertebrates	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike are moving from deeper winter areas to shallow spawning locations, actively feeding to prepare for spawn Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with increased feeding activity during warming trends	Shallow bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depth Transition areas near river channels leading to spawning grounds Wind-swept points adjacent to spawning areas	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved slowly near structure Spinnerbaits worked through emerging vegetation	Shad congregating in pre-spawn areas Small panfish in shallow warming areas Early season baitfish moving into warmer shallows	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sauger	45-55	Pre-spawn sauger are beginning to move towards spawning areas, following river channels and transitional structure while actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are becoming more active with warming water temperatures, primarily feeding during dawn and dusk periods	River channel edges and adjacent flats in 7-15 foot depth range Wind-swept points with good access to deeper water Transitional areas where channels meet flats or structural elements	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Small baitfish relating to channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	48-62	White bass are beginning their pre-spawn migration, moving from deeper wintering areas towards spawning grounds, actively feeding during this transition Fish are schooling heavily and following shad movements, with increased aggression as water temperatures rise	Main lake points that serve as migration routes from winter to spawning areas Vertical structure adjacent to spawning flats Wind-blown shorelines where bait gets concentrated	Blade Baits worked vertically along structure edges Lipless Crankbaits retrieved at varying speeds parallel to points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through transitional areas	Shad schools moving from deeper water to shallow areas Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Bass are in pre-spawn to spawning phases, actively moving between staging areas and shallow spawning zones near docks and other protected areas Fish are showing both shallow and deep structure orientation, suggesting a transitional period with some fish preparing beds while others are still staging	Docks and adjacent shallow areas, particularly those providing spawning substrate Protected shoreline areas with harder bottom composition Transition areas between shallow and deep water near spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock structure and shallow cover Shakey Heads for more finesse approach in clearer water Bladed Jigs for covering water between spawning areas	Crawfish are primary forage during this period Small bluegill and perch in spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are transitioning to spawning areas in spring, with males actively creating and guarding nests in shallow, protected areas with firm bottom composition Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, displaying territorial behavior and actively feeding during pre-spawn periods	Protected shallow flats with firm bottom composition, particularly near points where the shoreline development allows Areas with vertical structure like pilings that provide quick access to both spawning flats and deeper water Wind-protected areas that offer stable conditions for nest building	Soft Jerkbaits worked with a stop-and-go retrieve to trigger reaction strikes from territorial fish Tubes dragged slowly along potential spawning flats Ned Rigs worked methodically around vertical structure and transition areas	Shad transitioning to shallower water Small minnows in spawning areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	62-75	Carp are actively seeking warm, shallow flats for spawning, often visible rolling and splashing in areas with vegetation Fish are more aggressive and territorial during spawning, moving in groups and defending spawning areas	Shallow vegetated flats in 2-4 feet of water, especially areas with emerging vegetation Protected coves and backwater areas with soft bottom composition Areas where river channels meet shallow flats, providing staging areas	Live Bait Rigs with weighted bobbers to present baits just off the bottom Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through spawning areas Bobbers with floating baits near surface for actively feeding fish	Aquatic vegetation and roots Small invertebrates and insects Emerging weed growth	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-55	Northern Pike are in spawning mode, moving into shallow bays and vegetated areas with water temperatures between 40-50°F Post-spawn fish will be aggressive and actively feeding to recover energy, particularly targeting shad in slightly deeper water	Shallow vegetated areas and backwater zones in 2-6 foot depth Secondary points near spawning areas in 7-10 foot depth River channel edges with emerging vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses	Shad congregating in pre-spawn areas Small panfish in shallow vegetation Early season yellow perch	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Sauger	45-55	Sauger are congregating in pre-spawn staging areas near river channels and moving into shallower spawning areas as water temperatures rise Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as they prepare for spawning, with peak feeding periods during dawn and dusk	River channel edges and adjacent flats in 7-10 foot depth range Main lake points near spawning flats Transition areas between deeper wintering holes and shallow spawning grounds	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Shad schools concentrating in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	White bass are making their spring spawning run, moving in large schools along migration routes towards spawning areas, particularly using main lake points and vertical structure Fish are highly aggressive during pre-spawn and spawn, actively feeding before and after spawning activities	Main lake points that connect to spawning areas, especially those with vertical structure Tributary mouths and current-swept areas where spawning typically occurs Secondary points along migration routes with adjacent deeper water	Blade Baits worked vertically along points and structure edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through schools Lipless Crankbaits burned through active schools	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas Small baitfish gathering in tributary areas	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn bass are actively recovering and beginning to feed more aggressively, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing dock areas and nearby deeper water as rest and feeding zones, making short movements to feed on available forage	Docks and adjacent deeper water transitions, especially those near spawning flats Emerging weed edges beginning to develop in 4-8 foot depth range Rocky points and boulder areas adjacent to spawning bays	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and shade pockets Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to developing weed edges Swim Jigs targeting transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water	Crawfish actively moving in shallow rocky areas Small baitfish beginning to school in post-spawn recovery areas Bluegill starting to become more active in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are targeting shad and minnows, making frequent movements between different depth zones as they follow baitfish schools	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water Dock pilings and man-made structures, especially those near deeper water Current breaks and wind-swept areas where baitfish concentrate	Drop Shot with small profile baits, worked methodically around vertical structure Soft Jerkbaits fished with erratic retrieves to mimic injured baitfish Ned Rigs worked slowly along points and structure edges	Shad schools moving along points and structure Various minnow species concentrated around current breaks	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	58-72	Post-spawn carp are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily in shallow flats and near vegetation Fish are making daily movements between slightly deeper recovery areas and shallow feeding zones	Shallow vegetated flats in 2-6 feet of water River channel edges adjacent to feeding flats Emerging weed beds near shoreline areas	Live Bait Rigs with corn, bread, or worms fished near bottom Bobbers suspended baits over feeding areas Texas Rigs (Worming) with scented soft plastics	Aquatic insects and larvae emerging in spring New vegetation growth Small baitfish in shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Northern Pike are actively feeding post-spawn, recovering energy and transitioning to main lake feeding patterns Fish are following shad schools and utilizing vegetation edges and points as ambush locations Most active during early morning and evening hours, moving between shallow and mid-depth areas	Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 5-8 foot depths Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays River channel edges where they intersect with shallow flats	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near structure Inline Spinners cast to visible vegetation	Shad schools beginning their spring patterns Young of the year panfish in emerging vegetation Smaller pike and other injured baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sauger	52-65	Sauger are actively feeding after spawning, moving from shallow spawning areas to transitional structure where they can easily ambush prey Fish are following shad schools and positioning along channel edges and points where current or wind creates feeding opportunities	River channel edges in 7-15 foot depth range Wind-swept points with access to deeper water Transitional areas between spawning flats and summer deep-water haunts	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Blade Baits	Shad schools moving along channel edges Small baitfish in transitional areas Young-of-year fish beginning to emerge	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-72	Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding and recovering, transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding grounds following shad movements Fish are schooling aggressively, often pushing bait to the surface during feeding periods, especially during morning and evening hours	Main lake points and vertical structure where fish stage during their post-spawn transition Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning areas where fish recover and feed Wind-blown shorelines where bait concentrates due to the lake's wide profile	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match shad movements Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with a yo-yo action near vertical structure Hard Topwater (Walking) during low light periods when fish are surface feeding	Shad schools beginning their post-winter movements into shallower water Small baitfish concentrating around points and vertical structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-85	Active feeding around boulder fields and rocky structure during early morning and evening, seeking shade during peak heat Relating strongly to structure in 5-15 foot depth range, moving deeper during brightest parts of day Aggressive reaction strikes on moving baits, particularly around current-swept or wind-blown areas	Boulder fields and rocky structure in 5-15 foot depth range Wind-blown points with good rock transitions Deeper adjacent areas near boulder fields for midday holding	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along boulder edges Swim Jigs around rocky structure during low light periods Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked through boulder pockets	Minnows gathering around rocky structure Crawfish active in boulder fields Small sunfish relating to rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	78-85	Actively feeding around man-made structures like pilings during warm water periods, particularly during lower light conditions Seeking current breaks and vertical structure in 82°F water, with a preference for ambush points near baitfish schools	Pilings and dock areas with deeper water access Current breaks and wind-affected areas with baitfish presence Vertical structure with depth changes nearby	Drop Shot with slow, vertical presentations around pilings Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along structure edges Ned Rigs worked slowly near bottom structure	Minnows concentrated around structure Shad schools relating to current breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Common Carp	68-83	Actively feeding in shallow flats and near vegetation during early morning and evening hours Moving between river channels and feeding flats throughout the day, with increased surface activity	Shallow vegetated flats with depths of 2-6 feet River channels adjacent to feeding flats Quiet backwater areas with surface vegetation	Bobbers with bread or dough balls fished near surface Live Bait Rigs with corn or worms near bottom Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged slowly through vegetation	Insects and surface-dwelling invertebrates Aquatic vegetation and roots Small baitfish in shallow areas	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	68-83	Pike are seeking cooler, oxygen-rich water during summer heat, primarily active during early morning and evening. They're establishing ambush points near thermocline depths, especially around submerged vegetation and channel edges Feeding activity becomes more concentrated around baitfish schools, particularly shad, with aggressive strikes during low-light periods	Submerged vegetation edges in 7-10 foot depth range, especially near river channel intersections Main lake points with access to deeper water, particularly those with wind-swept conditions Deeper dock areas adjacent to vegetation providing shade and ambush opportunities	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and points during early morning and evening Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to vegetation edges Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds near structure during overcast conditions	Shad schools suspending near thermocline Young-of-year panfish relating to vegetation edges Smaller pike and other predatory fish in open water	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Sauger	68-83	Sauger are actively feeding in deeper, cooler water during daytime hours, moving to shallower areas during dawn and dusk to ambush prey Fish are suspending near channel edges and points, following shad schools and utilizing current breaks for feeding stations	Main lake river channel edges in 15-25 foot depth range Wind-swept points adjacent to deeper water Transition areas where channels meet structural elements	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools suspending in the water column Small bottom-dwelling baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-83	White bass actively schooling and chasing shad throughout the water column, with increased surface feeding activity during early morning and evening hours Fish moving between main lake points and vertical structure, following shad schools and responding to wind-driven currents	Main lake points with vertical structure, especially those exposed to wind and current Surface areas where shad are being pushed up, particularly during low light periods Deeper vertical structure adjacent to feeding areas for midday holding spots	Hard Topwater (Walking) - early morning and evening surface feeding periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - mimicking shad throughout the water column Blade Baits - for actively feeding fish around vertical structure	Shad schools - primary forage base showing in multiple reports Surface-oriented baitfish during low light periods	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Illinois River

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively feeding on baitfish around submerged vegetation, following typical fall pattern of increased feeding activity Moving between shallow and mid-depth areas, using vegetation as primary cover and ambush points	Submerged vegetation edges, especially in wind-protected areas Secondary points with remaining vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with vegetation	Soft Jerkbaits worked with erratic retrieves around vegetation Texas Rigs (Worming) through vegetation mats Spinnerbaits along vegetation edges on windy days	Minnows congregating around vegetation Shad schools in open water adjacent to vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and relating to vertical structure Fish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but still make frequent moves to shallower areas to feed during prime conditions	Points with quick access to deeper water, particularly those with vertical structure Pilings and man-made structures where baitfish congregate Mid-depth transition areas between 7-15 feet where baitfish schools hold	Drop Shot with slow, subtle presentations around vertical structure Blade Baits worked along depth transitions to trigger reaction strikes Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to match prevalent baitfish forage	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Minnows relating to structure and depth transitions	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Common Carp	52-68	Carp are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, focusing on deeper flats and channels as water cools Fish are transitioning from shallow summer patterns to deeper staging areas, especially during midday	River channels and adjacent flats where carp stage for winter Deep weed edges near shallow feeding flats Deeper holes near vegetation that provide thermal refuge	Live Bait Rigs with corn, dough, or nightcrawlers fished along channel edges Texas Rigs (Worming) with scented soft plastics near deep weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') in deeper staging areas	Bottom-dwelling insects and larvae Small shad and baitfish Decaying vegetation and natural detritus	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	48-65	Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools in open water and around structure Fish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but make frequent moves to shallower areas to ambush prey	Main lake points in 7-10 foot depth range where shad schools congregate Edges of submerged vegetation near deeper water access Wind-swept shorelines where baitfish are pushed	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Spinnerbaits Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools Yellow Perch	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Sauger	52-65	Sauger are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following shad schools and relating to wind-swept points and channel edges Fish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but still making feeding movements to shallower areas during low-light periods	Main lake points intersecting with river channels in 7-15 foot range Wind-swept flats adjacent to deeper water Channel edges and breaks where shad schools congregate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools concentrated in the mid-depth ranges Small baitfish relating to points and channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	White Bass	65-83	Actively schooling and feeding on shad near the surface, particularly during low light periods Following shad schools and pushing bait to surface, creating feeding frenzies Moving along main lake points and vertical structure as part of fall migration patterns	Main lake points with access to deeper water Surface areas where shad are being corralled Vertical structure along migration routes	Hard Topwater (Walking) Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Spinnerbaits	Shad Small baitfish	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-52	Bass are concentrating on deep winter holding areas, especially points, making limited movements to conserve energy in 48°F water Feeding activity is reduced but opportunistic, with fish targeting crawfish near bottom structure	Deep main lake points with access to deeper water Secondary points with rock or gravel substrate Deep structure adjacent to shallow flats	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom with subtle movements Drop Shot with small profile baits for inactive fish Football Jigs dragged on deeper points	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas Small baitfish in deeper water	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	42-48	Smallmouth bass are holding in tight schools near points in 7-10 foot depths, actively feeding on shad when conditions allow Fish are showing selective feeding patterns, requiring slower presentations and precise bait placement	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those with baitfish present Current breaks and wind-affected areas where baitfish concentrate Vertical structure areas with depth transitions in the 7-15 foot range	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), worked slowly and deliberately Damiki Rig, particularly effective when fish are tightly schooled with baitfish Drop Shot with finesse presentations for more selective fish	Shad schools concentrated near structure Small minnows in the 2-3 inch range	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Common Carp	42-52	Carp concentrate in deeper, warmer river channels and basins during winter, moving slowly and feeding less frequently Fish become more active during warmer periods of the day, particularly in afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Deep river channels that provide winter thermal refuge Transition areas between channels and flats where depth changes create current breaks Deeper holes with minimal current and stable temperatures	Live Bait Rigs with heavy sinkers fished slowly along channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with scented baits Drop Shot presentations in deeper holding areas	Small invertebrates and organic matter in deeper water Dormant aquatic vegetation and roots Small baitfish concentrated in wintering areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	42-50	Pike are actively feeding in open water areas, particularly during low-light periods, following schools of shad Fish are suspending near structure in the 7-10 foot range, using river channels and points as travel corridors	Main lake points intersecting with river channels in 7-10 foot range Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water Wind-swept shorelines with structure	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent speed to cover water Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through suspended fish Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools	Shad schools suspending in open water Various baitfish relating to structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Sauger	42-48	Suspending near deep structure and channels, actively feeding during prime morning and evening periods Schooling behavior increases in winter, with fish concentrated in predictable areas near channel edges and points	Main lake points in 7-10 foot depth range River channel edges and drop-offs Wind-swept areas with good structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Drop Shot	Shad Small bottom-dwelling baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	White Bass	42-52	White bass school tightly in deeper water, typically suspending near vertical structure and following shad schools Feeding activity is more methodical and less aggressive, with fish typically feeding during warmer parts of the day	Deep main lake points with vertical structure, especially those along historical migration routes Deep water basins where shad schools concentrate Steep bluff walls and channel edges adjacent to flats	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Schooling shad concentrated in deep water Small baitfish seeking warmer water in depths	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Illinois River

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points leading into spawning bays near dock areas	Rock transitions where gravel meets deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with transition from deep to shallow water, especially those with vertical structure	Secondary points leading into potential spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	River channel edges where they transition to shallow flats, providing staging areas	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation where water warms fastest
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depth	Transition areas near river channels leading to spawning grounds
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sauger	River channel edges and adjacent flats in 7-15 foot depth range	Wind-swept points with good access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points that serve as migration routes from winter to spawning areas	Vertical structure adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks and adjacent shallow areas, particularly those providing spawning substrate	Protected shoreline areas with harder bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected shallow flats with firm bottom composition, particularly near points where the shoreline development allows	Areas with vertical structure like pilings that provide quick access to both spawning flats and deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	Shallow vegetated flats in 2-4 feet of water, especially areas with emerging vegetation	Protected coves and backwater areas with soft bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow vegetated areas and backwater zones in 2-6 foot depth	Secondary points near spawning areas in 7-10 foot depth
Spring (Spawn)	Sauger	River channel edges and adjacent flats in 7-10 foot depth range	Main lake points near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points that connect to spawning areas, especially those with vertical structure	Tributary mouths and current-swept areas where spawning typically occurs
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks and adjacent deeper water transitions, especially those near spawning flats	Emerging weed edges beginning to develop in 4-8 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Dock pilings and man-made structures, especially those near deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	Shallow vegetated flats in 2-6 feet of water	River channel edges adjacent to feeding flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 5-8 foot depths	Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sauger	River channel edges in 7-15 foot depth range	Wind-swept points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and vertical structure where fish stage during their post-spawn transition	Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning areas where fish recover and feed
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Boulder fields and rocky structure in 5-15 foot depth range	Wind-blown points with good rock transitions
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Pilings and dock areas with deeper water access	Current breaks and wind-affected areas with baitfish presence
Summer	Common Carp	Shallow vegetated flats with depths of 2-6 feet	River channels adjacent to feeding flats
Summer	Northern Pike	Submerged vegetation edges in 7-10 foot depth range, especially near river channel intersections	Main lake points with access to deeper water, particularly those with wind-swept conditions
Summer	Sauger	Main lake river channel edges in 15-25 foot depth range	Wind-swept points adjacent to deeper water
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points with vertical structure, especially those exposed to wind and current	Surface areas where shad are being pushed up, particularly during low light periods
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges, especially in wind-protected areas	Secondary points with remaining vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Points with quick access to deeper water, particularly those with vertical structure	Pilings and man-made structures where baitfish congregate
Fall	Common Carp	River channels and adjacent flats where carp stage for winter	Deep weed edges near shallow feeding flats
Fall	Northern Pike	Main lake points in 7-10 foot depth range where shad schools congregate	Edges of submerged vegetation near deeper water access
Fall	Sauger	Main lake points intersecting with river channels in 7-15 foot range	Wind-swept flats adjacent to deeper water
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points with access to deeper water	Surface areas where shad are being corralled
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep main lake points with access to deeper water	Secondary points with rock or gravel substrate
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those with baitfish present	Current breaks and wind-affected areas where baitfish concentrate
Winter	Common Carp	Deep river channels that provide winter thermal refuge	Transition areas between channels and flats where depth changes create current breaks
Winter	Northern Pike	Main lake points intersecting with river channels in 7-10 foot range	Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water
Winter	Sauger	Main lake points in 7-10 foot depth range	River channel edges and drop-offs
Winter	White Bass	Deep main lake points with vertical structure, especially those along historical migration routes	Deep water basins where shad schools concentrate

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish schools in staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools congregating near points	Small minnows in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	Bottom-dwelling insects and larvae emerging in warming waters	New vegetation growth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shad congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small panfish in shallow warming areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sauger	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small baitfish relating to channel edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools moving from deeper water to shallow areas	Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish are primary forage during this period	Small bluegill and perch in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad transitioning to shallower water	Small minnows in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	Aquatic vegetation and roots	Small invertebrates and insects
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shad congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small panfish in shallow vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Sauger	Shad schools concentrating in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas	Small baitfish gathering in tributary areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving in shallow rocky areas	Small baitfish beginning to school in post-spawn recovery areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving along points and structure	Various minnow species concentrated around current breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	Aquatic insects and larvae emerging in spring	New vegetation growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shad schools beginning their spring patterns	Young of the year panfish in emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sauger	Shad schools moving along channel edges	Small baitfish in transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools beginning their post-winter movements into shallower water	Small baitfish concentrating around points and vertical structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Minnows gathering around rocky structure	Crawfish active in boulder fields
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows concentrated around structure	Shad schools relating to current breaks
Summer	Common Carp	Insects and surface-dwelling invertebrates	Aquatic vegetation and roots
Summer	Northern Pike	Shad schools suspending near thermocline	Young-of-year panfish relating to vegetation edges
Summer	Sauger	Shad schools suspending in the water column	Small bottom-dwelling baitfish
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools - primary forage base showing in multiple reports	Surface-oriented baitfish during low light periods
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Minnows congregating around vegetation	Shad schools in open water adjacent to vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Minnows relating to structure and depth transitions
Fall	Common Carp	Bottom-dwelling insects and larvae	Small shad and baitfish
Fall	Northern Pike	Shad schools	Yellow Perch
Fall	Sauger	Shad schools concentrated in the mid-depth ranges	Small baitfish relating to points and channel edges
Fall	White Bass	Shad	Small baitfish
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas	Small baitfish in deeper water
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated near structure	Small minnows in the 2-3 inch range
Winter	Common Carp	Small invertebrates and organic matter in deeper water	Dormant aquatic vegetation and roots
Winter	Northern Pike	Shad schools suspending in open water	Various baitfish relating to structure
Winter	Sauger	Shad	Small bottom-dwelling baitfish
Winter	White Bass	Schooling shad concentrated in deep water	Small baitfish seeking warmer water in depths

Bait Colors by Season for Illinois River

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sauger	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Sauger	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sauger	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Common Carp	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Sauger	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	White Bass	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Common Carp	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Sauger	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	White Bass	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Common Carp	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Sauger	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	White Bass	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors